Ghost Town | The Lone Ranger (05-22-42)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Ghost Town | The Lone Ranger (05-22-42)
Release Date: March 24, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns revives the classic Lone Ranger adventure titled "Ghost Town," originally aired on May 22, 1942. Listeners are transported to the deserted mining town of Oliphant, where the Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto unravel a web of disappearances and lawlessness. Enhanced digital restoration amplifies the atmospheric details, immersing the audience in the suspense and action of the American frontier.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. Arrival in the Ghost Town (03:37–05:47)

• Setting the Scene: The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive in Oliphant, finding it dilapidated and deserted after the gold rush faded.
• Atmospheric Details: Signs of recent activity (freshly spilled water) suggest others may be present despite the town’s empty facade.
  • Quote:
    Lone Ranger: "Anyone has been here recently. There should be some evidence of it near the well. Let's take a look." (04:19)

2. Meeting Mrs. Peters and Unveiling the Mystery (05:48–07:11)

• Character Introduction: The duo encounters an ill, delusional old woman, Mrs. Peters, who mistakes the Lone Ranger for her late son Dave.
  • Quote:
    Mrs. Peters: "Oh, Dave, I've been waiting for you so long. Come in, son. Come in and fetch your friend." (06:02)
• Clue Gathering: The conversation with Mrs. Peters provides the first hint that the missing men from the gold rush did not leave by choice.

3. Snake Fenner’s Gang and the Outlaws’ Dilemma (07:11–10:11)

• Shift to the Outlaws: The story cuts to a quarrelsome group living in a nearby tunnel. Snake Fenner, their ruthless leader, forcibly organizes the desperate men into his criminal crew.
  • Quote:
    Snake Fenner: "If any of you got doubts, I'm telling you right now... we don't take nothing from nobody." (07:50)
• Moral Conflict: The men are revealed as more down-on-their-luck than criminal, coerced by Fenner’s threats and manipulation.

4. Revelation and Threats at Mrs. Peters’ House (10:11–12:23)

• Recovery and Clarity: With a meal and rest, Mrs. Peters regains coherence, sharing what little she knows about the fate of Oliphant’s men and her son.
  • Quote:
    Mrs. Peters: "I don't care what they say about them. They were all honest men." (11:13)
• Tension Rises: Snake Fenner bursts in, intimidates Mrs. Peters, and claims her house, forcing her to cook for his gang.

5. Sheriff’s Perspective and Lone Ranger’s Deception (12:52–14:19)

• Lone Ranger Seeks Allies: Riding to the county seat, the Lone Ranger informs the sheriff about Fenner’s plot and the true plight of Oliphant’s men.
  • Quote:
    Lone Ranger: "Haven't you often wondered what became of the men who settled the town of Oliphant?" (13:04)
• Sheriff’s Resolution: The sheriff plans a posse to confront Fenner and clarify lawman suspicions against the townsfolk.

6. Tonto’s Capture and the Lone Ranger’s Return (18:36–20:15)

• Conflict: Snake discovers Tonto, who is quickly overpowered and threatened with violence. The Lone Ranger charges in to rescue him.
  • Quote:
    Lone Ranger (to Snake): "The sheriff is on his way here to get you." (19:13)
• Dramatic Escape: A gunfight erupts as the Lone Ranger and Tonto flee, regrouping to hatch a plan.

7. The Great Ruse: Searching for the Lost Gold Mine (20:36–23:01)

• Strategic Deception: The Lone Ranger devises a ploy — fake discovering Dave’s lost gold mine to regain hope and sway the men away from Fenner’s influence.
  • Quote:
    Lone Ranger (to Tonto): "You and I are going to pretend that we found Dave Peters' lost gold mine... Make them think that at last the gold has been found." (20:50)
• Digging for Truth: Overnight, they excavate a false tunnel to lend credibility to their bluff.

8. Climax: Showdown at the Claim Site (23:41–26:19)

• Showdown: The posse arrives as the Lone Ranger unveils the “mine.” The outlaws rush to stake claims, breaking Fenner’s control.
• Turning the Tide: The majority reject Fenner, siding with law and order, as the sheriff apprehends the true villains.
  • Quote:
    Lone Ranger (to Sheriff): "The rest of you can go. Clear. Become outlaws by siding with Snake?" (25:50)

9. Resolution and a Twist of Fate (26:40–28:52)

• Unexpected Discovery: In a twist, Tonto reveals they found the real mine by accident.
  • Quote:
    Tonto: "Tonto not make mistake... This is it, Tonto find it." (28:07)
• Uplifting Outcome: The townsfolk, including Mrs. Peters, are restored, Oliphant is set to boom again, and justice prevails.
  • Quote:
    Mrs. Peters: "Every time I look around this town and see how happy and prosperous everybody is... Well, I reckon that’s a monument to his [Dave’s] memory. A monument a mother can be proud of." (29:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mrs. Peters Mistakenly Welcomes the Lone Ranger (06:02):
  "Oh, Dave, I've been waiting for you so long. Come in, son. Come in and fetch your friend."

• Snake Fenner's Threats (07:50):
  "You can't talk to us like that. No, no, you can't. I'll show you what I can do and what I can't."

• Lone Ranger’s Philosophical Lesson (27:09):
  "It's straight talk. A Snake Fenner is about to die with a noose around his neck. He'll be willing to give up every gold mine that was ever discovered in exchange for his life and his freedom."

• Mrs. Peters on True Monuments (29:19):
  "Every time I look around this town and see how happy and prosperous everybody is... Well, I reckon that’s a monument to his [Dave’s] memory. A monument a mother can be proud of."

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Important Timestamps

• Arrival in Oliphant/Ghost Town Setting: 03:37
• Encounter with Mrs. Peters: 05:48
• Snake Fenner's Gang Scene: 07:11
• Lone Ranger talks to the sheriff: 12:52
• Tonto's capture and rescue: 18:36–20:15
• Plan to find the gold mine: 20:36
• Final confrontation/claims: 23:41–26:19
• Actual discovery of the mine: 28:07
• Mrs. Peters’ closing reflection: 29:19

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Tone and Style

The story retains its classic Western radio drama flair—direct, earnest, and punctuated with action and moral clarity. The Lone Ranger speaks in calm, determined tones, imparting justice and wisdom, while supporting characters embody a range of desperation, villainy, and hope. The restored soundscape, highlighted by references to "thundering hooves" and "the creak of a saloon door," brings the Golden Age of Radio vividly to life.

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Takeaway

"Ghost Town" is a quintessential Lone Ranger episode, blending mystery, gritty adventure, and heart. Through ingenuity and moral courage, the Lone Ranger and Tonto not only foil a ruthless outlaw, they restore hope and prosperity to a forgotten town—proving that wealth comes not from gold alone, but from justice, dignity, and community.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Lone Ranger]

What is this, your first date?

[Tyler Reddick]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Tyler Reddick]

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[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty.

[Narrator]

Liberty.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty.

[Mrs. Peters]

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. 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.

[Narrator]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

O Silver Ranger.

[Tyler Reddick]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird.

[Lone Ranger]

What is this, your first date?

[Tyler Reddick]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Narrator]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Tyler Reddick]

Anyways, only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Liberty.

[Lone Ranger]

Liberty.

[Narrator]

Liberty. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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 a great horse.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Kit]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Olafus. I am Silver.

[Narrator]

Oliphant had become a ghost Town. The buildings were falling apart from neglect and decay. After the rumors of gold in the nearby hills had been exploded. The town that had so suddenly boomed was empty. It looked bleak and desolate as the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode through the dusty path that had once been the street.

[Lone Ranger]

I want to look this town over.

[Tonto]

What they're to see now. Town all fall down.

[Lone Ranger]

Just a short time ago, Kimasabe. This was a boom town. There's life and activity on every side.

[Tonto]

That's right. Don't remember.

[Lone Ranger]

And now look at it. Doesn't look as if anyone has been here in ages, does it? Said a big fellow.

[Tonto]

That's right. And why you stop here?

[Lone Ranger]

Let's look around a little bit. See if you can find any sign that anyone has been here.

[Tonto]

Tanto not see sign of people.

[Lone Ranger]

Anyone has been here recently. There should be some evidence of it near the well. Let's take a look. Would it appear as if water had been drawn lately? No.

[Tonto]

Well, not used for plenty long time.

[Lone Ranger]

Then what did the people who came here do? There are a lot of them. Have all disappeared since then. One or two others have come to the ghost town of Oliphant. Never been heard of again. What is the answer? Teller? Where are they?

[Tonto]

Wait. Hunter.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Wrong.

[Tonto]

You look here.

[Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Water.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I see it. Hello. This water couldn't have been spilled very long ago.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That right?

[Tonto]

Sun dry water.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Water was spilled. Someone spilled it. Someone was here. There should be footprints.

[Tonto]

Their prints.

[Lone Ranger]

You see a trail?

[Tonto]

Ah, Me think maybe it go that way.

[Lone Ranger]

Not very plain.

[Tonto]

Come to follow it.

[Lone Ranger]

And come we lead the horses.

[Mrs. Peters]

Ah.

[Tonto]

Hear more water.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I wonder. Hello.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Watch out.

[Lone Ranger]

Someone shooting at us.

[Tonto]

He'll not come close.

[Lone Ranger]

Sounded to me as if that shot came from over there.

[Tonto]

We go see.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

This way

[Kit]

again.

[Tonto]

Keep that shot.

[Lone Ranger]

It came from that house. All right.

[Tonto]

Tunnel up to the saddle.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

The one doesn't want us here. Kimo. Sabi. Follow me. I'm going to find out who it is. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Head him off. The scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Get right up from the side that has no windows.

[Kit]

All right.

[Tonto]

Get him up, Scout.

[Kit]

Get him up.

[Lone Ranger]

All right. Tallow.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Pull up.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady, Silver. Steady.

[Maggie]

Hit me.

[Lone Ranger]

Hello. I'm going in there and I'm going in fast.

[Tonto]

Time to go to stay out of

[Lone Ranger]

the line of fire. Come on,

[Mrs. Peters]

Rich.

[Maggie]

You too. And r for this guy.

[Lone Ranger]

A woman.

[Maggie]

You.

[Mrs. Peters]

Why? Why?

[Maggie]

Your dame. Dame. You come home at last. Oh, lad, I've been waiting for you so long. Come in, son. Come in and fetch your friend.

[Lone Ranger]

Donna. She's Mistaken me for a son.

[Maggie]

Oh, David, it took you so long to get back from the claim. What delayed you, son?

[Mrs. Peters]

What was it done it? I'll tell your ma all about it. Sit down, son, and tell your old ma all what happened.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, just a minute while I speak to my friend. I wonder, could you get us some water right away?

[Mrs. Peters]

Right away. I'll get it.

[Maggie]

I just now brought a fresh pailful from the well.

[Lone Ranger]

Otto, this old woman is ill. That right? She doesn't know what she's saying.

[Tonto]

She not sea mask. She not see Tanta was Indian.

[Lone Ranger]

Looks to me as if she hadn't been getting enough to eat. What we do, I bring some food from the saddlebags. After that she must be questioned. Ah, perhaps she can tell us what we want to know about the missing men of Oliphant.

[Narrator]

While Tonto prepared a meal in the home of the white haired old woman, other events were taking place. Not far away in a tunnel that penetrated the side of a hill just half mile outside of town, a score of rough looking men were gathered. The tunnel had been converted into living quarters and showed signs of having been occupied for some time. The man who seemed to be the leader addressed his companions.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Fellas, every one of you here deserves a living. The country owes it to you. You've been trying to get by on your own for years and where are you now?

[Kit]

Ain't got nothing to show for it.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Just so been stealing enough grub here and there to make out and it's all. Ain't a leader in the lot of you. Just a pack of spineless. No accounts here, straight.

[Tonto]

You can't talk to us like that.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

No, no, you can't. I'll show you what I can do and what I can't. You asking for more?

[Kit]

Oh, I didn't mean it. I was just talking. Don't hit me again.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I reckon that'll show you who's boss. And if any of you got doubts, I'm telling you right now. Me and my two parts here equal to the whole bunch of you. We don't take nothing from nobody. Now if you got that straight, I'll tell you my plans to show this part of the country a real outlaw. I need men.

[Kit]

Can't you go a little fast, Snake? How do you know we want to turn outlaw? And if we did, how the hell we want to follow you?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Turn outlaws. You're all outlaws right now. You've all stole cattle, you're all wanted by the law.

[Kit]

We only took what we had to have to keep alive.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You're outlaws anyhow. You're all slated to hang for cattle stealing. And what's more, you're blamed for half a dozen killings, some stage holdups and the shooting up of them towns down south.

[Kit]

Oh, now, Snape, no one would blame us for all those things. We're not bad men. We're willing to work. We don't ask more than a chance to make enough to live.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Oh, is that so?

[Kit]

Sure it is.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Unless you're mighty mistaken, I don't savvy There was a few men killed in a certain cattle stealing over near Amaranthe.

[Kit]

What did you know about that robbery?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Heard of it, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, I planned it.

[Kit]

You planned it?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I happen to know just what the law needs to make a few arrests for that job. I can arrange things so you and your men will be charged with it.

[Kit]

Kid, you hear that?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

And what's more, the Butterfield stage has been held up three times in the past few months. Though he's sure doggone anxious to find the critters that did that.

[Kit]

You did it?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Sure. But the law can't prove it. I'm only telling about it to explain that I wouldn't have much trouble fastening that job on you and your pals here. So you better join up or else

[Lone Ranger]

we ain't no choice.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Your doggone right, Ellen. I got just one thing more to say. First man to disobey me gets a taste of the bullwhip. And if it happens a second time, well, I reckon he'll be begging for a bullet to put him out of his misery. You fellas just keep that in mind.

[Narrator]

After the Lone Ranger had persuaded the old woman to eat some food and rest for a while, her mind cleared.

[Mrs. Peters]

I. I don't know what's the matter with me, stranger. There's times when my brain just. Just won't work right. First off, seeing you come here. Taught you as an outlaw.

[Lone Ranger]

And you fired at me.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Peters]

And then when you come closer, I had the idea you was Dave. My son, which ain't. You ain't Dave.

[Lone Ranger]

No, Mrs. Peters, I'm not.

[Mrs. Peters]

How come you didn't know my name?

[Lone Ranger]

I've heard of your son. He filed the first claim in this section. He started the rush.

[Mrs. Peters]

That's right. And after he filed on that claim, he. He was killed in an accident.

[Lone Ranger]

But his friends, the others who came here, where did they go?

[Mrs. Peters]

You know, I don't know. They all tried to find the place Dave located, but they couldn't and they all disappeared. Ain't been none of them back around here.

[Lone Ranger]

Those men have been accused of many crimes.

[Mrs. Peters]

I don't care what they say about them. They were all honest men. Stranger, someone's coming.

[Narrator]

I do not hear him.

[Lone Ranger]

Quiet.

[Mrs. Peters]

There he is. There's a man now.

[Tonto]

Tumble here man outside.

[Maggie]

He's coming in. Maybe he'll know about Dave's friends.

[Mrs. Peters]

I'll go open the door for him.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know who it can be. Wait till. Step back here.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hello, old lady.

[Lone Ranger]

Stay back out of sight.

[Maggie]

I've never seen you before, but I don't like your look.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Shut up and listen to what I'm telling you.

[Maggie]

You get away. This is my house. It's all they bled me, but nobody can come in here.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That you got to get out of this town. I aim to make it my headquarters. And fetching the boys that build it and use it. We don't want no old woman around.

[Maggie]

You're a gunman, you're an outlaw. I know a killer when I see him.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You're getting out of here.

[Mrs. Peters]

No, please. I'm just an old woman. I'm not doing any harm. And I haven't any place else to go.

[Lone Ranger]

Linds. Better. Maybe.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'll let you stay on after all. On one condition.

[Mrs. Peters]

What's that?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That you cook for my outfit. We can use somebody to cook for us.

[Lone Ranger]

You willing?

[Mrs. Peters]

You? You don't give me no choice.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

That's the way to talk. That's settled in. I reckon I'll have a look around and see if this won't make a good place for the boys to eat.

[Lone Ranger]

Tudor, you stay here to give that woman protection. But don't show yourself unless it's necessary.

[Mrs. Peters]

No.

[Tonto]

And what you do?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm going to ride to the county seats and see what I can learn about David Peters and the men who followed him to Oliphant.

[Narrator]

Ben Davidson, the sheriff at the county seat, looked up in surprise when the door of his office burst open and revealed a tall, broad shouldered masked man.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What?

[Tonto]

Sir.

[Lone Ranger]

You don't need that gun, Sheriff.

[Tonto]

Who are you?

[Lone Ranger]

I came to talk to you. Take off that mask. The mask stays on. Sheriff, have you ever heard of a man known as Snake Fenner? Heard of him?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Mister?

[Lone Ranger]

He's a murdering coyote. Kill at least 10 fellas if he's killed one. Haven't you often wondered what became of the men who settled the town of Oliphant? No, no, no. I know about them poor fellas. They went to find gold but didn't. They knew there wasn't a living back Here for them. So they stayed there. And they're living in the cave near Elephant. How did you know that?

[Tonto]

Oh, I'm no fool.

[Lone Ranger]

I've heard how they stole a beef or so to keep living. They ain't bad fellows. They'll give up looking for that gold one of these days. What if Snake Fenner persuaded those men to follow him? I know he's tried to get those boys blamed for a lot of things he's done, but I wasn't taken in by it. Sheriff, Snake is an elephant. Right now he is. And them two sidekicks is with him. Yes. Well, then, by thunder, I'm getting a posse and going after them hombres. How'd you locate the skunk?

[Kit]

Hey, wait.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold on now.

[Kit]

Stand where you are.

[Tonto]

Don't dread him.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, I'll find him again. And when I'll do, I'll see to what he talks.

[Narrator]

During the following three days, Snake Fenner and his newly organized band made themselves at home in the house belonging to old Mrs. Peters. Tonto had not yet been discovered and the men were gathered about the table where they had been eating. Snake was speaking.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Well, fellas, it won't be long now. It'll have you all rich. I've already figured out half a dozen places where a gang this size can make good hauls. Hey, you old woman. Get some more grubby. And hurry.

[Maggie]

I'm so tired.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Quiet. You can't keep us fed. Then you'll have to get out of here. I don't like this.

[Lone Ranger]

What's that you said?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What's that? Speak up, since I can hear.

[Kit]

Snake. I say, you're being too hard on that old woman. I was a friend of Dave's, and she his more.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You mean to argue with me? Why, you little undersized.

[Lone Ranger]

You leave gun. Go.

[Kit]

Hey, you red skin.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Leap.

[Kit]

Got my arm. Where in town did you come from?

[Tonto]

You? Not sure.

[Kit]

Anybody see where the engine come from? Grab the critter, baby. Use your gun, Snake.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Looks like this fell's been hiding right here in the house. I reckon I'll just have some fun with this engine. Time tight, boys. When I get around to it, we'll see just how much a red skin can stand, huh?

[Narrator]

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

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[Kit]

Creepy.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When Tondo was overpowered after having wrested Snake's gun away from the outlaw leader, the men in Snake's gang swiftly bound his legs and arms with sturdy ropes. When the process was finished, Snake said,

[Narrator/Various Characters]

now, Injun, you can stay in there till I get done eatin'. Then by golly, I'll make you sorry you was ever born. Sit down fellas, and we'll finish up.

[Kit]

Snake. I don't feel much like eating anymore.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Tony. Ella ain't got no use for men that ain't got the nerve to do what I want. You eat right now, I'll have that grub stuff down your throat. Just a moment.

[Kit]

You come.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hey, grab that ombre with the maze.

[Lone Ranger]

Stand back. Stand back, every one of you. Stop, lad.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Why are you.

[Lone Ranger]

Quiet, Snake. Sheriff is on his way here to get you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Let him come. I'll welcome any lawman with sizzling bullets.

[Kit]

Boys.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

The sheriff is coming. Well, that's great. We'll use him to show other folks that we ain't to be fought against. Now, stranger, you put them guns down.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll lower one gun so that I can cut this Indian's ropes. But don't any of you make a move.

[Tonto]

And a good thing you come, Hunter. Got plenty to tell you.

[Lone Ranger]

Fine. Steady there. You at the end. Watch yourself. All right, Tunnel at the door to the horses. Snake, the only thing I'm hoping you'll do is to stay here and defy the sheriff.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

If he comes here, I'll get him. And I'll get his posse. And one of these days I'll get you. All right, fellas are going out that door. Let him have it. Shoot him down.

[Kit]

Shoot. Get him. They're getting away. Dropping from their saddles.

[Mrs. Peters]

Get him.

[Narrator]

With bullets flying thickly about them, the masked man and Tanto race to safety. Their powerful stallions thundering down the dusty street. Later, having escaped pursuit, reached a secure hiding place. They paused and dismounted.

[Tonto]

Now me hide watch out all day. At night, when men sleep, have to look over town. Look inhill around town.

[Lone Ranger]

Son of the sheriff and Apostle are coming here to get Snake Feather.

[Tonto]

Maybe Snake shoot him. Got big gang now.

[Lone Ranger]

But only two of those men are really outlaws. The rest of them turned to him only because they felt they must in order to survive. Not right they'll have to be turned against Snake. There's a way to do it. Way to get them on the side of the law. How? The sheriff isn't convinced that they've sided with Snake. He doesn't understand the hardships these men have suffered. He's coming here with just a small posse thinking that he'll have to deal only with Snake and his two friends. Hunter, you and I are going to pretend that we found Dave Peters lost gold mine. We'll call the men, tell them to stake their claims. Make them think that at last a gold has been found. You know all this section, don't you?

[Tonto]

I want Hunter know it good.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, during the night, dig into a hill. Make it look as if you've uncovered the lost mine. In the morning, the posse will be here and we'll see what we can do. Now listen. I'll tell you what I have in mind.

[Narrator]

With darkness, Tato and the Lone Ranger started digging.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't know how much of a tunnel we can make. Tunnel the best we can.

[Tonto]

It take plenty long time to make much of tunnel in hill. And he did many dig many weeks to make good tunnel.

[Lone Ranger]

We can just go far enough to give the right impression Perhaps our plan will work. Have to try and keep the men from examining us too closely.

[Tonto]

That right?

[Narrator]

After an hour of steady work, the Lone Ranger turned to Tonto as he put down his spade.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll be back in a few minutes. I'm going to make sure Snake and his men stay in town. Here, Silver, you rest a little. I'll be back as soon as I can. Silly big fella. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Hunter not need rest.

[Kit]

Keep on.

[Narrator]

Steadily, rhythmically, Tato continued the work with ears tuned to catch the sound of the masked man's return. And suddenly his spade broke through to an open space beyond where he was working.

[Tonto]

Ah, that plenty strange. Seem like holy ground.

[Narrator]

Me take a. Made a discovery. One that might prove important. There really was a sort of tunnel in the hill. A tunnel that had been hidden by a king. He, too, was pleased by what he found. The two men worked till daybreak, widening the opening and clearing away the dirt. Then, at daybreak, they heard the sound of hoof beats.

[Lone Ranger]

Hello, the sheriff. Just time for us to act. Only a half a dozen men in that posse. Maybe a big fellow. That half dozen will be enough. Steady. We're riding to malfunction.

[Narrator]

Down the grade and into the ghost town swept the masked man and his great horse. And they reached what was once Oliphant's Main Street. A lone Ranger drew one of his heavy guns from its holster and sent shots into the air as rapidly as he could thumb the hammer.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Silver, here we are. Whoa, boy.

[Kit]

Whoa, Silver.

[Maggie]

Hit him.

[Kit]

What's he doing? What's all the gunplay for?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Stand back.

[Lone Ranger]

Stand back, all of you.

[Kit]

I think the lost gold mine has been found.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold on, Snake. And the only man who knows where it is. The rest of you want to stake claims near it. Follow me.

[Kit]

That's all we've been waiting for. Let's get going.

[Lone Ranger]

Hurry then.

[Kit]

Come on, Silver, hurry.

[Lone Ranger]

What do we do? Let's follow.

[Tonto]

I'm a going.

[Kit]

I want a stake of claims. Hold on. Hey, stop. Hold on. Listen. We ain't stopping, Snake. We're on our way.

[Narrator]

The frenzied men want more. At fever heat, with a desire for gold, set out to follow the masked men on foot. Snake could not halt them. Finally, the outlaw leader with his two partners joined the others with their departure. Maggie came out of the house when she glimpsed Tonto, who had been waiting.

[Maggie]

Is it true, Tonto? Has Dave's mind been found?

[Lone Ranger]

You.

[Tonto]

You. Come, Tonto, take you.

[Maggie]

Oh, I've waited so long for this.

[Tonto]

You look there. Come, Sheriff. Him come after outlaw fellow.

[Maggie]

The sheriff will be killed.

[Tonto]

And you come as Tonto.

[Narrator]

It was toward the excavation on the side of a hill that Lone Ranger rode. And it was here that all the men assembled. Each was frantically hopeful of staking his claim nearest to the original discovery.

[Kit]

Here's Rob's second line. I knew the line would be located. Enough for all of you.

[Lone Ranger]

Take your time.

[Kit]

Snake. Face your hands.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What's it, boys?

[Kit]

It's a sheriff. Shoot it out.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Get him.

[Kit]

Hold on.

[Lone Ranger]

Listen to me, Ben. The choice is up to you. The sheriff is here only for Snake and his real partners. The rest of you can go. Clear. Become outlaws by siding with Snake?

[Narrator/Various Characters]

I'm your boss.

[Lone Ranger]

Sense. Help me. Don't want no gun.

[Kit]

I don't want to be an outlaw. Yeah, why should we be? We farmed the gold. We're rich. We'll all be rich.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

What sense you're turning on me.

[Kit]

You let me down.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

You're a pack of cowards.

[Lone Ranger]

I guess these men have decided, Sheriff. Make your rest smoking them two. Chance beside him is all I want.

[Tonto]

Boys, put ropes on him.

[Kit]

I'll help you, Sheriff. Me too. I'll be glad to. Count me in. Gold mine's better than Ches.

[Narrator]

Plan worked perfectly. Snake and his two companions were no match for the law. Meekly, they surrendered. They were stripped of their guns and led away with a posse. After they were gone, Kit stepped to the masked man's side.

[Kit]

Stranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, look, mister.

[Kit]

You told us this is where Dave's mine was. Maybe so, but we'd like to have it proved to us. I don't see no digging.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Hold on. Hold on one moment.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't you men realize this yet? You've been given something far more precious than gold. Huh?

[Kit]

What kind of lingo is that?

[Lone Ranger]

It's straight talk. A Snake Fenner is about to die with a noose around his neck. He'll be willing to give up every gold mine that was ever discovered in exchange for his life and his freedom.

[Kit]

I don't savvy what you mean.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

You men still have your life and your freedom. Those are things you can't really appreciate until they're almost taken away from you.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Say, hold on there.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes?

[Tonto]

Just what are you getting at?

[Kit]

Ain't there no gold here? Is that what you've been trying to tell us? Wait. Wait.

[Lone Ranger]

After all, it was only a rumor that Dave struck it red.

[Kit]

You foolish. That's what you did. Played us for a lot of loco. Buffalo Stamp Peters to some place where there was no gold at all. We come Here for nothing. It was just a trick gold mine.

[Maggie]

I want to see it. Dave's gold mine. Where is it? Where's my boy's gold mine?

[Tonto]

There, there gold mine.

[Maggie]

Is that it?

[Tonto]

You look inside.

[Lone Ranger]

But kimosabe, what matter? Aren't you? Are you sure you know what you're saying?

[Tonto]

Tanto not make mistake.

[Lone Ranger]

Then you mean you found the real mine after all?

[Tonto]

This is it, Tanto find it. Tanta find you find it. After you leave me find real mine.

[Kit]

I'll be dog gone, masked man. Then what you started out to do as pure bluff turned out to be real after all.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, it looks that way, Kit.

[Kit]

Boys, we're in luck. Yippee. Get me for a coyote. We'll all be rich again.

[Tonto]

You look, you find ore. Hoo.

[Kit]

Hey, fellas, them claims are good. I'm heading for town right now to register my claim. There ain't nobody gonna beat me to it.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Toto, thanks to you, it looks as if this town is going to boom again. It's no more a ghost town.

[Tonto]

That heap good, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

And you fool me completely.

[Tonto]

Me want to make surprise.

[Lone Ranger]

You surprised Everybody in sight, mister.

[Mrs. Peters]

I.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Yes, Mrs. Peters.

[Mrs. Peters]

I reckon Dave will rest a lot easier now that he knows I'm provided for.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Mrs. Peters, this is your mind now. You'll have more than enough to care for you for as long as you live.

[Mrs. Peters]

Dave helped a lot of folks besides me too.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right. Even though he's gone, he put Oliphant back on the map.

[Mrs. Peters]

Somehow that makes me feel better. Ever since Dave died in that accident, I been sorry I didn't have enough money to build him a monument. A real nice monument. But now, now I ain't sorry. And I won't miss him so much. Because every time I look around this town and see how happy and prosperous everybody is. Why, Well, I reckon that's a monument to his memory. A monument a mother can be proud of.

[Kit]

Get off.

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[Narrator]

After I give everything I've got to land a perfect vocal, I usually take five before jumping into the next track. And I've learned exactly how to recharge.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

In that time.

[Narrator]

Some folks grab coffee, I hit a

[Lone Ranger]

quick good luck spin.

[Narrator]

Next thing you know, the break is just as fun as laying down the track. A better break makes for a better take.

[Narrator/Various Characters]

Need a break?

[Narrator]

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[Tyler Reddick]

sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Narrator]

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

[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 YouTube 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 Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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[Narrator/Various Characters]

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[Mrs. Peters]

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[Narrator/Various Characters]

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[Mrs. Peters]

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