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Old Time Radio Westerns
Grubstake Leads the Way | The Lone Ranger (09-09-40)
Original Air Date: September 09, 1940Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Earle Graser (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Ro...
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- [00:01]
Unnamed Speaker
Cuando le comprasa tu yo el outfit the regresso Classes de jcpenni que tanto keria Portan solo trente cuatro doleres no solo estas comprando el outfit de regresoa Classes de jcpennique tanto carria Portan solo trente cuatro dolaris Estas compranto una manana en la quetu y ho baistar listo atiempo Portan solo trentai cuatro dolaris La proeba este en el recivo C S JC Penny Foreign.
- [00:46]
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.
- [01:20]
Unnamed Speaker
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger. Portan solo trentai Cuatro dolares la prova esteine El recivo C S JC Penny. Whenever men gathered around the campfire in the early days of the western United States, stories were told of the masked rider of the plains. His strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness made it possible for him to bring criminal after criminal to justice even when all the forces of the law had failed. It was he, more than any other man who made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. We're heading for Grogan's Bluff. Tell us. Waiting for us. I'm get over away. The little town of San Salvo lay at the foot of one of the natural wonders of the West. A great mass of brilliant red sandstone streaked with yellow rose from the plains. The men and women of the surrounding country had come to accept the bluff as a matter of course. And as Old Ship Harper rode along the main street of San Salvo, he raised his voice in song. But he never lifted his eyes toward the towering rock. Go. Del and Susie go down. And Suzy go down. And Susie, the old gray goose is dead. Whoa there. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Stay there now, Bonanza, while I see Mr. Lake. You be still too, Grubstake. Hi there, Sheriff. You're feeling right spry, ain't you? Yep. I got a right to feel. So my granddaughter is doing here on the Morrie stage? No. Is that so? It just so. Is Lawyer Lake in his Office there. I got business with him. He's there, but the chef. Listen, huh? Lawyer Lake's a mighty shrewd curse. I wouldn't go trusting him none too, Fur. But Lake in towns couldn't see no other lawyer because I ain't none. Sides, he can't swindle me none. All I'm having him do is make out my will. Will? What do you want of a will? You ain't fixing to die, are you guys? No. Only I want to make sure Molly gets my ranch and livestock. If something happened. I don't want no doggone relatives ain't never seen come poking in here. Molly's coming to live with me, and I'm to make sure she's well took care of. Lake's inside, Chip. But remember this. Keep your spectacles good and clean while you're dealing with his kind. Don't you worry. Watch my dog and horse, will you? Morning, Mr. Lee. Well, sir, glad to see you. I fixed up your will and testament the way y' all planned it. Good enough. I'm here to sign her up and have it all set legal. I sit right down here and look it over, make sure it's the way you want it. I'll go in the other room and ask some friends to come and witness your signature. Right. Just make yourself comfortable, Shep. I won't be long. And take your time. I read slow and doggone careful. Brannigan. He's out there now. Old Shep? Yeah. Now get this straight, Brannigan. If we play it right, we'll be the new owners of Shep Harper's big ranch. There ain't nothing I'd like better. It'll be a tough lot of luck for that granddaughter of Shep's to come here and find the old man dead and her left without a dime. But you'll have to make the best of it. Maybe you'll feel real generous and find her a job in your law office. Well, she's a handsome girl. Maybe a will. What's my part? I can't use you as a witness because you're the one that's inherit the property. I'll call Lefty from outside to witness the will. I'm to inherit the spread, eh? We'll fix some sort of story about Shep Harper owing you a lot of cash. You can tell that around a couple of places between now and the time that old ship dies. Tell it that he owes me money, huh? Yeah, but what about you pass him as you go out and bump into him to knock his glasses off. Then I switch papers and he signs this one. It won't work, Lake. Why? That girl comes tomorrow and the first thing she hears from Shep is that he's made a will. You know how important that'll seem to an old kook like him? You tell everyone about him. No, he won't. You don't figure on killing him right off, do you? That won't do either. It'll raise too many questions. Ranigan, Shep Harper is going to starve to death. And you're going to help him. Go on. We'll go further after I get his name on the will. Now remember, eyeglasses. He can't read without them. Right. Come on. Can you make it out all right, Sheriff? Oh, sure, sure. Then ain't much to it. Just that I leave all I got tomorrow. This is Brannigan. You know him, don't you? I reckon so. Glad to see you again, Harper. I. I gotta be leaving. I. My spec. Oh, confound it. I tripped right over that chair. Say, I'm sorry about your spectacles. Dad rat it all. Why don't you watch where you're going, you unfortunate. Unfortunate Chef. I'm sorry, Shep. Look, I'll buy you a new pair. I got extra ones to home. But hang it. I had to send all the way to St. Joe for em. You send for some more and I'll pay for them. I'll see you later, Mr. Lake. You're right. Ain't he? To witness my signing or something? Brannigan was in a hurry. Ship. Lefty's out in front. I'll call him in. Oh, Lefty, come in here, will you? I want you to witness a signature. At dusk that evening, the Lone Ranger and Toto made camp near San Salvo. While they ate, they studied a patrol that reared high by the surrounding ranches and Grogan's bluff. They call it Tata. Named after the man who built a bridge to reach the top. Bill Grogan. Why him go there? For the same reason men have always gone to places that were hard to reach. He thought there must be something worthwhile when he got there. There have been a lot of rumors about an ancient tribe of Indians who buried a treasure on that plateau. That's not true. No. I don't know how the story started, but Grogan believed it and he made a pretty thorough search. There have been a lot of guesses at how he managed to build the bridge. Goes across a canyon fully 200ft deep. An explosion. It's all right, so just take it Easy boy. Here, you can see it. Mount Canyon. Yes, just as we were speaking about that bridge. Look, it's been blown up. Ah, why that happened. I suppose the man in town did it and talked about before. The bridge wasn't safe anymore. And there was always the risk that someone would cross to the plateau and cave in the bridge. Or be caught in the plateau when a heavy wind destroyed the only way to get back to safe ground. No bridge gone. It's probably a good thing. It's all right. Silver had a little scared, didn't you, old boy? Well, it's all right now. Come to wonder. You wonder what? Kimasabi. Is it all right? Why them blow up bridge axe do same work cost plenty less. Well, we'll ask about that when we get to town tomorrow. I'll count on you to learn all about it. Tutor Dan Salvo isn't a town I care to visit wearing a mask. The next day the stage arrived in San Salvo. There's the mail sack. Fetch them some water for them horses. Look at the passenger. The only passenger was a girl of 18. The guard helped her to the ground. There's your back. Is Ms. And Lawyer Lake. Step forward to meet her. How do you do? You must be Molly Harper. Oh, yes. My name is Lake. Ms. Harper at your service. I expected my grandfather to meet me. I thought he'd be here too. But I haven't seen him since yesterday. I'm his lawyer though. So perhaps you'll allow me to serve you. I haven't the slightest idea where his ranch is. Do you know? Do I know? Well, I should say so. I guess everyone around here knows Chef Harper's ranch. It's one of the finest in the county. Really? Yes, indeed. Well, take your bag and find a rig to drive you out there. I don't like to put you to trouble, Mr. Ranch. Me? No trouble at all. Not a bit. In fact, it'll be a pleasure. How nice. I thought the Western men were. Well, not like the Eastern. We'll try to make you like the country, Ms. Harper. Oh, Ly. Get that Cuban rig out. We'll drive Ms. Harper to ship Street. Right. There's a couple of visitors at the house. Yes, that's why Grandpa didn't meet me in time. I don't recognize those horses. Do you, Lesty? Me no. Never seen neither one of them before. Say, that white one sure looks powerful though. Look. That man is mad. What incarnation. Hey here, stranger. What's the idea? Who are you? Well, of all the cursed nerve. Who are you? Is the question. Quiet, Lefty. I'll handle this. Guess who are you, stranger? I came to learn who owns this ranch. I haven't seen any of the hands around the place yet. This is Shep Harper's property. And if it's a robbery you're planning, you might as well. It's a lawyer Lake. I am. That's what I thought. I've heard descriptions of you. Is this a ho dog? No. Please don't be frightened by my mask. Does Harper own a dog? Sure. What about it? Dog about the size of a collie. That's it. Grubstake he calls the critter. Where is Grandpa? Have you seen him? Grandpa Yuri's granddaughter? Yes, from the east. We don't propose to stand here answering your questions. Where are all the men? I don't know. And I have no further questions. Come, Tutor Savage or Mr. Lame down to Grandpa. I don't know. Where is he? Have you murdered him? Come, Kim. Hey, the lady asked you a question. Oh, Silver. Hoy. I don't want to ask any more questions right now. T know what we do. We're going back and have another look at the ground near that bridge. Come on, Silver. We know several things. The back trail led to old Shep Harper's home. Must have been Chef who crossed the bridge with his dog. Not right. And before he came back the bridge was blown away. That means that he either was on the bridge when it was destroyed, which would have meant certain death, or he's on the plateau, which means equally certain death. But not as quick him starve on plateau. There isn't any way on earth for him to get off of there. Maybe he builds no bridge. It would take weeks Tado. And he'd be dead long before anyone could cross. I wonder if we can't make him hear us. You fire a shot, maybe I will. Hello. Harper did not answer. Nothing but the echo. I wonder if this is murder. Maybe girl want ranch. It doesn't seem that she'd plot the murder of an old man. Harper. No answer. Kimasabe. Can we get to Grogan's Bluff? Hello. Where did you come from? Matter, old boy. Looks as if you've had a hard time of it. Dog plenty tired. Here. Let me pull some of those brambles off. What do you want? He acts as if he wanted me to follow him. Wait. You look. What? The tracker dog. Why, this is the same dog. The one that crossed the bridge. Is there another way to get back from that plateau? There is. I've never heard about it. We follow Dog see where him go. All right, boy, lead the way. We'll see where you go. We go on foot. Lead the horses Talus. Come on. I'll go along top canyon. Look at where that dog's going. He's gone over the edge of the canyon. Come on. It must be a trail that we know nothing about. Here's where he went down. Now we no use, Tanto. There is a trail to the bottom. But it's less than 4 inches wide. Only a dog could make it. But now we sure man. There's no question about it. That's Shep Harper's dog. And Shepp was on the other side. He's heard or helpless. He'd have answered our cries. We've got to find some way to help. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Sam. Now to continue our story. Shep Harper's dog barked at the Lone Ranger and Toto from the opposite rim of the canyon. He seemed to be begging them to help his master. Only a dog could descend the narrow ledge to the canyon floor and scale the other side. That dog can't understand why we don't go and help his master. You got rope? Maybe let Hunter down to bottom. That wouldn't help Kimasabe. You still couldn't get up the other side. And what we do a dog can cross. How can we use that dog? Maybe rope reach over canyon. The rope would be too heavy. A dog couldn't possibly climb that wall with a rope tied to him. Wait. Have a scheme. Tell her. Get your bow and a good arrow. Some fishing cord and my saddlebag. Hey, Silver. You see that heavy boulder? Here we are. This cord is light but strong. Tie one end of your arrow. Then what's that undo? Shoot the arrow past that big rock on the right hand side. Shoot now? Yes, and look out for the dog. Dog. Watch what we do. If only that dog will do what we want. Go ahead. Let the arrow loose. Let go. Looks like a good shot. Perfect action. Back, boy. Fetch it back, dog. Look at error. Come on, old fellow. Fetch it. Here. He's picking up the arrow. Here. Hold the cord. Pay it out as the dog carries the arrow. I'm calling the dog from down this way. We'll just go around back at the big rock over there. Here, boy. Here, boy. Come on. That's it, fellow. Bring it here. Pay out the card, Taddo. The dog followed a natural impulse to retrieve. With the arrow in his mouth, he descended to the canyon floor once more. Then, with a lone ranger encouraging him every inch of the way, he crawled along the narrow shelf on the near side of the cliff. Progress was slow, but finally he reached the top end. Good boy. Good for you. Now we have get here. Master Tava, Tavilarius, both of them to the cord. We'll pull them around that rock and fasten them on the side. Then we go over, huh? With two strong ropes across that chasm, we can reach the other side. Molly Harper stayed at Shep's ranch. But in spite of the efforts of every run around the place to make her feel at home, she became more and more worried about her grandfather's absence. Mom Megs, who handled the housework and cooking, found it almost impossible to reassure her. And. Oh, now, Ms. Mari, I can recollect a time when Chip was gone from here for over six weeks. We never know where was that. But he come back surprise ever. But it's been a week now and he knew I'd be here. He wouldn't stay this long and not leave somewhere for me. You can't tell. He's pretty absent minded sometimes. Now, don't you freak. Nanny. He's all right. No news is good news, I would say. Oh, I hope so. One thing I want to make a mention of Ms. Mara. And I hope you won't think I'm an old fool for bringing it up. What is it, Mrs. May? It's about that lawyer gent, Mr. Lee. Oh, yeah, he's been calling frequent. Now, I wouldn't get too friendly with him if I was you. Not till your grandpa gets back. He seems very gentlemanly. Well, seems sometimes ain't. He's always been friendly with Lefty Horner and Beth Brannigan. And they ain't a more worthless couple alive than them two. Judge a man by his company, I always say. Really? Mr. Lake mentioned him. Didn't he loan Grandpa a lot of money? Oh, not I know of. That's funny. Mr. Lake said he did. I never got into your grandpa's personal affairs. In fact, Mr. Lake hinted that if something happened to Grandpa, I. I mightn't have the ranch here. Oh, that's loco. Why? Your grandpa order Fig Leavener to you? That's why he wanted you here. I don't know. I just wish he'd come. Another week elapsed. Then one afternoon, as Molly was sitting on the front porch, three men rode up to the ranch house. Mrs. Meg, who are those men of Mr. Lake? A big one is Brannigan. The other one Is Lefty that I made mention of Fine Paris sidewinders. I'm going into the house. Good afternoon, Miss Molly. How do you do, Mr. Lee? I'm afraid I come to bring her news that won't be pleasant. About Grandpa? Indirectly. Oh, this is Mr. Brannigan. Howdy, miss. I'm downright glad to know you. Brannigan just returned to town. He's been away for two weeks. In fact, he left the same day your grandfather came to my office. Well, that was the day I signed my name to Grandpappy's will. Miss Morley, I'll do the talking. Go ahead, then, Miss Molly. That afternoon your grandfather met Brannigan and told him he was gone to Grogan's Bluff. Grogan's Bluff? You've heard about the bluff, of course. Yes. But why should Grandpa go there? He had some secret reason, but he didn't tell Branigan what it was. Ratigan left town, and when he came back and told me where Shepard started for, I realized an awful truth. Why? Well, you know there'd been a meeting of the town board, and it was decided to destroy the bridge to the bluff. It was a safety measure. You see, there had been a handbill in town for some time announcing that the explosion would take place sometime after sundown and warning everyone to stay away and. And Grandpa went there. That's what I'm afraid is the case. But he might still be there. If he went there, Miss Molly, he would be starved to death long before this. That's what's happened then. I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am. I knew something had happened to him. Oh, Grandpa, why didn't someone tell him? Why wasn't he warned? I didn't know about the blasting plans my own self. When he told me he was going there, dad read it all. Lake. If only I'd come Back to town 10 days ago, there still would have been time to send a rescue party to get him. Even that would be almost impossible. As it stands though, he's dead for sure. Better go into the house and cry it out. Then she'll be better able to listen to the rest of what we have to tell her. Right. I hate to scheme a swell girl like her out in her inheritance. Shut up, Flanagan. Remember, it's out of your hands now. I know you got that wheel of ships with you, Lee. Right here in my pocket. As soon as we've given her time to cry it out, we'll go and talk to her. Look what's coming. I saw him before. Who is He? I don't know. Brannigan. But I saw him right here once before. I had no idea you'd be here late. I heard that Brannigan had returned to town. Well, what do you want? Where's Harper's granddaughter? That's none of your business. Probably in the house. I see him. Ask me, you can't go in there. By what authority do you plan to stop me? I'll tell you why I plan to stop you. This here ranch is minegan. We'll go inside. Perhaps, stranger, if you tell me your business, I'd be more willing to talk to you. Just have a good cry. You feel a side better? Who are you? A friend of Chef Harper. Oh, you your new grandpa? Yes. Mr. Lake has told me. He's dead. How do you know that, Lake? He went to Grogan's bluff. No one except Brannigan knew he was going there the day the bridge was destroyed. Didn't he return from Grogan's bluff? Obviously not. He hasn't been seen by this time. He starved to death there. You brought that news to Ms. Harper? I thought she should know. Just how did he happen to go to Grogan's bluff that day? I don't know. He didn't tell me why he went there. He didn't? No. Now, what are you asking all these here questions for? Ain't none of your business. Runigan, can't you think of any reason why Chef might have gone to Grogan's bluff? No, I can't. Of course, Lake, you plan to have a rescue party go and try and get him off. No use now. He'd have died long before this. It was nearly two weeks ago he went there. I see. We better get out of here and leave Ms. Harper with more migs. It's been quite a shock to her. There are a few details to settle first, Lake. Well, please be quick. You told Ms. Harper, of course, the terms of her grandfather's will. How do you know what them terms are? The chef made a will, didn't he? Yes, you told me he did, Mr. Lace. Have I denied the fact? Of course. He made a will. And his ransom property goes to his granddaughter. Well, it's a matter of fact, doesn't it? No, it don't. It goes to. How do you know about it, Brannigan? The fact is, Branningham has promised this ranch to pay off a large debt Harper owed. Is that true? Yes. Shep Harper's will gives everything he owned to his dear friend and benefactor, Mr. Brannigan. I can't Believe that? A grandpa. That ain't true. It ain't so, Lake, and you know it. I'm sorry. I'm not going to discuss the point. I have the will here. It's there in writing. And its witness. I witnessed the signing of it by Chef Harper Moon's help. Ms. Mari, if you know your grandfather's signature, I. I'm sure you recognize this. Then if it looks like Grandfather's writing, I don't believe it. Yeah, I see that. Yes. I'm afraid, Ms. Harper, that this is perfectly legal. And Shep didn't know what he was signing. I know for sure he never owed Brannigan. Okay? I'm in no position to discuss that, Matamo. There's the will. And it's not for me to argue. The law will have to decide if Shep is dead. Ms. Harper. There isn't a thing that you can do about this. You'll just have to move off this wrench. I tried to prepare you for this, Molly, without retaining any confidences. You remember I hinted you might need employment? Yes, Mr. Lake. You fight that? I will, Molly. Fight it tooth and nail. That ain't the way Shep planned things at all. It will do no good to fight it, will it, Lake? Not a bit. The only way that will could be made void would be for Shep himself to make a new one. And he can't do that. Why? Huh? Why? Why can't Shep make a new will? Because he's dead. That was merely your idea, Brannigan. He couldn't get off Brogan's bluff with the bridge gone. He could, in fact, Brannigan, he did. You're doggone right at the ornery, double crossing crook. I ordered you where you stand. It's a frame of. Don't go for your gun, Brannigan. My friend has you covered. Let me watch him. The sheriff has come along, this Sheriff? Just to make sure that you don't get too hard to handle. Lake. Lake. What's gone wrong? I'll tell you what went wrong. My dog, Old Grubstake, got off in the bluff and found that masked man. We managed with the dog's help, to reach the bluff, you see. And that pitfall you fixed for me to fall into worked just right, Banigan. I'd been done for. If the masked man hadn't got to me and fixed me where I was hurt and took care of me while we seen what your scheme was. Why did you go to the bluff? I went there because Branigan says you'd come in early and seen the bluff and wanted to look her over and that you was waiting there for me. I was a doggone old fool to swallow that yarn. I see the whole thing now. I see why you smashed my glasses, Brannigan, so's I wouldn't know a different will was stuck upon me by that crooked lawyer. Thank goodness you're back, Grandpa, and all right. I'm as right as rain now. The masked gent and his Injun part are better' n any sawbooms I ever knowed when it comes to patchin up an old galoot like me. Oh, Shep, why and drunkard, didn't you let us know you was back? I wanted to, but the gent there figured it was best to set tight and see what game was being played. Well, we seen and now we can jail them critters so's it won't be played again. You've heard all you need to lake outside. I demand to be heard. Make your demands in court. The judge is paid to listen to you. All of you out. Will. The sheriff is waiting. Stranger dog. Go. And I gotta do something for you. You're old. Alda did it. Chef. Go on in. Grubstake. You're home too. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
- [29:19]
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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright right. Have a great day and thanks for listening.