Grindstone Law | The Lone Ranger (10-22-52)

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Grindstone Law | The Lone Ranger (10-22-52)
Release Date: December 5, 2025

Immerse yourself in a digitally-restored classic Western radio drama as the Lone Ranger rides again in "Grindstone Law." In this episode, Sheriff John Nolan, known as “Honest John,” faces a personal crisis when his wife suffers a critical injury and he needs $1,000 for a life-saving operation. His struggle between upholding his lifelong integrity and saving his beloved wife collides with a dangerous robbery scheme, bringing the Lone Ranger and Tonto into a tense showdown with desperate outlaws. Themes of morality, frontier justice, and community gratitude shape this rich narrative.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Sheriff Nolan’s Crisis (04:52–11:13)

• Mary Nolan's Accident: Sheriff John Nolan’s wife, Mary, is paralyzed after a fall, and only an expensive operation can save her life.
• Desperation for Funds: Nolan desperately seeks a $1,000 loan, but both the banker and townsfolk turn him down despite his years of honest service.

  • Quote:
    Sheriff Nolan (5:37): “John, if I were in your shoes, I… I’d want you to tell me the truth.”
    Doc Banner (5:41): “Mary's condition is critical.”
    — discussing the severity of Mary's condition.

  • Quote:
    Sheriff Nolan (9:41): “Oh, being honest and keeping this town clean for the last 20 years isn't security?”
    — expressing his frustration at being denied the loan.

2. Outlaws Arrive: Cash Britain and Oni Mears (07:16–11:13)

• Outlaws on the Run: Cash Britain and Oni Mears, fugitives wanted for bank robbery and murder, approach Grindstone hoping to lay low despite warnings about Sheriff Nolan's reputation.
  • Quote:
    Cash Britain (8:42): “I've heard of that town. There's a lawman there named Nolan. Honest John Nolan? Why, he's double barrel poison.”
    — highlighting the sheriff’s fearsome reputation.

3. Community Indifference and Doc’s Disappointment (12:15–14:02)

• Doc Banner’s Lament: At the Gold Eagle Cafe, Doc Banner laments the town’s selfishness and hypocrisy, contrasting Honest John’s integrity with the community’s unwillingness to help.

  • Quote:
    Doc Banner (12:53): “There's a far more serious illness in Grindstone… Ingratitude, selfishness, cruelty, and man's inhumanity to man.”
    — a powerful reflection on the true ailment plaguing Grindstone.

• Oni and Cash Scheme: The outlaws overhear the sheriff’s predicament and see an opportunity.

4. A Dangerous Proposition (17:27–22:35)

• Face-to-Face with Corruption: Cash Britain offers Sheriff Nolan $1,000—on the condition the sheriff allows them to rob the bank, testing Nolan’s moral resolve.

  • Quote:
    Oni Mears (20:41): “You talking bank robbery? … I figure $1,000 should pay for that permission.”
    — open bribery and moral temptation.

  • Quote:
    Sheriff Nolan (21:53): “Yeah, sensible. I'm selling my self-respect and everything I ever lived for. I'll clear out of here and I hope I never see you again.”
    — Nolan’s anguish at the prospect of betraying his code.

• Nolan’s Inner Struggle: Ultimately, the sheriff cannot betray his principles; he decides to set a trap for the outlaws.

5. The Showdown: Justice in Action (23:38–28:30)

• Bank Heist Thwarted: As Cash and Oni attempt the bank robbery, Sheriff Nolan confronts them, refusing to keep their bribe and vowing to bring them to justice.

• Gunfire and Sacrifice: In the confrontation, Nolan is shot, but the Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene, subduing the outlaws.

  • Quote:
    Doc Banner (25:33): “As soon as you turned your head, Cash Britton drew his gun. Standing behind Doc, the Lone Ranger saw the gesture. He pushed Doc to one side and fired, smashing Britain’s gun. But the outlaw’s bullet had already hit its mark.”
    — narration of the dramatic moment.

• Outlaws’ Confession and Capture: Cornered, the outlaws admit to prior crimes, including bank robbery and murder. The Lone Ranger reveals they were part of a larger sting to catch them.

• The Town’s Realization: Shaken by the sheriff’s sacrifice, the townspeople realize their neglect and offer him support at last.

  • Quote:
    Townsperson (27:34): “We need you. Doggone right we do. Without you in the Sheriff's office, this town's likely to be overrun by crooks.”
  • Quote:
    Doc Banner (28:47): “Now you'll get the cash for Mary's operation, and this town has finally come to its senses. It appreciates what you've done for it. Now come over to my office and I'll bandage your wound.”

• The Lone Ranger’s Secret: When John asks about the masked man’s identity, Doc Banner explains:

  • Quote:
    Doc Banner (29:06): “John, anyone would be proud to side [with] that masked man. You see, he's the Lone Ranger.”

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Doc Banner’s diagnosis of the town:
  (12:53) — "There's a far more serious illness in Grindstone... Ingratitude, selfishness, cruelty, and man's inhumanity to man."

• Sheriff Nolan’s crisis of conscience:
  (21:53) — "Yeah, sensible. I'm selling my self respect and everything I ever lived for. I'll clear out of here and I hope I never see you again."

• Community’s remorse and support after the sheriff is wounded:
  (27:34) — "We need you. Doggone right we do. Without you in the Sheriff's office, this town's likely to be overrun by crooks."

• Lone Ranger’s exposure of the outlaws and redemption for the sheriff:
  (28:47) — "Now you'll get the cash for Mary's operation, and this town has finally come to its senses."

• The identity reveal:
  (29:06) — "You see, he's the Lone Ranger."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Sheriff Nolan learns of Mary’s condition: 05:17–06:49
• Outlaws plan their scheme: 07:16–09:12
• Nolan’s failed efforts to borrow money: 09:19–11:13
• Doc Banner’s speech on Grindstone’s illness: 12:15–14:02
• The bribe and internal struggle: 20:22–22:35
• Bank heist and confrontation: 23:38–25:05
• Outlaws’ confession and townsfolk’s support: 27:12–28:47
• The Lone Ranger’s reveal: 29:06

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Conclusion

“Grindstone Law” is a vivid morality play of the Old West, with high stakes both personal and public. Sheriff John Nolan stands as a paragon of principle, grappling with a wrenching personal dilemma. In his darkest trial, the Lone Ranger and Tonto ensure justice prevails, while the town finally acknowledges its debt to Honest John. The episode delivers classic Western suspense, action, and a powerful call to value integrity and neighborly gratitude—timeless lessons brought to new clarity by digital restoration and masterful storytelling.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Sarah]

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[Doc Banner]

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[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

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[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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked 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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver.

[Cash Britain]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Oni Mears]

Monsoon.

[Cash Britain]

Let's go big fellow.

[Oni Mears]

I am Silver.

[Narrator]

Honest John Nolan. The sheriff of Grindstone wasn't afraid of a fight. In fact, most of the veteran lawman's life had been spent fighting heavy odds. But now he faced something against which there seemed to be no defense. Honest John was scared. He Paced the floor of his small home nervously as he glanced toward the closed door of his wife's bedroom.

A moment later, Dr. Banner opened the door and closed it softly behind him.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Doc, how's Mary?

[Doc Banner]

Take it easy, John.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

How badly is she hurt?

[Doc Banner]

That fall from her horse broke her back. No. Pressure on the spinal cord is causing paralysis.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

But Doc, you. You can fix it, can't you?

[Doc Banner]

John, if I were in your shoes, I. I'd want you to tell me the truth.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

That's what I want. Give it to me straight.

[Doc Banner]

Mary's condition is critical.

[Narrator]

What do you.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

You mean she'll.

[Doc Banner]

She'll die? There is a way to save her life.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Well, then what are you waiting for?

[Cash Britain]

She's the most important thing in the world to me.

[Doc Banner]

Wait a minute, John. I'm just a common, ordinary country doctor without the necessary knowledge or skill to perform the operation.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Operation?

[Doc Banner]

Yes. An expert surgeon with the advantages of a hospital could save Mary. But I. I've done all I can.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Well, would it be all right to move her? To take her to one of those surgeons in hospitals?

[Doc Banner]

Yes, I think I could make a cast for her so she could be moved on a stretcher.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

How far does she have to be moved?

[Doc Banner]

St. Louis.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Then I'll take her there. How much will it cost, Doc?

[Doc Banner]

At least a thousand dollars.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Thousand dollars? Well, I've never had that much money at one time in my life.

[Doc Banner]

Neither have I. If I had, I'd help you out.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Yes, I know, Doc, but I'll find some way to get the money. If Mary's life depends on it, I'll get whatever it takes.

[Doc Banner]

Maybe you'll be able to borrow it.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

That's my only chance.

[Doc Banner]

Well, I have a few more calls to make.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Oh, just one thing more, Doc.

[Oni Mears]

Yeah?

[Sheriff John Nolan]

How much time do I have? How soon will Mary need that operation?

[Doc Banner]

The sooner the better. I've asked Mrs. Jenkins to come over to take care of Mary, John. She'll be here in a half an hour or so.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Good.

[Doc Banner]

Good.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

When she comes, I'll go call on some of the fellas in town. Try to raise that cash.

[Doc Banner]

Let me know how you make out. I'll stop at the Gold Eagle for a meal on my way home.

[Toto]

I'll see you there later.

[Narrator]

As Sheriff Nolan sat at his wife's bedside waiting for Mrs. Jenkins to arrive. Two hard faced men threw rein at a fork in the trail a short distance from Tom.

The close set eyes, heavy beard and wedge shaped face frame of cash Britain were well known to peace officers in Oregon and Montana territory. Britain and only Mears were wanted for a number of crimes. Their most recent was a bank robbery which netted them several thousand dollars in new currency. They had killed a bank guard to get the money. To avoid capture, they had headed south with a number of lawmen on their trail. Cash Britain was more familiar with the area around Grindstone than his partner.

[Cash Britain]

Cash, is there anything to this part of the country besides sand, cactus and rattlesnakes?

[Oni Mears]

A lot more oni All I've seen.

[Cash Britain]

Looks more the same.

[Oni Mears]

What do you care? The border's ahead of us and the law's still behind us.

[Cash Britain]

You hope it's behind us. We've so many tin stars on our trail, there's no telling. Well, I'll be.

[Oni Mears]

What's wrong?

[Cash Britain]

Even owl hoots are after us. This is the second time I've seen that masked man. He was on that ridge back there.

[Oni Mears]

Chances are he's dodging the lower shelf.

[Cash Britain]

I saw a redskin with him. They might be cutting our son.

[Oni Mears]

You're loco. Why borrow trouble?

[Cash Britain]

I' we don't have to bar it. We got plenty. These horses are too winded to travel much further.

[Oni Mears]

That's why we stopped here. There's a town ahead called Grindstone. Grindstone? Yeah. We'll hold up there for a couple of days.

[Cash Britain]

We can't go there, Cash.

[Oni Mears]

And why not?

[Cash Britain]

I've heard of that town. There's a lawman there named Nolan. Honest John Nolan? Why, he's double barrel poison.

[Oni Mears]

Honest John has never seen us.

[Cash Britain]

Even so, I don't want to risk.

[Oni Mears]

We're not risking a thing.

[Cash Britain]

I don't want to tangle with that bad stoke.

[Oni Mears]

Relax, Horny. He'll stay clear of the law. Of course, if you'd rather camp out here with a cactus and rattlesnakes while I go get a couple of good meals.

[Cash Britain]

All right, all right, I'm with you. But I don't like it.

[Oni Mears]

You like it better when you get some hot food under your belt.

[Cash Britain]

Come on.

[Oni Mears]

Get up there, boy.

[Cash Britain]

Get up.

[Narrator]

As the fugitives urged their tired horses toward Grindstone, Sheriff John Nolan was in the bank. He explained his situation to the banker and was surprised when the older man.

[Toto]

Said, I'm sorry, Sheriff. I sympathize with you.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

You mean you'll not lend me the money?

[Toto]

Banks lend money when there is sufficient collateral.

[Narrator]

You have no security to offer.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Oh, being honest and keeping this town clean for the last 20 years isn't security?

[Toto]

Not security enough for a thousand dollar loan.

[Doc Banner]

I see.

[Toto]

Thanks, Mr. Bibbs.

[Narrator]

Thanks a lot.

The sheriff strode from the bank To a nearby cafe.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Sam, if you let me have the.

[Narrator]

Money, I'll pay it back with interest.

[Oni Mears]

Seems like I remember asking you for something and being turned down.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

You mean that time your brother in law was in trouble?

[Cash Britain]

That's what I mean, Sheriff.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Sam, I was doing my job.

[Cash Britain]

The law. There's no law that says I've got to lend a thousand dollars to a stiff neck, Sheriff.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

All right, Sam, forget it. Forget I ask you.

[Narrator]

From the cafe. Sheriff Nolan went to the general store.

[Cash Britain]

A thousand dollars? That's a lot of money, Sheriff.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Oh, I know it is, Pete. Especially to me right now.

[Cash Britain]

Yeah, it was just as much to me a couple of years ago.

[Narrator]

What?

[Oni Mears]

About two years ago this winter, a gent came to me and offered me.

[Cash Britain]

Double the price for a load of.

[Oni Mears]

Hay if I'd deliver it west of town. You found out about it. The deal fell through.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Well, I remember that. Men his partners were rustlers.

[Cash Britain]

They were moving stolen stock up from the border. That's right. And I arrested those rustlers and I.

[Narrator]

Lost a lot of cash.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Are you turning me down?

[Oni Mears]

I'm turning you down.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tato had reached the fork in the trail where Cash Britain and Oni Mears had halted. Tottle pointed to the trail and said, look.

[Doc Banner]

Tracks. Kim Sabi.

[Toto]

It looks as if Cash Britain and only Mears are on their way to Grindstone.

[Doc Banner]

Maybe them go there to buy supplies.

[Toto]

Britain's too smart to make a mistake like that.

[Doc Banner]

What you mean there's an honest, hard.

[Toto]

Hitting sheriff in town.

[Doc Banner]

You mean Sheriff Nolan?

[Toto]

Yes, Toto. Outlaws have steered clear of Grindstone for years because of him. Gosh, Britain must know John Nolan's reputation.

[Doc Banner]

Maybe Britain think no one look for him there.

[Toto]

Yes, you may be right, Tano. You might figure the safest hideout for an outlaw would be in a town with a lot of law.

[Doc Banner]

Ah, we go to town, look for him.

[Toto]

Yes. It'll be dark by the time we get there.

[Doc Banner]

Plenty good. Then no one see Mass.

[Toto]

That's right. I'll wait at the edge of town while you search for Britain and Mears.

[Doc Banner]

Me savvy?

[Toto]

Let's go, Toto.

[Cash Britain]

Monsieur mon.

[Narrator]

Half an hour later, Dr. Banner entered the Gold Eagle Cafe. The waiter finished serving Cash Britain and Oni Mears then came to the doctor's table.

[Toto]

Hello, Bud.

[Doc Banner]

Evening, Doc. I have a message for you. Another sick coon? No, it's a sheriff. He was in here a few minutes ago. Did he leave?

[Oni Mears]

Yeah.

[Doc Banner]

Said there was no use waiting for you because he hadn't had any luck. I'm sorry to hear that. I know it's none of my business documents, but what's going on? Why are you and the sheriff wearing such long faces? Somebody sick? Yes, Bert. John's wife is mighty sick. Yeah, I heard she was throwing horse. That's right. But there's a far more serious illness in Grindstone. It's a vicious epidemic. Gosh. Someone has smallpox inferior. Worse than that. Well, what is it, Doc? Ingratitude, selfishness, cruelty, and man's inhumanity to man. I don't serve it. Sheriff Nolan's wife needs an operation to save her life. The operation will cost $1,000. But the sheriff is broke. He's broke because for the last 20 years, he's really earned the name Honest John. I know he's earnest. He's refused to take graft. He's worked hard to make Grindstone a safe place to live. But in spite of that, there isn't a man in town who'll lend him enough to save his wife's life. Gosh, Doc, I have a little cash saved. It's less than $100, but if it'll help the sheriff. Yeah, wouldn't be enough to help Bert. That's the trouble with the world. Unselfish people don't have much money. And maybe that's the reason they don't have it. Hey, Doc, don't you want a meal? No, Bert. Reckon I've lost my appetite. Good night.

Well, I'll be on.

[Oni Mears]

Hey, wait a.

[Doc Banner]

What'll it be, gents?

[Oni Mears]

Who's the fella who just left here?

[Doc Banner]

God darn it. Why?

[Oni Mears]

Well, I. I couldn't help but hear what he said. Sheriff Nolan's wife is sick, huh?

[Doc Banner]

Yeah, Like Doc said, Honest John's find out he hasn't got a friend in town.

[Oni Mears]

Oh, that's too bad. A lawman plays his cards straight and what does he get?

[Doc Banner]

Nothing but a raw deal, if you ask me.

[Oni Mears]

Where's the sheriff now?

[Doc Banner]

Well, when he left here, he told me he's going to his office. Why?

[Oni Mears]

Oh, no special reason. I just want it.

I reckon this will pay for our meals.

[Doc Banner]

Yes, sir, it sure will.

[Oni Mears]

You keep the change.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Come on.

[Cash Britain]

You going local till we're out of here.

I thought we were gonna hole up in this town. Humping the waiter about the sheriff's no way to steer clear of the law.

[Oni Mears]

I know what I'm doing.

[Cash Britain]

I suppose your next move will be to walk into the sheriff's office.

[Oni Mears]

That's right. Now, listen, simmer down, Oni. I got an idea that'll make both of us rich. What's wrong now?

[Cash Britain]

Up there. He's behind us.

[Oni Mears]

Who you talking about?

[Cash Britain]

That redskin coming out of the cafe there. The one who's been trimming us for a week. I told you, a masked man and the engine were dogging our son.

[Oni Mears]

Just because he came here for a meal doesn't mean he's following us.

[Cash Britain]

Who ever heard of a redskin having cash enough to buy a meal? I tell you, he's following us.

[Oni Mears]

I'm not no more anxious to betray than you are. If I'm not worried about him, why should you be?

[Cash Britain]

But you didn't see those two. Now I did.

[Oni Mears]

You told me all about them. I'm still not worried. Now I. I'm gonna talk to Honest John Nolan.

[Cash Britain]

You're gonna talk to him? Well, what about?

[Oni Mears]

About a plan I have in mind, that's what. If it works, we take plenty of cash across the border with us.

Where will you be?

[Cash Britain]

I'm gonna trail.

[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.

[Doc Banner]

Ram.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. After leaving the Gold Eagle Cafe, Tottle hurried to join the Lone Ranger. He moved along the dark street until he reached the livery stable at the edge of town. As he turned a corner of the building, the masked man said.

[Toto]

Otto, that you?

[Doc Banner]

That's right.

[Toto]

Did you see Cash Britton and Oni Mears?

[Doc Banner]

We see him in cafe, then talk to waiter. Then Cash Britain leave. Go see Sheriff.

[Toto]

Britain's gone to see the sheriff.

[Cash Britain]

I thought so.

[Toto]

Look out. Tunnel behind you.

[Cash Britain]

You and that masked man have been trailing us in.

[Doc Banner]

Go for gun.

[Oni Mears]

He's too slow.

[Cash Britain]

I'm hit. Help. A masked man shot me.

[Toto]

This way. Don't hurry.

[Doc Banner]

You all right, Kimasabi?

[Toto]

Yes, but those shots will bring someone to investigate. We'll make it look as if we're getting away.

[Oni Mears]

Take both horses.

[Doc Banner]

Tano, what you do?

[Toto]

I'll keep out of sight behind the livery stable. You ride east, then circle back and meet me here.

[Cash Britain]

It's heavy.

[Doc Banner]

Get him up.

[Cash Britain]

Sc.

[Doc Banner]

Come, Silver.

[Cash Britain]

They got in the way. Help.

[Oni Mears]

Help.

[Cash Britain]

Get in the way.

[Oni Mears]

Shut up, pony. Why'd you start gunplay?

[Cash Britain]

I'm hit, Cash. That masked man's bullet brushed my arm.

[Oni Mears]

You're not hurt bad. If the bullet only brushed you.

[Cash Britain]

Listen, Cash, I was right. The masked man and the redskin were following us. They got here. What's the gun play?

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Oni Mears]

Well, who are you?

[Cash Britain]

Sheriff Nolan. Now, which one of you started the shooting? Neither One of us two outlaws to one was masked and the other was a redskin. They got away before I could stop him. Who are you?

[Oni Mears]

Oh, he's my partner, Sheriff. I. I was on my way to see you when I heard the shooting.

[Cash Britain]

Why'd you want to see me?

[Oni Mears]

Well, I'd like to explain that in private.

[Cash Britain]

I have enough to worry about without taking on a private fight. Speak up now.

[Oni Mears]

That's what I wanted to see about.

[Toto]

What?

[Oni Mears]

I'd like to talk to you about your.

[Doc Banner]

Your worries.

[Oni Mears]

I. I think I might be able to help you. But I'd rather talk in your office.

[Cash Britain]

What happened, Sheriff? What's the gun, please? Oh, you might as well forget it, boys. Just a private fight. Nobody's hurt. My arms hurt.

[Oni Mears]

Wrapping your bandana. I'll meet you later at the Gold Eagle.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

All right. Come on, stranger. We'll have that private talk.

[Oni Mears]

I'm with you.

[Toto]

She is.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Now that we're near some lamp light, your face looks familiar.

[Doc Banner]

Who are you?

[Oni Mears]

Well, I've never been in this part of the country before, Sheriff.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

I've seen you somewhere.

[Oni Mears]

Maybe you've seen my picture.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

What's your name?

[Oni Mears]

Britain Cash.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Britain Britain, eh?

[Doc Banner]

I thought. Hey.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Now I know where I've seen your face.

[Cash Britain]

There's a hundred dollar reward notice for you. Yeah?

[Oni Mears]

I'm wanted for rustling a few stairs up north.

[Cash Britain]

You've nerve enough to walk in here boasting about it.

[Oni Mears]

Take it easy, Sheriff. Let's talk about you.

[Cash Britain]

I don't palaver with two bit cattle. Russin coyotes.

[Oni Mears]

You want to save your wife's life, don't you?

[Toto]

What's that?

[Oni Mears]

I heard all about it tonight, Sheriff. You need cash to buy an operation for her. There's not an honest man in Grindstone who'll lend you the money.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

That's none of your business.

[Oni Mears]

Well, I'm willing to make it my business.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

What do you mean?

[Oni Mears]

Take a look at this, Sheriff. I have a thousand dollars in government bank notes here. A condom if you want to.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

What's the idea, Britain?

[Oni Mears]

My partner and I are tired of rustling, Sheriff. We'd like to make some real money.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Just what do you mean?

[Oni Mears]

I mean the bank.

[Cash Britain]

You talking bank robbery? Yes.

[Oni Mears]

That is, if we could rob it with your permission. Why, you and I figure $1,000 should pay for that permission.

[Cash Britain]

You dirty coyote, trying to bribe the law.

[Oni Mears]

Call it a bribe if you want to. Or call it repayment to your friends. The same friends who turned you down when you wanted a loan.

How about it, Sheriff? Do you want to go on being honest John. Or do you want to help your wife?

[Cash Britain]

I.

I don't know what to say.

[Oni Mears]

Think it over. I'll go to the Gold Eagle to meet my partner. But I'll be back here in a half hour for your answer. See you later, Sheriff.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

I shouldn't have listened to that crooked sidewinder. I should have arrested him and gone after his partner. But a thousand dollars?

My reputation against Mary's life.

[Narrator]

In exactly half an hour, Cash Britain returned to the office.

[Oni Mears]

How about it, Sheriff? Is it a deal?

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Go ahead, Britain.

[Oni Mears]

Oh, I knew you'd be sensible, Sheriff.

[Cash Britain]

Yeah, sensible. I'm selling my self respect and everything I ever lived for. I'll clear out of here and I hope I never see you again.

[Oni Mears]

Sure will. Clear out. Oney and I have a lot of work to do.

[Narrator]

The sheriff's decision had not been as final as he thought. After Cash Britain left the office, John Nolan began to pace the floor nervously. He had fought dozens of battles in his life, battles of powder, smoke and lead. But none could equal the fight of an honest man with his conscience. As he paced with his head down, staring at the floor, he didn't know that a masked man stood in the shadows outside his office window, listening intently and watching the silent struggle.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

No.

[Cash Britain]

No. I can't do it.

[Narrator]

Suddenly, Sheriff Nolan realized what he had to do. He took the money Britain had given him from the desk drawer. He placed it in a large envelope, then put it into his pocket. He strapped on his guns and a moment later slammed the office door behind him.

Doc Banner was returning to town after an emergency call. At a nearby ranch, he saw Sheriff Nolan striding toward the bank. Doc called a greeting.

[Oni Mears]

John.

[Doc Banner]

Hey, John.

[Narrator]

But the grim faced lawman didn't slacken his pace or turn his head.

[Doc Banner]

The only time I've seen that look on his face. He was heading for his six gun showdown with a couple of murdering coyotes who.

[Narrator]

Puzzled by his friend's behavior, Doc halted his buckboard in front of the deserted blacksmith shop. He forgot his own weariness as he jumped to the ground and hurried after the sheriff.

After forcing the lock on the rear door of the bank, Cash and his partner went inside to the vault. By the light of a shaded lantern, only Mears worked on the vault door.

[Oni Mears]

Come on, hurry.

[Cash Britain]

Only I'm doing the best I. Having a bad arm makes it hard to work.

[Oni Mears]

Oh, you're taking long enough.

[Cash Britain]

Take it easy. There it is.

[Oni Mears]

Good. Now to get the money.

[Cash Britain]

Get your hands up instead.

[Oni Mears]

Hey. What the Sheriff? That's right.

[Cash Britain]

You're both covered. So don't try a fast move, Cash. You said you paid their stint star to leave us alone.

[Oni Mears]

I did pay him, Sheriff. If this is a double cross, I.

[Cash Britain]

Wouldn'T interfere as long as I kept your money. So here's your cash.

[Oni Mears]

You can't get out of the deal that easy. I'll squeal on you. I'll tell everyone in town we have an agreement. I'll tell how you double crossed us.

[Cash Britain]

You couldn't prove it. But you'll not have to.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Because as soon as you two are.

[Cash Britain]

Behind bars, I'm turning in my badge and I'll tell the whole story. You're local. Sheriff John, what's the trouble?

[Narrator]

Sheriff Nolan turned as Doc came into the room behind the doctor. He saw a masked man and an Indian.

[Cash Britain]

Doc, what's the idea?

[Narrator]

The sheriff never finished his question. As soon as he turned his head, Cash Britton drew his gun. Standing behind Doc, the Lone Ranger saw the gesture. He pushed Doc to one side and fired, smashing Britain's gun. But the outlaw's bullet had already hit its mark. The sheriff fell to the floor.

[Oni Mears]

John.

[Doc Banner]

John, do you want to try for a gun?

[Cash Britain]

No, mister. I've already got one bad arm. Don't shoot me again.

[Toto]

Then don't try a fast move. Otto, help Doc see how seriously the sheriff is hurt.

[Oni Mears]

What's your stake in this game?

[Cash Britain]

You're on the dodge the same as we are.

[Oni Mears]

Maybe we can make a deal.

[Toto]

You're both wrong. We can't make a deal. I'm not running from the law. It doesn't mean what you think.

[Cash Britain]

Hey, I heard gunplay. Hey, what's the shooting? It's a masked man in a redskin outlaw.

[Doc Banner]

That masked man's no outlaw. His guns are covering the two gents who are trying to rob the bank.

[Cash Britain]

Now stand back, all of you. Hey, look at the sheriff.

[Toto]

He's been shot.

[Cash Britain]

Doc, is he hurt bad?

[Doc Banner]

Yes, honest John's been hurt.

[Toto]

Dark.

[Doc Banner]

Is he dead? What do you care whether he is or not? You don't think enough of a good sheriff to give him a hand when he needs help. He's risked his life again to save your property. Would any of you face a bullet.

[Cash Britain]

To protect your neighbor's cash?

[Toto]

Yes, you're right.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

That Doc.

Howard.

[Doc Banner]

He'll be all right, mister. Fortunately, it's a shoulder wound. Him coming to now. Doc. Doc. Take it easy.

[Cash Britain]

John. Those polecats, if they get away.

[Doc Banner]

No, there's a masked man here holding a gun on both of them.

[Cash Britain]

The mask man. Where's my deputy? Where's Clem? Right here, Sheriff. And I brought handcuffs with me.

[Doc Banner]

Put him on those two coyotes over there.

[Cash Britain]

Yeah, right, Doc. All right, lower your hands while I put these handcuffs on you.

[Oni Mears]

Now listen, my partner and I were double crossed. Sheriff Nolan was in on this. I paid him off to let us rob the bank.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Oni Mears]

I made a deal with Nolan. I paid him $1,000.

[Toto]

Is your money in this envelope, Britain?

[Oni Mears]

Yeah, that's it.

[Toto]

Examine it, Toto.

[Doc Banner]

Ah, me.

[Toto]

Take a look.

[Oni Mears]

I still don't know where you fit in on this deal, mister. That's the cash I paid Nolan. He agreed to look the other way while we cleaned out the bank. But he double crossed us.

[Doc Banner]

This new paper money, Kimasabi.

[Toto]

What about the serial numbers?

[Doc Banner]

Them same as numbers we have in this.

[Toto]

That's all I wanted to know. I'm glad you admitted the money is yours. Cash.

[Oni Mears]

What do you mean?

[Toto]

It was stolen from a bank in Montana two weeks ago. The serial numbers are on record. Your admission convicts you of that robbery and the murder of the bank guard you shot when you made your getaway. Well, Sheriff Nolan, that's what you wanted, isn't it?

[Oni Mears]

What?

[Toto]

Yes, it was a good idea to set a trap to capture these two. A trap that forced them to admit the money was theirs. So you forced their hand, huh, Sheriff?

[Cash Britain]

That was smart.

[Doc Banner]

Vigorous.

[Cash Britain]

Sheriff. Boys, boys. We've been so used to having a first rate lawman, we haven't appreciated. Wade, Wade, you don't understand. I'm turning in my badge because I. Hold on, Sheriff.

[Toto]

You can't turn in your beds.

[Cash Britain]

We need you. Doggone right we do. Without you in the Sheriff's office, this town's likely to be overrun by crooks. You don't understand. I've got to resign. Oh, no, Sheriff. We'll raise your salary. That's right, Sheriff. I know you tried to borrow cash today and I. I'm sorry I turned you down.

[Toto]

So am I, Sheriff. The bank will be glad to lend whatever you need. And believe me, Honest John's word will be all the security we'll require for the loan. Sheriff, you'll not have to borrow money. What's that? There's a $3,000 reward for the capture of Cash Britain and Oni Mears. They'll be paid when you turn them over to a United States Marshal.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

$3,000? I. I thought there was a hundred dollar reward for Britain.

[Toto]

Cattle rustlers aren't worth as much as bank robbers and murderers. Are you all set, Deputy?

[Cash Britain]

They're both handcuffed and ready for the.

[Oni Mears]

Trip to jail, Mr. And.

[Toto]

Come on, Toto.

[Oni Mears]

Now, hold on.

[Doc Banner]

What about that mask?

[Toto]

Doc will explain it to you. Adios.

[Cash Britain]

Goodbye, mister. Hey, Doc, what about that man?

[Doc Banner]

He's all right. Claim he's no crew.

[Cash Britain]

All right, come on, you two, let's.

[Doc Banner]

The mask man and I were listening when you told us crooks off. John, you did a great job, but.

[Cash Britain]

You don't know the whole story. I did take a bribe.

[Doc Banner]

You didn't keep it.

[Toto]

No, but I.

[Doc Banner]

Now you'll get the cash for Mary's operation, and this town has finally come to its senses. It appreciates what you've done for it. Now come over to my office and I'll bandage your wound.

[Sheriff John Nolan]

There's a lot I don't savvy.

[Doc Banner]

Like what, for example?

[Sheriff John Nolan]

Like you siding with a mask man.

[Doc Banner]

John, anyone would be proud to side that masked man. You see, he's the Lone Ranger.

[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 Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamed Foreign.

[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.

[Oni Mears]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Cash Britain]

Sam.