Gold Shipment | The Lone Ranger (01-26-53)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – Gold Shipment | The Lone Ranger (01-26-53)

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, presents a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger episode "Gold Shipment," originally aired January 26, 1953. The story follows the Lone Ranger, his companion Tonto, and Dan Reed as they work to thwart a gang's plan to rob a gold shipment from an eastbound train near the small town of Mule Hide, Texas. The drama showcases classic Western themes of justice, quick thinking, and thrilling action, set against the backdrop of an attempted gold heist.

---

1. Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

A. Setting the Scene

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto have already foiled one gold theft attempt and are now heading eastward to meet Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's nephew, in Mule Hide. (01:39–04:45)
• Tonto rides ahead to notify Dan via telegram, illustrating the importance of telegraph communication in the frontier era. (05:01)

B. Arrival in Mule Hide & Introduction of Outlaws

• Dan Reed arrives by train with a newspaper detailing a Denver stagecoach robbery perpetrated by two outlaws, Elk and Brush, both traveling incognito to Mule Hide under the orders of their boss, Cheeto. (06:35–08:35)
• Cheeto confronts Elk and Brush about their botched stage robbery, expressing anger that their actions have attracted law enforcement attention due to a surviving witness. (08:35)

Cheeto (about the robbery): "Well, you figured wrong. Yeah, plenty of wrong... So you took it and shot them." (08:46)

C. The Heist Plan

• The gang’s real target is a $50,000 gold shipment traveling on the eastbound train. They plan to intercept critical telegraph information to time their robbery at Bents Mountain. (09:30–10:28)
• Cheeto assures the men that local townsfolk haven’t seen the wanted descriptions because he destroyed all Denver newspapers—unbeknownst to him, Dan has one. (10:28)

D. The Outlaws Strike

• Dan and Smoky Vaughn, the telegraph operator, are taken hostage when Elk and Brush recognize themselves in Dan’s paper. They tie and gag their prisoners, knocking Smoky unconscious to prevent eavesdropping on the incoming telegram. (13:05–14:38)

Elk: "This brass pounder recognized us, huh? ... You call for help, that goes for you too, youngster. Get your hands up." (13:23)

E. Secret Intelligence

• The vital telegram comes through: Dan, trained in Morse code by the Lone Ranger, listens in and learns the gold shipment’s details as the outlaws transcribe the message. (18:06–18:32)
• The gang departs, confident Dan and Smoky are securely locked away.

F. Escape and Warning

• Tonto finds and rescues Dan and Smoky, who quickly piece together the gang’s plot. Dan rushes to alert Sheriff Hedges, bringing the damning newspaper as evidence. (19:48–22:45)
• Tonto relays the plan to the Lone Ranger, who maps out a counter-move at Bents Mountain—the likely site for the ambush. (24:22–25:04)

G. The Ambush at Bents Mountain

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive just in time, ambushing Cheeto, Elk, and Brush as they attempt to rob the slow-moving train. In a flurry of gunfire, assisted by Tonto, the gang is subdued. (25:35–27:49)

Lone Ranger: "Stop that gun or I'll break your arm." (27:07)

H. Justice Restored

• Sheriff Hedges and his posse arrive to take custody of the outlaws. The sheriff expresses his respect for the Lone Ranger and acknowledges the crucial role Dan Reed and Smoky played in foiling the robbery. (28:00)

Sheriff Hedges: "Well, I'm proud to meet you. And incidentally, the lads waiting for you at the telegraph office with Smoky Vaughn." (28:00)

---

2. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Tension in the Telegrapher's Office:
  "You crooks can't get away with breaking into a Western Union office..." – Smoky Vaughn, shortly before being knocked unconscious (15:10)

• Dan’s Courage and Cunning:
  "As long as he remained conscious, there was a chance to learn more about Cheeto's plans." (16:00)

• Clever Use of Morse Code:
  "The Lone Ranger had taught Dan the Morse code several years ago, and the boy had learned the lesson well.” (18:16)

• Sheriff Hedges' Western Stoicism:
  "I reckon you're the masked man Dan Reed told me about." (28:00)

• Western Frontier Humor:
  "A couple of hours ago, I was complaining that nothing ever happened in Mule Hide. Since then, I've had enough excitement to last the rest of my life." – Smoky Vaughn (21:42)

---

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 01:39 | Episode begins with Lone Ranger and Tonto in Texas | | 04:45 | Camping near Mercersville and sending telegram | | 06:35 | Dan Reed arrives in Mule Hide; picks up newspaper | | 08:35 | Outlaws gather in Silver Dollar Café; heist plan revealed| | 11:33 | Dan meets Smoky, discussion of western crime | | 13:05 | Elk and Brush take Dan and Smoky hostage | | 18:06 | Dan deciphers the heist telegram via Morse code | | 19:48 | Tonto rescues Dan and Smoky | | 22:45 | Dan informs Sheriff Hedges | | 25:35 | The Lone Ranger ambushes outlaws at Bents Mountain | | 28:00 | Sheriff arrives, outlaws arrested, justice prevails |

---

4. Atmosphere and Tone

The episode sustains a classic western tone—brisk, suspenseful, and action-packed—layered with the camaraderie and dry humor typical of Lone Ranger stories. Smoky Vaughn, the telegraph operator, adds a note of comic relief and reluctance that contrasts with Dan’s plucky resourcefulness and the Lone Ranger’s stoic heroism. The villains are menacing but ultimately outsmarted by teamwork, quick thinking, and a little western luck.

---

5. Conclusion

“Gold Shipment” is a tightly plotted adventure highlighting how split-second decision-making and unexpected ingenuity—Dan’s Morse code skills—can foil even the most carefully orchestrated criminal schemes. The episode combines authentic period flavor with exciting set-pieces, offering listeners a fast-paced journey through the dangers and triumphs of the mythic Wild West.

Notable Closing Quote:
"Not just a masked man, Elk. That man’s the Lone Ranger." (28:18)

---

For more classic western audio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

My shopping style is more stay at home than try in store, so my Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is my go to accessory. When I shop, it's easy to earn by getting 3% cash back on US online retail purchases. Each order brings me closer to more cash back. So go ahead, add the cart and shop the latest styles. Reinvent your look and reward yourself with Amex and try on the Blue Cash Every Day card. Learn [e-mail] Explore VCE terms and Cash Back Cap Apply with the American Express.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Platinum card, you can access over $3,500.

[Andrew Rines]

In annual value with benefits and eligible purchases across travel, entertainment and more. There's nothing like Platinum. Learn [e-mail] Explore Platinum Enrollment Requirements monthly.

[Smokey Vaughn]

And other limits in terms of.

[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]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver the Lone Ranger, With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the Plains, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides Again. In Texas. The Lone Ranger and Tonto frustrated an attempt to steal a shipment of gold and captured the outlaws. After turning over the gold and the captured crooks to railroad detectives, the masked man and his Indian friend started east to meet Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's teenage nephew. They rode hard all day. Darkness was falling when they reached the hills on the outskirts of Mercersville. There the Lone Ranger signaled a halt.

[Smokey Vaughn]

We'll camp here, toto. We still 78 hours ride from Mule Hyde, Dan. Expect to meet us there in the morning.

[Narrator]

We've traveled hard.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Skelton and Silver need a rest. We'll send word to Dan. I'll write a message for you to take to the Western Union office.

[Narrator]

It'll be waiting for Dan when he reaches Mule Hyde in the morning.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Not good.

[Narrator]

I'll make camp while you're gone. Tottle removed his saddlebags and blanket roll and left them in camp while he rode into Mercersville. He drew rein in front of the local office of Western Union and went inside.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Me want just a minute. Engine. I've got a message here that has to be finished anyway. You want to send a telegram? That's right. Know how to write it out yourself? There's a pad on the desk. Write it out while you're waiting.

[Narrator]

The message had already been written by the Lone Ranger, But Tottle copied it on the proper form, and by the time he had finished, the operator flipped the key and approached the desk.

[Smokey Vaughn]

What's in your mind, Jenny? Here. Message. You send it to Mule Hyde. You have the cash to pay for it? Yeah. Your money. Right. Well, I'll tend to it as soon as the line is clear.

[Narrator]

The following morning, the westbound train was on schedule. When it reached Mule Hyde, a number of people were on the station platform watching to see if any new arrivals came to town. They were somewhat disappointed when only two people stepped down from the train. One was a big, heavily bearded man, and the other was a teenage boy named Dan Reed. Dan stood on the station platform and looked around while the train gathered speed to continue its westward journey. When he didn't see Totto, he went inside the unpainted wooden building. The station master looked at him quizzically.

[Smokey Vaughn]

What can I do for you, youngster?

[Dan Reed]

Nothing, thanks, sir.

[Smokey Vaughn]

I'm waiting for a friend of mine to meet me. Hey, what's your name? Dan Reed. Come in. On the westbound train, huh? Yes. Why? I thought so when I saw you carrying that handbag. I have a telegram for you. Oh, for me? Yep. It's addressed to Dan Reed. Car of mule hide, station master. And it's marked hold for arrival. Here you are, lad. Thanks. If you hadn't come to claim it, I'd have had to go looking for you. Yeah. Hope it isn't bad news. It's a message from my friend. Yeah.

[Dan Reed]

He'll be a few hours later than he expected.

[Smokey Vaughn]

He wants me to wait for him at the telegraph office. The Western Union office is the building down the tracksaways. Turn left when you leave here and you can't miss it. Thanks, Smoky. Vaughn will be on duty.

[Narrator]

Before going to the telegraph office, Dan decided to have breakfast in the Silver Dollar Cafe. While he waited for his meal, he read a newspaper he had bought in Denver. He didn't notice a man named Cheeto, who had been a fellow passenger on the westbound train, enter the cafe. Looking neither to the right nor the left, the tall, heavily bearded traveler strode toward a room at the rear of the dining room. Two men were there waiting for Him. The two gunslingers who welcomed him were named Elk and Brush.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Glad you got here. Elk and I have been waiting for you. But I didn't expect to see you two here. Why not? This is where we agreed to meet you. Well, I thought maybe your other activities might prevent your coming, huh? What do you mean, Tito? This is what I mean. Take a look at this newspaper I picked up in Denver. Well, what about it? What about the state robber you pulled in the hills west of Denver a week ago? Well, you see, Boris Brush and I were on the way here to meet you. We were low on cash. We figured the easiest way to get it would be to rob the state. Well, you figured wrong. Yeah, plenty of wrong. There's no strong box on that wagon and no passengers. The driver and guard had less than $50 on them. So you took it and shot them. Yeah, but how'd you know? Why, the whole story's here in this newspaper. There's a dunk gun. Good description of both of you. How'd they get it? The driver lived long enough to describe you. Then the law wants Brush for murder. You're as guilty as he is. Well, I didn't shoot them. Rush is the one who tell that to a jury. I should have known better to count on you two for helping the gold robbery. Hold on, Tio. If you think you can back out on a deal, I'm going through with it. It better. Rush and I have traveled a long way to be on hand for this job. Boss. After we read your letter, we figured you had big plans. The plans are completed. $50,000 in golden currency will be on the eastbound train when it leaves Texas. Oh, when's it leave? A man named Jackson will send a wire from Texas to let us know he's local. He's sending you a telegram about the shipment. Why? As soon as the trains rob the law, look for you. Telegrams to be sent to railroad officials in Denver. He'll send the message at 10 o' clock this morning. Now, to reach Denver, it'll have to go through the mule hide office. Well, how will we get it? Why, Elk knows the Western Union code. Sure, I studied it, but I. You and Brush are going to the Western Union office and you'll be there when the message comes through. All right, Sally. As soon as Elk hears the message, we'll know when to move.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Smokey Vaughn]

I will head west from Mule Hyde. Brush, you and I'll board the train as it starts up the grade at Ben's Mountain. Hold guns on the engineer and force him to Stop. Elk will follow along the tracks with the horses. The robbery will be a cinch. Now when we got the gold and the cash, we'll take it to a cave in Sulphur Flats. We'll hide out there until it's safe to move. Provide we stay out of jail long enough to leave Mule hide with the description of us in that newspaper. You needn't worry about this newspaper. The folks in town buy those papers off the train. Those papers were sold out a long time before the train reached Mule hide. Huh? I bought and destroyed every one of them. Well, so you're in the clear for a while at least. But you'll have to be on guard. Keep your guns handy when you go to the Western Union office. I'll meet you there later. You want us to head for the telegraph office now? There's no need to go there for 10 o'. Clock. You boys haven't eaten. I'll buy you a meal. We've been on short rations and call a waiter. We'll give them our order.

[Narrator]

It was nearly 9:30 when Dan Reed finished breakfast. He tucked the newspaper he'd been reading into his pocket, paid his bill and left the cafe. A short time later he entered the telegraph office where a young operator named Smokey Vaughan was on duty. Dan introduced himself and explained that he would like to wait outside the building for his Indian friend. Smoky protested.

[Smokey Vaughn]

There's no need to wait outside. Sit down right here and make yourself at home.

[Narrator]

Thanks.

[Smokey Vaughn]

You talk like an Eastern man. Is this your first trip west?

[Dan Reed]

No, I've been in school in the East.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Oh. You must have come in on the westbound train. Yes, I did. I wish I were going out on the eastbound. I. I asked to be assigned to one of our Western offices because I figured it'd be more exciting than staying home. They sent me here. Don't you like it? It's a fine place for a fella who wants a routine job. Nothing ever happens in Mule Hyde. How long have you been here? Six months. So far I haven't seen any Western bad men or savage Indians.

[Dan Reed]

Too bad you weren't on the westbound.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Stage from Denver a week ago. Why? What happened?

[Dan Reed]

Two Western bad men shot and robbed.

[Smokey Vaughn]

The driver and the guard. Yeah? Here's a Denver newspaper with the whole story. Well, let's see it.

[Dan Reed]

Go ahead and read.

[Narrator]

Smoky Vaughn was reading the account of the robbery and murder when Elkin Brush reached the telegraph office. He looked up from the borrowed paper and gasped.

[Smokey Vaughn]

What?

[Narrator]

The two outlaws caught his look of wide eyed surprise. It was reflected in the expression on Dan Reed's face. For he too recognized the newcomers as the murderers described in the newspaper story. Then Elk saw the masthead of the newspaper in Smoky's hands.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Denver paper, huh?

[Narrator]

Smokey dropped it and reached for his gun.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Leave it in leather, mister. You're covered, Elk. What's the idea of pulling a gun? This brass pounder recognized us, huh? Take a look at the paper he was reading. Hey, it's the same as the one Cheeto brought from Denver. Are you. You're killed. I'll blow your head off. You call for help. That goes for you too, youngster. Get your hands up. All right. Cheeto said none of those papers reached Mule Hyde. He made a mistake. I'll keep these two covered. You get Tito. Bring him back here on the double.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Brush returned to the Western Union office with Cheeto. The big man's face was flushed with suppressed anger and his voice was sharp as he asked smokey, where'd you get that newspaper?

[Smokey Vaughn]

Well, I, I. Maybe a pistol whipping will loosen your tongue. Well, I don't. It's stolen.

[Dan Reed]

I gave him the paper.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Oh, Where'd you get it? In Denver. Denver? Hey, I recognize this youngster. He got off the train ahead of me. How many papers did he have on him when he got off the train? You better answer that question, youngster. Don't tell him anything, Dan. Maybe he'd rather see us put a bullet through you. No, no. Don't shoot him and talk.

[Dan Reed]

That's the only paper I have.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Are you sure?

[Dan Reed]

Of course I am. Why would I want more than one newspaper?

[Smokey Vaughn]

You figure he's telling the truth, Cheeto? Whether he is or not, we gotta move fast. Ty and gag these two. I'll keep them covered.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Smokey Vaughn]

The telegraph cheater. I'll take care of it. But if someone comes to the office, tell him I took over for you while you went to get a meal. Still, and just to make the story convincing to get you and the boy out of sight, we ought to shoot him and be done with it.

[Narrator]

Shout.

[Smokey Vaughn]

It'd bring everyone in town here to investigate. But they'll talk. We'll be out of town before they have a chance. I'll make those ropes tight, Brush. All right. That'll hold you, mister. Now, I'll tie this bandana across your mouth. You crooks can't get away with breaking into a Western Union officer. I'll wrap him on the head with your gun barrel.

[Narrator]

What for?

[Smokey Vaughn]

If he's unconscious, he can't hear the telegraph key. Oh, aye. Sammy. Well, that did it. Yeah, he's unconscious. Drag him into the storeroom, Brush, and keep an eye on him. If he shows any sign of coming too, hit him again. What about the boy? You want me to knock him out, too? There's no need to worry about him. Understanding the telegraph code, Elk will put ropes in the gag on him, then haul him into the storeroom with his pal.

[Narrator]

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. Now to continue. Dan Reid knew that a rap on the head with a gun barrel would quickly silence him if he tried to call for help. So he decided to make the best of the situation. As long as he remained conscious, there was a chance to learn more about Cheeto's plans. He made no protest as Brush tied and gagged him, then dragged him to the office storeroom. Brush stayed in the storeroom to make sure Smoky didn't regain consciousness. Dan listened tensely as the telegraph key began to sound.

[Smokey Vaughn]

This is it, Cheeto, the message we're waiting for. Be sure you get it. Hey, Brush, is that telegraph operator conscious? No, he comes to crack him on ahead. I don't want him to hear this message.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had taught Dan the Morse code several years ago, and the boy had learned the lesson well. He could send and receive telegraph messages easily and quickly.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Now.

[Narrator]

As Brush watched Smoky, Dan concentrated on the closely spaced dots and dashes.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Here it is, Sito. I wrote it down, Brush. Good. We're all set. Come on, rush. What about these two? Lock the storeroom door and leave them there. By the time they're found, we'll be a long way from town. But if a posse starts, we'll cover our tracks. But the boy and the operator will talk. Of course they'll talk. They'll tell the law we were here. But they can't tell any more, Nat. Oh, I reckon you're right. There's no way for them to know that we're going to. Shut up. Youngster will hear you. Now lock that door and we'll hit the saddle and clear out of here. Right.

[Narrator]

After the key turned in the storeroom door, Dan heard the three men leave the office. A moment later, they rode away. Several hours passed before anyone entered the isolated telegraph office. Then Dan and Smokey heard the outer door open. Dan raised his feet and pounded his boot heels against the storeroom door. Quick steps crossed to the door. The door rattled. Then Dan heard Toto call.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Dan, you inside?

[Narrator]

In answer to his friend's question. Dan pounded the door again. Totto understood.

[Smokey Vaughn]

He break down the door.

[Narrator]

Totto threw his weight against the locked door. He hit it with his shoulder once, twice. As he struck it the third time, the wood splinted. A moment later, the Indian was inside the storeroom.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Here, have me take gag from house Dan and cut the rope. Gag out.

[Dan Reed]

Thanks, Donna.

[Smokey Vaughn]

You hurt, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

No, no, I'm all right.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Who's that fella?

[Dan Reed]

Telegraph operator. Three crooks came here. They tied us and locked us in the storeroom.

[Smokey Vaughn]

You free now, Dan?

[Narrator]

Why crooks tie you an operator?

[Dan Reed]

We recognize two of them as the outlaws who robbed the westbound stage out of Denver last week. The law wants them for shooting the garden driver.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Take your gag out. You said three crooks, Dan. Who? Other feller.

[Dan Reed]

His pals called him Cheeto. I don't know who he is. All three of them were waiting for a telegraph message. They left here as soon as they got it.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Your rope's cut now. Thanks for cutting, Turner. Not. All right, you're welcome. What telegraph message?

[Dan Reed]

It was sent by a man named Jackson in Texas. He said the eastbound train left on schedule with a fortune in gold and currency in the express car.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Me know about that shipment, Dan. I didn't hear any message like that. Are you sure of what you're saying?

[Dan Reed]

You were knocked out so you couldn't hear it, Smokey. I suppose Brush would have knocked me unconscious too if he'd suspected that I know the telegraph code.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Maybe so, but why would those three be interested in an eastbound gold shipment unless they. Oh. Hey, do you figure they'll rob that train? It sound that way, Dan. You go to sheriff's office. Tell him what happened here.

[Dan Reed]

Right. Where's the Lone Ranger?

[Smokey Vaughn]

Him wait for us and hills west of town. Me go tell him about crooks. Did you say the Lone Ranger? That's right, Dan.

[Dan Reed]

Do you know the Lone Ranger? Yes, Smokey.

[Smokey Vaughn]

But why didn't you tell me you. Oh, what wrong? Things are moving too fast for me. A couple of hours ago, I was complaining that nothing ever happened in mule hide. Since then, I've had enough excitement to last the rest of my life. Now I find out that the Lone Rangers around here Me see you in town later. Right. Tyler, get busy at the telegraph key and send warnings about those crooks at towns east and west up here. Oh, What? They cut the wire. I'll have to repair it before I can send any messages out of here.

[Dan Reed]

See you later, Smokey. I'm going to the sheriff. All right.

[Smokey Vaughn]

I'll get this.

[Narrator]

As Tottle raced away from the office toward the hills, Dan ran along the tracks toward town. In his hand he carried the Denver newspaper the three crooks had overlooked in their haste to get away. He passed the railroad station and continued running until he reached Mule Hyde's main street. Then, slowing to a fast walk, he hurried to the sheriff's office. As he mounted the steps, the door of the office opened and Sheriff Hedges appeared in the doorway there.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Slow down, lad. What's your trouble, Sheriff?

[Dan Reed]

I've just come from the Western Union office.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Step inside and get your bread. Sit down, Sheriff.

[Dan Reed]

Thanks.

[Smokey Vaughn]

You're a stranger in town, aren't you?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir. I came in on the westbound train. I was to meet a friend of mine at the Western Union office. Smokey asked me to come in and wait inside. I had this newspaper with me.

[Narrator]

Let me see.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Didn't repeat me.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir. There's a description of a couple of crooks in it.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Robbery and murder.

[Dan Reed]

The crook shot the guard and driver.

[Smokey Vaughn]

There's a mighty good description of him. Here.

[Dan Reed]

Those two were in mule hide, sir.

[Smokey Vaughn]

What's Ed?

[Dan Reed]

They came to the telegraph office. Smokey and I recognized them. So they tied and gagged us. Then they went to get the man who's their boss. His name's Cheeto.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Never heard of me.

[Dan Reed]

They brought him to the office and knocked Smokey out so he couldn't hear a certain message when it came through. But I heard the message and I understand Morse code. I found out those crooks are after a gold shipment on the eastbound train.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Are you sure that.

[Dan Reed]

Ask Smokey if you don't believe me. There's no other reason why they'd be interested in that gold. The Lone Ranger and Tano are on their way.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Did you say the Lone Ranger?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Is he around here?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, and by this time Tano's told him about those crooks.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Well, I'll get a posse together right away. We'll head for the tracks and ride to meet these bugs.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Toto had given the Lone Ranger a complete report of what had had happened. When he finished speaking, the masked man said, tado, that's the shipment we recovered from Crookes a week ago.

[Smokey Vaughn]

That's right. Shipment leave express office in Texas late last night aboard the eastbound train. Train still long way from Mule Hyde. Yes, and before it reaches town, it'll.

[Narrator]

Climb the grade at Bentz Mountain.

[Smokey Vaughn]

And that plenty good place for hold up. The train will travel up that grade slowly.

[Narrator]

It'll be a simple matter for those men to board it.

[Smokey Vaughn]

A dam Go to sheriff. Tell him about Crook's plan. Maybe sheriff get posse and follow Crooks. They have a head start. By the time the sheriff is ready.

[Narrator]

To go after them, the robbery may be over.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Easy said it, big fella. Come on, Toto. Where we go?

[Narrator]

Ben's Mountain.

[Smokey Vaughn]

We try to head off train. Yes, and there's no time to lose. Monso.

[Narrator]

Silver Sean Hoover pounded the plains. Mile after mile was covered as the Lone Ranger urged the great horse. The masked man looked at his watch. Time was growing short.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Got to reach the mountain ahead of the train. Faster, Big fella. Faster.

[Narrator]

The gallant Silver responded with a burst of speed that left Tonto and Scout far behind. As they approached Bentz Mountain, the Lone Ranger heard the whistle of the eastbound train. They reached the crest of Bentz Mountain and started down the slope. As the speeding train raced toward the grade, the Lone Ranger guided Silver to the shelter of trees paralleling the tracks. Then, halfway down the steep hill, he slowed the mighty horse to a hull. He swung from the saddle and drew his guns. Below him on the slope, three men emerged from a place of concealment among the trees. Their faces were covered with bandanas. As they moved toward the train, the masked man fired. A bullet brushed Chito's shoulder. Chito grabbed his wounded shoulder as Elk and Brush whirled to face the attack. Elk's gun roared and Brush was about to fire. But Tahoe had joined the fight. His gun seconded the Lone Rangers. A silver bullet smashed Elk's weapon. While Brush stared at the wound in his gun hand, Cheeto tried desperately to rally his companions while there was still time.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Blast them. Let him have it. Get him down. We got aboard that train by hand. I'm hit. My gunsnake. Ah, you fool. Oh.

[Narrator]

He was wounded in the shoulder. Cheeto made one last effort to kill the Lone Ranger and Toto.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Stop that gun or I'll break your arm. I'll get you.

[Narrator]

Tio's bullet ripped the sleeve of a masked man's shirt.

[Smokey Vaughn]

My arm. My arm is broken. You were warned. You hurt? Keep us happy. No, Toto. The train reached top of him. My arm. Yes, it'll reach mule hide safely. So will these three. Take their guns and tie them to take them back to town.

[Narrator]

On their way back to town with the prisoners, the Lone Ranger and Toto met Sheriff Hedges and a six man possum. They took charge of the prisoners. Then the sheriff said.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Mister? Yeah? I reckon you're the masked man. Dan Reed told me about it. Yes, I am, Sheriff. Well, I'm proud to meet you. And incidentally, the lads waiting for you at the telegraph office with Smoky Vaughn. I don't know. I'll go there at once. Maybe we'll see you there later. I hope so.

[Narrator]

Come on, Toto.

[Smokey Vaughn]

Be ready, Kimasabi. Adio, Sheriff. Say goodbye and take it. Come on. All right, boys, let's take these critters to jail. I told you we should have killed that boy and the telegraph operator, Cheeto. I'd have killed him myself if I'd have known things would work out this way. I never figured they weren't cahoots with an engine and a mashman. Not just a mashman, Elk. That man shall own. Ranger. I also. Oh, Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Smokey Vaughn]

Ram.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame. This is abc radio network.

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