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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.
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Fiery horse with a speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger. During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked rider of the plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. And for once, his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. 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. Come on, Silver. From the tail, the Black arrow. I'll do that. Mary Hamilton was the post mistress that painted. One morning, just as she had finished sorting the mail, someone knocked at the general delivery window. Wendy, open up here right away.
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What was it you wanted?
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I was wondering if you had some mail for me.
A
What's the name?
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Jim Hamilton.
A
Jim. Health. Oh, my goodness.
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It is you. Jim. Hello, sis.
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Oh, your face is so dirty. I didn't recognize you. And you're clothed. Come around and back so I can get a good look at you.
B
I can't climb through these windows.
A
The door's over to your left. I'll unlock it. Come on in. You can sit down in that chair.
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No, thanks. I'd just as soon stand. I can't stay long.
A
You can't stay long?
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You're looking fine, Mary.
A
Well, I can't say the same for you. Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why haven't you let me hear from you?
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I'm no hand for writing letters.
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Well, you used to be a pretty fair hand at washing. You look like an outlaw, Jim.
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Do I?
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I'll give you the key to my cabin. You go over there and get cleaned up. And you must have some better clothes with you.
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I'm sorry, Mary. That don't fit into my plan. You see, I just assumed folks didn't recognize me.
A
You what?
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I guess I can get by all right. Even you didn't know it was me for a minute.
A
Jimmy, is something wrong?
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Plenty.
A
What? What have you done? You messed up with the law some way.
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I can't tell you much, sis, but I guess the answer to that is yes. Oh, Jim, there's no need to get excited about it. I'm not gonna stay in town.
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Well, if you've done something, it won't do any good to keep running away. You've got to stand up and face the music.
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You let me handle it my own way, sis. I'm heading for Ghost Canyon.
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Why Ghost Canyon?
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It's a nice, quiet place.
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They say there's outlaws there.
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Do they?
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And things happen. Do you remember the big house up on the side of the canyon?
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Ned Rockwell's place where he used to live when the mine was going?
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Yes, I remember.
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What about it?
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Well, Harris and I was riding along the south trail the other night, and when he was passing the opening of the canyon, he could see the house. There was a funny blue light in one of the windows. It's no laughing matter.
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Those old engine stories are coming back to life, huh?
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Harry isn't one to imagine things.
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Maybe not.
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And he heard a cry like a wolf. Only there was something human in it.
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Has the story gone around yet?
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Well, naturally, everybody in town has heard it. They believe it, too, after what happened last week.
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What happened then?
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The sheriff found a dead man at the opening of the canyon. Not a mark on him, no papers, Lee, and nothing to tell who he was. Doctor said it was Harkvay. And the folks that saw him said there was an awful look on his face, like he'd seen something horrible.
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So they're all steering clear of the canyon?
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Naturally.
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Well, what about the outlaws?
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Well, that was a while back. Jed Hawkins saw a band of men with bandanas over their faces. It was up by the old mine near the house. Yes, but when the sheriff got up a post, they went after them. They were gone.
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I ought to find it mighty peaceful in the canyon.
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You can't go there.
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I've got to.
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Oh, no, you haven't. I wouldn't care if a canyon was safe and the best place to hide out in the whole country.
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You aren't aiming to turn me over to the sheriff, are you?
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Mary, I couldn't do that. You're my brother. But if you've done something wrong, you have to pay for it. Jim, you can't run away.
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You won't tell anybody about my company here, will you?
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Say I shouldn't.
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Then go. I wouldn't have tried it if I didn't think I could trust you.
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Oh, Jim, at least tell me.
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What? I'll tell you this. If you should happen to see me in town, pretend you don't know me. That's important. And don't worry too much. I hope it won't be long before I get anybody here.
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Somebody at the window.
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I'll leave myself out the back door. Is anybody here?
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I'm coming.
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Good morning, miss. Or should it be ma'?
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Am? Mrs. Wright. What can I do for you?
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Well, I just rode into town and. Ah, there it is. Postmistress Mary Hamilton. How do you do, Ms. Hamilton?
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How do you do?
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I wonder if you can give me some information.
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I'll try.
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How do you get to a place called Ghost Canyon?
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You are.
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I mean. You don't tell me a sensible looking girl like you believes in those stories.
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What made you say that?
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Your face. You seem to be afraid.
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Oh, not at all. But there is something to the stories they tell. And don't fool yourself about it. I wouldn't go near Ghost Canyon.
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Well, I've got to, Ms. Hamilton. This is business.
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I don't see how that can be. There's nothing there but trees and rocks, a tumbledown old house and an old mine.
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That's it.
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What?
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The mine. I'm an engineer and I've got to take a look at it.
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What for? That mine hasn't been worked for five years.
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Four years and 11 months to be exact. Well, here's the situation. Ned Rockwell held that claim under the old law. If five years pass without any work being done on it, the claim goes back to the government open for prospecting once more.
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Ned Rockwell's dead?
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Yeah. Right now it's his nephew that holds the title.
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Oh, and he sent you to find out if the mine was really worked out.
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I said myself, I'm the nephew. My name's Ned Rockwell, too.
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Oh, I see.
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There's no point in letting the mine go if it's worth Anything. How do you get to the canyon?
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You're a stranger around here. You might lose your way.
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You think I ought to get the sheriff to take me there?
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Oh, no, no. I guess it isn't as hard as all that. It just takes the south trail out of town. The trees are pretty thick at the opening of the canyon, but if you look sharp, you can find it.
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Thanks a lot. I suppose it's a waste of time.
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Well, I'm sure of it.
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Wasn't any waste of time coming to Painted Bend. Even if the mine don't amount to anything, I'm going to do some prospecting around here. I aim to stay for a long time.
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Really?
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Did anyone ever tell you you were the prettiest girl in the whole United States?
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If anyone ever did, I'll put him down for loco.
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Well, you can add my name to the list, Ms. Hamilton. It won't be the last time I'll say it.
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Is that all, Mr. Rockwell?
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That's all for today. See you tomorrow.
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Jim must be on his way there. I have to warn him not to go near the mine. The post office is closed for the next two hours.
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The Lone Ranger and Tonto had received a note from the mysterious girl. And in it were two words. Ghost Canyon. Without question, they had headed north to investigate. And they reached the canyon that night. Beyond the tangled opening near the south trail, the trees and undergrowth disappeared. But the walls rose sheer on either side, dark and forbidding. Then farther on, the rocky ground sloped more gradually toward the top of the ridge. And it was here that Ned Rockwell's mine was located. The Lone Ranger in Tonto reined up below. It'll be steady, fellas. Those canyon fellows. It's plenty die. Is that a coyote or a wolf? It doesn't sound like either one. You're right. There was something strange about that cry. Indian tell many story about this canyon. Yes, I've heard them. Tano. We aren't interested in spirits. We're looking for men. Maybe Black Arrow used this place for hideout. A girl wouldn't have sent us here without a good reason. We've got to find out what it was. Kimasabe, you look that light. Yes. Someone's inside the house. Cry for help. Come from house. We're near it. Let's go. Get him off to the cow up the hill. Silver. Watch your step. Tomo. Some of these boards may be rotten. The door's open. That's right. Can't see any light now. Pretty dark. Yes, much darker inside here. I like a match. Nobody Used this room for a long time. Kitchen must be that way. Why you want to go to kitchen? Curly can smell cooking. Oh, wait a minute. Now I'll light another match. Ah, there. Lantern on table. Yes. Now we'll be able to see what's here. Misses Kitchen. There's stove, still warm. Holds a skillet as you tonight. Marks and dust and floor are plenty fresh too. Someone cooked supper here tonight. Then listen on the back porch. Man. Kimosabe. He's unconscious. Is there water in here? Counter. Get it. He hasn't been wounded. At least there's no. Oh, here's a nasty cut. Someone hit him over the head near water. You take bandana washcloth. Who's coming around? Dogs. This might have been made by a gun butt. Maybe so. See if you can find any tracks, horses or men. Time to do that. What happened? Someone hit you? Your mask. You're an outlaw. Never mind that. We were down below when we heard you cry out. Haven't you any idea what happened? It was a wolf. Yes, we heard that too. I went out on the porch. Some of it don't look close to me. When I stepped through that door, something jumped on me. Something? You mean someone? I can only tell you what I thought. Of course. I just heard the wolf and I had a feeling it was an animal. I tried to free myself, that's all. Everything went black. And you were hit by a man. Who are you? Ned Rockwell. This mine belongs to me. How long have you been here? Since noon today. I wonder. I wonder if there is something to those stories after all. Did you find anything? T place where horse was tied? Over there by the big pine. That's right. Well, that's where my horse was. Isn't he still there? No horse, not there. Are there any tracks? No ground plenty high. Oh, wait a minute. A mask, man and an engine. Maybe you've been using this place for a hideout. You didn't like me coming back here, so you tried to scare me out. That isn't true. Rockwell. No mask. Friend help you bandit Half shore after he hit me. Just so that hightail is back to town. And stay out of the canyon. You're making a mistake about us. But as for the rest of it, you may be right. Huh? You understand? Hunna? Ah, what we do? We insert the canyon. We can leave Rockwell here. And Kimatabi. Yes, I heard it. You heard what? We kind of heard. What? A noise inside the house. There's someone in there. I didn't hear anything. And I still think this is a trick. It may Be. But we didn't plan it. Now, you stay here and try not to make any noise. Scout, Hunter, you have gun ready? Would you locate this town? Any idea where it came from? Maybe Front room. That's the way it seemed to me. Door closed? We didn't close it. That's what we heard. You think wind? There is no wind. Here goes. There's a little light behind you, mister. One more step and I shoot. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. As the Lone Ranger opened the door from the kitchen to the front room, he stood outlined by the moonlight. And a voice from the darkness ordered him to stand where he was. Don't reach for your guns. Just unhitch your belt. What if I refuse? I'll have to let you have it. I know where you are now. Yeah? You're close to the front door. Maybe you'd still have to guess a little. And me? I can see you. Don't forget, my gun is drawn. It's leveled straight at you. So you don't think it would be a good idea to try and draw? It'll be the easiest way to commit suicide I ever heard of. Why are you here? You answer that question. We heard someone call for help. We? Who's with you? No one. Not now. So you get a partner somewhere around somewhere. Go on. I'm not saying I'll believe this, but I'll listen. You heard a cry for help and you rode up here. That's right. I found a man out on the back porch. He was unconscious, hit over the head with a gun butt. Ned Rockwell. Oh, so you know him. I knew he was here. Where do you keep your matches? My shirt pocket. Reach one. I'll light it slow, mister. Hold it closer to your face. This way. Yeah. A masked man, huh? Yes. Let's get rid of that belt. I've heard your voice before. Seems to me I've heard yours. Say, that white horse outside, what do you call him? I call him. Get him, Toto. He's right in front of you. How to do it? I'll get his gun. He let him go now, Toto. Well, I guess that proves what I wanted to know. What's that? You're smart. Your partner was in back of you when you opened that door. You kept me talking so he could slip around the front door and grab me. Yes. Now it's your turn to answer questions. You mind if I light a match? No, I Hope my disguise isn't too good. Hello, Jim. I came pretty close to messing things up, didn't I? Howdy, Tano. Why are you here in Ghost Canyon? The same reason you are, I guess. The Black Arrow. What's that? You don't know? Never mind. The sheriff reported there were outlaws seen here about a month ago. Then just last week, he found a dead man at the entrance of the canyon. The doc reported the death was from natural causes. But some of the details made me suspicious, so I decided to investigate. That's the reason for your clothes. Yeah. If there were outlaws hanging around, I figured I might join up with them and find out what they've been up to. There are outlaws, all right. One of them hit young Ned Rockwell over the head. I believe it had something to do with the mine. That's possible. The mine belongs to him, you know. Yes. He came here to see if it was worth holding onto. The land's open to new prospectors. If the mine isn't worked within the next month, they may be trying to keep everybody away from it. Yeah. We better take a look at the mine first. Kimasabi. What's Watercolor Night and Kitchen? It's love. He's got that running. Where are you, Masquerain? I am here. I can't help it myself. I can hardly stand up. But even Piara Crook. You've got to do something. Help whom? What are you talking about? There was a girl outside. Just a minute. Take a line in, fellow. Go on. Now. There's a girl named Mary Hamilton. She runs the post office in town. That's my sister. Are you Jim? Yeah. Was Mary outside? No, another girl. I couldn't see her face. She kept in the shadows, but she called me by name. What about Mary? This girl said she was waiting at your camp. But there were outlaws near there and they might take her prisoner. Where's your camp, Jim? Not far. On the other slope of the canyon. Come on. You rode over here, didn't you? Yes. Who could this girl be? The one who brought the message? We don't know. But she's helped us before. It was her note that brought us here. That is Silver. Lead the way. Right. Get up, boy. Go, Silver. Scout. Well, we gotta be hitting the main tunnel pretty soon now. Yeah, and where? To the left. It's heading for the main entrance, isn't it? Yeah. There's a place where the tunnel broadens out. That's where the boys are.
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Are we. Are we in the mine now?
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Never mind the talk, sister. Just keep moving.
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Does my brother Belong to your gang?
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Yeah. The postmistress, aren't you?
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Yes, but from the way Jim talked, of course, he may not be using his right name.
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I thought you said that was your brother's camp where we found you.
A
That's where he was camped today.
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No, Sister. We saw that Omri. He isn't a member of the gang.
A
Oh, thank goodness.
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You'd be better off if he was. To the left here, huh? Yeah.
A
What are you going to do with me?
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It depends on how nice you act. Maybe we'll let you pay us a nice long visit. There's a light. Sing out to them so they'll know who you are. Don't shoot, boys. It's Jake and Morse. We got a prisoner. Your sister. That's almost as good. Your sister. Have a look at it. You can look while your tiner's up. Hands and feet. He knows. How about the man in the house? Knocked him out, like you said. That was right, huh, Mac? Yeah. We'll scare him out if we can. If he's still around tomorrow morning, we'll let him have it and leave him outside the canyon.
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You're gonna have to tie those ropes so tight.
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Sit down. Don't kick while I'm tying your feet. You said it was almost as good getting a girl as the man. Hello. Savvy? We left her horse at the camp. And a trail that anybody could follow from there to here. He'll come after her, Loco. We'll be waiting for him, Sam. In about five minutes, these lanterns go out, and then we'll. I hear somebody now. Made it fast. Out with the lights and quiet everybody to let the girl make any noise. I got it. Scaling the lantern. Yeah. The fool. Keep back to the side. Up for him, mister. He's gone. Cake. I got it. The lantern. Sam.
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That isn't my brother.
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This ain't Hombre from the house, the one we knocked out.
A
What made you come in here so alike?
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You had to find out what was going on, huh? I found out plenty. You've been working this mine. You've hit a vein of pure gold. That cook Hugos. The mine belongs to me. You and that Rockwell? Yes. It won't be yours in another month. Oh, yes, it will. You've done some work here. That saves it for me. Who's gonna know we've done any work? I saw it with my own eyes. We'll close them for you. Close them for good.
A
You can't. You can't murder him.
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It's easy. Just one bullet.
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Go ahead.
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After we get the girl's brother. I don't want any shooting to warn him off. Tie up Mr. Rockwell, boys, then put out the light. We'll wait for our other visitors. Well, the trail that is right back to the mine. But this isn't the entrance by the house. It's a new one. Lots of fresh gravel around. Mine's being worked. They've been using this tunnel instead of the old one. Tanto not like it. Trail too easy to follow. They aren't stopping here. Kimo, Sabi, Crook wait for you inside mine. We'll have to have some kind of a light to go in there to pick up a few pine branches. Ah, here. Here one. Yes. Here's some more. We won't use these until we have to. I'm worried about the other entrance. What do you mean? They can escape by it. You better go around there and stand guard, Tano. Ah, how to do it? Come along, Jim. Just a second while I get this lit. Not yet. You can follow the tunnel without a light for a while. Come on. What's the matter? Feeling the walls. Well, we've got another tunnel at right angles to this one. Which way do we turn? The front entrance would be to the left. Let's try that. This must be the way. This better be quiet. Hold it. You all right? I just stumbled. I ought to learn to pick up my feet. Suppose anybody heard that? Yes, man. That was a woman. My sister. Steady. She isn't far away. We're going. A bird inside the mine. That was tunnel about a hundred feet up ahead. Between us and him. Yeah. Now's the time to light our torches. They'll start shooting then. I'm going to light it fast and drill it up ahead. They show us where they are. If it doesn't go out too fast. The wood's dry. Turn over this way a little so they won't be able to see the match. Right. Let's catch him. As the torch flared through the darkness, the outlaws are opened fire. But almost at once they lost their momentary target. The torch continued to burn where it had fallen. And the figures of the gunman became more distinct. The leader moved quickly. Don't shoot. I'm using the girl as a shield. Stay right where you are. Go out the front way. Get moving. You can see her back there, can't you? If you shoot, you'll hit her. Mark. What's the matter?
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Something happened to Sam.
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I can't see, but I heard him get up. What's going on there? You let go. A girl. You good Nicol. Come On. Jim, are you all right? Mary, are you hurt? You stand still. Trying to get away and sort of hit you like others. Stand back, fellow. He's got a gun. Ow. Not good. You shoot. Gun out of hands. Now you can talk. Mary, are you hurt?
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No. Ned Rothwell's over there.
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Time to cut ropes. Take off, Jack.
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I guess you saved my life, Jim, and I don't know whether I'm grateful or not.
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What do you mean by that?
A
I can see what your friends are like now. A mask man and an Indian. You are an outlaw.
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Don't judge your brother by the company he keeps, Ms. Hamilton. He's a United States Marshal.
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A what?
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You can handle the prisoners, can't you, Jim? Sure thing. They're in no condition to make trouble and tunnel. I'll be on our way. All right. I sure am. Adios. Go on, masked man. Financial fellow. Did I hear right? Are you really a marshal, Jim? Yes. Then I guess you're the one to tell. Those crooks were trying to keep folks away from the canyon because they'd found a new vein of gold and they wanted a mine for themselves. Still belongs to you, doesn't it? Sure does. Won't be long before I can think of getting married.
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Never mind, dad.
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Give me a hand here. Ned, we've got to get these crooks tied up. It's a pleasure.
A
I still can't understand this. How can a United States Marshal be friends with a masked man?
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I wish he hadn't been, that's all. Maybe you can tell her who he is. I got an idea. There isn't a crook in the west who likes to meet that particular masked man. Sis, Ms. Armory's right. It was he and Connor who saved your life, not me. All I did was take orders and help as much as I could.
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Who is he?
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Yeah, well, leave your feet untied. We got a long walk ahead of you, mister.
A
Where is he, Jim?
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Why, I'm almost ashamed of you, Mary, that a sister of mine could be so plum ignorant.
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How should I?
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That was a Lone Ranger. It. Sam. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger in Crime Incorporated.
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This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to 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 and send us an email podcast trwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
A
Sam.
Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Ghost Canyon | The Lone Ranger (01-12-42)
Release Date: January 6, 2026
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored version of the classic Lone Ranger story, “Ghost Canyon,” originally aired in 1942. The tale centers around mysterious happenings in Ghost Canyon—rumors of outlaws, spectral howls, and a long-abandoned mine stirring with fresh danger. With the Black Arrow gang looming in the shadows and good people at risk, the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive to unravel the truth and restore justice to the untamed frontier.
Mary Hamilton, the local postmistress, is visited by her brother Jim, who is on the run and seeking refuge in Ghost Canyon.
Ghost Canyon is notorious for its haunted reputation.
The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Jim find evidence the mine is being actively worked and realize the outlaws have a second entrance.
A rescue attempt leads to a shootout in the darkness, with Mary used as a human shield.
Mary questions her brother’s associations, only to learn Jim is actually a U.S. Marshal working undercover.
The truth comes out:
On the dangers of Ghost Canyon:
On heroism and mistaken identity:
The reveal of Jim’s true identity:
| Time | Segment | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Opening narration, introduction to the story and legend | | 03:00 | Jim visits Mary at the post office | | 06:11 | “Ned Rockwell” seeks directions—mine ownership raised | | 08:58 | Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive at Ghost Canyon | | 12:34 | Discovery of Ned Rockwell unconscious | | 17:14 | Jim Hamilton’s undercover identity revealed | | 19:20 | Mary Hamilton captured by outlaws | | 22:26 | Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Jim track the gang into the mine | | 23:49 | Mine showdown—hostage situation and gunfight | | 24:22 | Jim’s U.S. Marshal status is revealed | | 25:26 | Mary recognizes the Lone Ranger |
The episode is thick with tension and suspense, punctuated by authentic Western lingo and the classic Lone Ranger’s bravado. The digital restoration enhances the immersive soundscape, from haunted cries to gunfire. The interplay between uncertainty, loyalty, and righteousness drives the narrative, with moments of humor and affection, especially between Mary and her brother Jim.
In this richly layered, suspenseful Western drama, classic themes of justice, family loyalty, and hidden identities blend under the Lone Ranger’s steady hand. The digitally restored audio brings a new dimension to these vintage tales, making the drama, peril, and triumph of the untamed West vivid and immediate for modern ears.
“Come on, Silver! Away!”