Guilty or Not Guilty | The Lone Ranger (10-23-40)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Guilty or Not Guilty" | The Lone Ranger (10-23-40)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: October 23, 1940
Podcast Release Date: September 28, 2025
Duration: ~29 minutes
Restoration: Digitally restored for enhanced listening

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Main Theme / Purpose

A classic tale of justice and frontier intrigue, this episode of The Lone Ranger—entitled "Guilty or Not Guilty"—explores accusations, honor, and the search for truth in ranch country. Bob Darwin, a young rancher, finds himself framed for theft and shunned by the local community. The Lone Ranger and Tonto step in to uncover the real culprit and restore justice, using keen observation and clever tactics.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Characters and Setting

• The episode opens with the legendary Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto, arriving at Bob Darwin's modest ranch, where they're warmly greeted by Whistler Hogan, the ranch hand. [04:19–05:03]

2. The Central Conflict: Framed for Theft

• Bob Darwin is romantically interested in Peggy Martin, whose father, Mr. Martin, owns the bigger Bar M ranch.
• Tension arises as Bob is accused of both cattle rustling and petty theft from the Martin household, based on evidence that appears cleverly planted. [06:10–08:06]
• Peggy is forced, under her father's influence, to write a note ending her relationship with Bob due to his alleged crimes. [08:15–08:35]

3. Public Humiliation / Showdown at Bar M

• Bob confronts Martin and Bar M’s top hand, Mark Tilson. He’s given the note and accused directly, escalating to a near gunfight.
  • "Then draw." – Bob Darwin [09:07]
  • "Take your hand off my bridle and stand aside. I'm riding up to the house." – Bob Darwin [07:53]
• The Bar M crew gathers, solidifying the community’s suspicion against Bob, who departs, vowing to clear his name. [10:01–10:06]

4. The Vanishing Rancher and Escalating Fears

• Bob’s horse returns home without him, alarming Whistler, Tonto, and the Lone Ranger. They suspect foul play and head to the Bar M ranch to investigate. [11:02–11:58]

5. A Dramatic Turn: The Forced Robbery

• Bob, under duress and weapon-point, is coerced into robbing Martin’s safe. Masked and desperate, he tries to protect Peggy, but the act further damns his reputation. [13:52–15:13]
  • "I'll take that cash that's in that desk. Get it up." – Bob Darwin [14:02]
  • "Bob, change your mind before it's too late." – Peggy Martin [14:40]

6. Investigation and Deduction

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto question the Bar M riders, growing suspicious of useful inconsistencies—especially regarding a horse supposedly not ridden hard, but clearly exhausted. [16:22–19:00]
• The Lone Ranger chooses surveillance and deduction over immediate confrontation, revealing his signature methodical approach. [20:02–21:12]

7. Unmasking the True Villain

• While surveilling, the Lone Ranger and allies catch Bart Stevens, the Bar M line rider, boasting of the frame-up and planning to kill both Bob and Whistler. [25:03–26:25]
  • "This rat stole from the Martins and done it every time I come to call. And tonight he corralled me." – Bob Darwin [25:33]
  • "I trailed your horse, Bob. Who's this coyote that's got a gun on me?" – Whistler Hogan [25:11]

8. Climactic Showdown and Justice Restored

• The Lone Ranger arrives just in time, disarms Stevens, and Bob's innocence is revealed through the villain’s own confession. [26:36–26:42]
  • "Nice shooting, masked man. Your bullet just knocked that gun clean out in his hand." – Whistler Hogan [26:42]
• Martin, convinced by what he hears, commits to making things right:
  • "Bob, I'm sure glad I know the truth." – Martin [26:59]

9. Resolution and Reconciliation

• Bob is vindicated, and the Martins recognize his integrity. Bart Stevens is taken into custody, while the Lone Ranger’s wisdom and sense of justice are praised.
  • "Peggy will be glad to hear the truth." – Narrator / Lone Ranger [27:27]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice:
  • "When a man lies in one detail, he'll lie in others, won't he?"
    – Lone Ranger [19:44]
• On Relationships:
  • "I was sort of hoping he'd marry my daughter, Peggy."
    – Martin [23:14]
• On Loyalty:
  • "I know darn well there's something mighty funny about this business of his stealing."
    – Whistler Hogan [20:28]
• Iconic Entry:
  • "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-yo Silver!' The Lone Ranger rides again."
    – Narrator / Lone Ranger [01:19–01:23]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:19–06:10] – Arrival at Box D and character introductions
• [07:03–10:06] – Confrontation at Bar M and false accusations
• [11:02–11:58] – Bob’s horse returns alone, stakes rise
• [13:52–15:13] – Bob forced to rob the Martin home
• [16:22–19:00] – Lone Ranger’s investigative questioning
• [25:03–26:25] – Stevens boasts, expose and rescue
• [26:36–27:27] – The Lone Ranger’s intervention and restoration of Bob’s good name
• [27:27–End] – Final reckoning and moral closure

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Tone and Storytelling Style

The drama is steeped in classic Western stylings—blunt speech, rustic humor, and a persistent belief in the power of justice. The Lone Ranger remains calm, analytical, and decisive, while sidekick Whistler Hogan provides comic relief and heartfelt loyalty. The antagonists tilt toward melodrama, fitting the genre’s black-and-white morality, and the ultimate message is that fairness, bravery, and truth will prevail.

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In summary:
“Guilty or Not Guilty” is a quintessential Lone Ranger mystery—a tale of a good man wrongly accused, suspicion fanned by jealousy and greed, and justice delivered by the keen insight and swift action of the masked rider of the plains. Rich with suspense, character, and Western color, it stands as a shining example of radio drama’s golden age.

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Transcript

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Welcome.

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse with the speed of.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Silver the Lone Ranger. In the early days of the western United States, outlaws defied the local sheriffs and gun law ruled the range country. It was not until the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for justice that peace and security were brought to the frontier. It was his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness that 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.

[Whistler Hogan]

Hello, Silver. We're heading for the range country. Hello, Silver.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Away. One evening, the Lone Ranger in Tonto reined up in front of a small one room cabin. An old man in a battered hat was sitting in front of the door. He whistled as he carved a small piece of wood, but looked up as a masked man hailed him. Hello there.

[Whistler Hogan]

Oh, evening, stranger. Welcome to the Box D. Get yourself an Injun off of them hosses and make yourself to home. Glory be. A man gets a fidgets for the sight of new faces when he lives off in this part of the country.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

This is more of a welcome than we look for.

[Whistler Hogan]

Oh, I seen your mask. But it don't matter to me if you're inside the low and out pioneer Injun. Or you can be a breed or Chinee for all I care. Whistler Hogan. That's me. I'm glad to meet up with you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We could fill our canteens and rest our horses here. We'd appreciate it.

[Whistler Hogan]

Sure thing. Yay. What's more, I'll get you a meal and you can spend the night. Stay a month, stay a year.

[Peggy Martin]

Crackity.

[Whistler Hogan]

I'm sir. Doggone glad to see Someone I can talk to.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Is this your wrench?

[Whistler Hogan]

Mine? Shucks, no. It's young Bob Darwin's place. Me, I'm cow hand, top hand, buggy boss, cook and dishwasher. And I'm a darn good whittler too. See? Look here. This is going to be a horse's head when it's done.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's plenty good.

[Whistler Hogan]

Even the redskin likes my work. What part do you two come from? If you don't mind my saying?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The north. We're heading for the hills to see a friend of ours.

[Whistler Hogan]

Well, I'll start riding herd in the kitchen, see if I can rustle up some grub.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Where's the owner?

[Whistler Hogan]

Bob? Shucks, he ain't been here since half hour before sunset. Spends his time trying to see Peggy Martin. Her pappy owns the big Bar M outfit.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Whistler Hogan]

He ain't got a ranch to brag about here, but it's a start. I'm helping him make a real outfit out in it. Spite of Martin and Tilson and the rest of the critters that hates the ground Bob walks on.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Isn't he well liked?

[Whistler Hogan]

Sure thing, that is. The boys over to town like him first rate. But at the Bar M, it's different.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What matter Bar M?

[Whistler Hogan]

Well, it's this way. Injun Peggy. She's a daughter, old man Martin. She sort of likes Bob. You can't blame her none. Course, he's a number one her like. And Bob riles her pappy. And it gets under the hide of Mark Tilson, too.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Who's Tilson?

[Whistler Hogan]

Bar M Tophand Martin Swan.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Whistler Hogan]

Tilson would sort of like to marry Miss Peggy's own self. That's why he makes it tough for Bob to get to see the girl. Cracky. I laugh fit to split my sides sometimes when Bob comes home.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Left?

[Whistler Hogan]

Well, yes. Bob will either be so dog gone happy that he's ready to raise the roof with singing or he sit down in the mouth. We don't do nothing but growl. It all depends on how Miss Peggy treats him. Sometimes he can't even get to see her. That's the time. He sure is burning mad.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

If we can have some water.

[Whistler Hogan]

Oh, sure. I'm. And you forgot. Come on, I'll show you where it is. Just follow me and I'll take you to spring.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Hold on there, Darwin.

[Bob Darwin]

Oh, boy. Steady there.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Where do you think you're heading? If you don't know, you're off your range. Here's Bar M property.

[Bob Darwin]

It happens to be Bar M range. I aimed for When I left home. Tilson.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Yeah?

[Bob Darwin]

I reckon you ought to know by this time that I come to see Miss Peggy.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

She ain't seen no more of you.

[Bob Darwin]

Who says that?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'm saying it. You ain't wanted or welcome here no more, Hilson.

[Bob Darwin]

Take your hand off my bridle and stand aside. I'm riding up to the house.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Not tonight or any other night. I got orders from Martin. This else Abbey.

[Bob Darwin]

When Miss Peggy tells me to stay clear of here, I'll do it. Not before.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Bob Darwin]

Now move aside before this trouble.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

So you stay clear here if Miss Peggy tells you to, huh?

[Bob Darwin]

You heard me right.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Well, then maybe you better read this note. I reckon you know the girl's handwriting, don't you?

[Bob Darwin]

Note?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

It's for you. Go on, read it in. Vamoose.

[Bob Darwin]

Just what's behind this note?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

The note says you're not the call no more, don't it? I reckon that ought to be clear enough. She don't want to see no more.

[Bob Darwin]

You read this.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Sure, I read it.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Miss Peggy read it to me, then asked me to hand it to you next time he came. Now get along. Ain't no sense in trying to start trouble.

[Bob Darwin]

She says here that I'll understand the reason she refuses to see me. Well, I don't last night.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

She's learned a heap since last night. She'll be doggone glad Martin ain't put the law on you.

[Bob Darwin]

Peggy wouldn't write me this note unless I paid her.

[Whistler Hogan]

Do it.

[Bob Darwin]

I've got a right to know what the reason is.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

All right, I'll tell you. It's on account of your stealing.

[Bob Darwin]

Stealing? Tilson, you better back them words with your shooting iron.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I said stealing and I back my words.

[Bob Darwin]

Then draw.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'll draw. Hold on there. You're both covered, Boss. Both are you? Put your guns away. I told you, Tilson, I didn't want no gun play. He called on me to draw.

[Bob Darwin]

See here, Martin, you're the one I want to talk to. What's this note from Peggy? Me?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Means you ain't to come here no more, that's what. There's been a heap of things stolen, including cattle. I didn't know who the thief was.

[Bob Darwin]

That's enough of calling me a thief.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Then get off my land and stay off.

[Bob Darwin]

I never stole anything in my life.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Talk don't mean a thing. We seen bar dam dogies on your place.

[Bob Darwin]

That ain't so.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Oh, yes, it is. And that ain't all. There's been a lot of things missing from our house. I Ain't accusing you of anything. And I don't aim to put the law on you. I'm just ordering off my land, that's all.

[Bob Darwin]

Look here, Martin. You never had much use for me. But there's not a man alive can call me a thief.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Want some help, Boss? I reckon not, boys. We can handle him.

[Bob Darwin]

Looks like you told the whole outfit here that I'm a thief.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Can we ride him out on a rail, boss? He'll leave his own accord. Won't you, Darwin?

[Bob Darwin]

Nothing else I can do with a half a dozen of you lined up there. But I'll be coming back, Martin. I'm coming back and make you eat them words you called me. Come on, boy.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

In Bob Darwin's house, the Lone Ranger in Tonto sat in front of the log fire while old Whistler paced up and down the room.

[Whistler Hogan]

Dragged it. I'm downright worried.

[Peggy Martin]

Worried he ain't back.

[Whistler Hogan]

He's always back by this time. Should have been back an hour ago. What time you got there, stranger?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

After midnight.

[Whistler Hogan]

Gosh, he ain't never been this late afore. Listen. That's his horse.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Horse comes outrider.

[Whistler Hogan]

What's that?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How do you know? Tunder me tell by horse sound.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Him not got rider.

[Whistler Hogan]

Oh, my sheik's alive. It's Bob's horse all right. Enough. But where's Bob? Bob. Bob, where the sam hill are ya? Hi, Bob. Where are ya?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That horse has traveled hard.

[Whistler Hogan]

Ah, where color he's met trouble, that's what I bet. Anything that own recusant done something to him. I'm starting out. I'm riding for the Bar M to see what's wrong there.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Just a minute, Whistler. Tondo's examining the horse. He may be able to learn something.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Cinch flat it tight.

[Whistler Hogan]

Saddle not loose. I'm going to ride this horse. It'll seem the time of saddling another.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Tondo, can you learn anything? Him not fall from loose saddle. Him not in saddle long time. Saddle not worn. We'll go with you, Whistler.

[Whistler Hogan]

Wish you would, mister. If I meet up with that ornery sneaking Mark Kilson, there ain't no telling what I'll do.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Silver here scouts.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We'll have our saddles on in a minute, Whistler. We get ready plenty quick. Maybe find color on trail. Peggy Martin and her father were alone in the living room of the ranch house. The girl, her eyes red from crying, sat near a window and looked out across the darkened plains.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Her father touched her shoulder and. Peggy, anytime you went to bed, I.

[Peggy Martin]

Can'T sleep Pa, I keep thinking about Bob.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

No use thinking about good for nothing crook.

[Peggy Martin]

I won't think of him as a crook. It can't be. Oh, Paul, why won't you let me talk to him and ask him?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

No.

[Peggy Martin]

I can tell if he's telling me the truth or not.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I won't have you speak to him again. Never.

[Peggy Martin]

Even if he was a thief, he wouldn't take the things from the house that you say he did. They don't amount to much.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

We always miss something after he's been here, don't we? Yes, but that settles it then. When Tilson pointed out my dogies on the Box Dee ranged today, that was enough for me.

[Peggy Martin]

Don't it occur to you that maybe someone put them there just to frame Bob?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Who'd have anything to gain by framing him like that?

[Peggy Martin]

There's one man that might.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Who?

[Peggy Martin]

Mark Tilson, that's who. He's so conceited. He thinks that I might care for him if it wasn't for Bob.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You know who's better than that? I wouldn't tolerate him trying to make love to you.

[Peggy Martin]

If you'd only let me speak to Bob instead of making me write that note. Paul, that was an awful thing to do to him.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

It's done now.

[Peggy Martin]

Don't you suppose if he was gonna steal from you, he'd have taken something worthwhile? He'd have taken the payroll cash from the desk there, wouldn't he?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Maybe he didn't know about it.

[Peggy Martin]

Of course he did. He's been there when you counted it out. Maybe the Chinese cook stole the things.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

From the house that wouldn't cover the stolen candle.

[Whistler Hogan]

Well, anyhow, I don't know.

[Bob Darwin]

Martin.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

What the.

[Peggy Martin]

Bob.

[Bob Darwin]

Stand right where you are. You're both covered.

[Peggy Martin]

Bob. It can't be you.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

So you finally turned real stick up man. Bandana across your face and everything, eh, Darwin?

[Bob Darwin]

Quiet, Martin. I'll take that cash that's in that desk. Get it up. Never mind talking.

[Peggy Martin]

You don't mean it, Bob. You ain't a real thief.

[Bob Darwin]

Get that cash and hurry.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'll get it. And if this convinces Peggy that you're the dirty no account thieving polecat I said you was, it'll be worth the money you take.

[Peggy Martin]

Don't do it, Bob. Please don't. You can't get away with it. I know who you are, in spite of that bandana you're wearing.

[Bob Darwin]

Please, Peggy, don't try to talk me out of. Hurry, Martin. That cash.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'm getting it.

[Peggy Martin]

You can't go back to Your ranch now, Bob. Paul have the law on you in no time.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You won't get far with this money, Darwin. This whole county won't be big enough for you to hide in.

[Bob Darwin]

I'll take my chances.

[Peggy Martin]

Bob, change your mind before it's too late. Put up the gun and Polly ain't. You'll leave without going after you, won't you, Pa?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I will not. Take the cash or leave it. Darwin, you will pay for coming here like this.

[Bob Darwin]

I'll take it.

[Whistler Hogan]

Thanks, Bob.

[Peggy Martin]

I still can't believe my eyes. You of all people. A thief.

[Bob Darwin]

Forget about me, Peggy. I guess you just made a mistake.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Don't move.

[Bob Darwin]

For your gun, Martin.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'll be after you. Don't think you're getting away with this.

[Peggy Martin]

Oh, Pa. You were right. You were right about him.

[Bob Darwin]

Peggy, I. I hated to do this. Believe that, will you?

[Peggy Martin]

I'm convinced of what you are now.

[Bob Darwin]

I don't suppose I'll ever have a chance to explain.

[Peggy Martin]

Explain? You could never explain this.

[Whistler Hogan]

Never.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments now to continue our story. When Bob's horse returned home without a rider, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and old Whistler started for Martin's wrench. Very soon we come to line.

[Whistler Hogan]

Yep, Tono, we'll reach the Martin fences pretty soon now. And still no sign of Bob. Gosh, I sure wish I knowed what happened to him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

There's a horseman near the fence.

[Whistler Hogan]

Yeah, one of the Bar M riders.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Henry.

[Whistler Hogan]

Better stop, mister. Whoa there.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I told you to stop. Don't come no closer.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Don't try to use your gun.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You don't stop, I'll read you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I want to talk to you.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

All right, you stopped and you're agin the fence. Now what are you mast?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Where's Bob Darwin?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

How would I know where he's at?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

He came to this ranch.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

He come here and he left. He was drove off by the boss himself.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You haven't seen him?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I ain't. Who are you? And why do you wear that mask?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Have you been riding Lyon all evening?

[Bob Darwin]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Watching for anyone that might have come this way?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Yeah, what about it?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Haven't been riding fast or hard, have you?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

What for? Ain't no need to do that, is it? Elsy Here. You better get or I'll call the other men.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Me won't tell you something.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Wait.

[Whistler Hogan]

Hunter.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

That a red skin with it?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It is.

[Whistler Hogan]

And I'm here too. Bart Stevens.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Oh, so it's you, eh. Whisley?

[Peggy Martin]

Yeah, it's me.

[Whistler Hogan]

And if you know anything about Bob Darwin, you better tell me.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Insane. Him. What's going on there? Bo Sher's whistling.

[Whistler Hogan]

Some friends of his we come here hunting. My pal Bob Darwin. Where's he at, Tilson?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Darwin, eh? I don't figure you'll see him for a good long time. He's lit out, the dirty thief.

[Whistler Hogan]

What's that? You can't talk that way about Bob.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'll talk like I please about him. He come here and was told by Miss Peggy and her PA to get off the ranch and stay off. He's an ornery thief.

[Whistler Hogan]

You eat them words.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Looks like you and his other pods of the same breed. A mashman and an Injun.

[Whistler Hogan]

Dread it all, stranger. Why didn't you resent them words?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Not just yet. Whistler.

[Whistler Hogan]

Bob ain't no more a thief than. Than. Than Miss Peggy Martin is.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Oh, well, that's Miss Peggy herself. As to that. When they seen he couldn't get in the house, he snuck up in the dark and stuck a gun on Martin and swiped his payroll cash.

[Whistler Hogan]

What's that? What's that you're trying to tell me?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You heard what I said. Did Bob Darwin do that, Mr. Tilson?

[Whistler Hogan]

It's an all gone lie. There ain't a word of truth in it.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Oh. Well, Miss Peggy and her PA seen him. Had his face covered with a bandanna. But she knowed him right away. He admitted who he was.

[Whistler Hogan]

It ain't so. He wouldn't have done that without his horse. And his horse is this here critter I'm straddling right now. Come back to the ranch alone. Something's happened to Bob Darwin.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I've told you the truth. And you better take it and get none of your brands want it around here.

[Whistler Hogan]

You can't.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How'd he get away without his horse?

[Whistler Hogan]

I crave to know that, too. How'd he get away?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Stole the horse, likely. That's what he done told Miss Peggy's favorite mare. Vamoose.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Would he leave his own property to do that?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

That place of his ain't much to leave. You got more than enough cash to make it worthwhile.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Is that true, Whistler?

[Whistler Hogan]

Nothing that Coyote says is true. Bob ain't that kind.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Listen to the whistling. Whistling? Old Galoot.

[Whistler Hogan]

You know doggone well the box ding.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Land'S mortgage to the hilt.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Come on, Whistler.

[Whistler Hogan]

I ain't leaving here till I get to talk to Martin.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You ain't getting past this fence.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Come. We're leaving.

[Whistler Hogan]

Dreaded? Can't you stick with me?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I will come. Oh, it's good judgment on your part, stranger. Take the redskin with you. And if you happen to see Bob Darwin, tell him the law's got a rope waiting to stretch his neck. Horse stealing the top, taking the payroll cash is a double invitation to a necktie party.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We go now. Yes, you're at it all.

[Whistler Hogan]

Come, Sonnet. Anyhow, I can't believe this.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Whistler Hogan]

Stop leading my horse. I'll follow you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Very well.

[Whistler Hogan]

I got plenty to tell you about what I think of men that ain't got the nerve to get to the Barma Sage.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Meaning?

[Whistler Hogan]

Meaning you dragged. I thought by the way you talked, you was the kind of a man that'd stand by me.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Whistler, there's a quicker way of getting at the truth. When a man lies in one detail, he'll lie in others, won't he?

[Whistler Hogan]

Huh?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What was the name of the line rider you called him? Bart.

[Whistler Hogan]

Bart Stevens. Ornery coyote.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The foreman's name? Tilson.

[Whistler Hogan]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Very well. We'll ride to that arroyo we passed on the way here and wait.

[Whistler Hogan]

Wait? Wait for what?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

From there we can watch the bar, Mister. Any riders there will be easily seen in the moonlight.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Yeah, but maybe you see what Todo see.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Perhaps I did, kimosabe. He won't tell you for you. Stop, Tonto, I didn't want you to mention the one thing that might explain everything. Here's the arroyo. Oh, boy. Here we are.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Now, what do.

[Whistler Hogan]

Look here, stranger.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You're a queer acting fella.

[Whistler Hogan]

I can't figure out if you with me and Bob or a Guinness. No, I can't believe anything wrong about Bob Darwin. I know darn well there's something mighty funny about this business of his stealing.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'm sure there is, Whistler. Then why didn't you and Toddo stay here? Toddo, if you see anyone riding away from the ranch over there, follow them. Tonto, follow him. Leave a trail from here so I can find you easily.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Let me do it.

[Whistler Hogan]

What's this mean?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Whistler, will you go where Todo leads?

[Whistler Hogan]

Where are you going?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I'm going to find a way to reach the ranch house without being seen. Look there, Hilton right way now. Yes, for the bunkhouse.

[Whistler Hogan]

Hey, there's the other coyote riding away the other direction.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's Stevens Cracky.

[Whistler Hogan]

Now you can get through the fence right up where we was.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Wait for me, Tonto. When you finish following the man.

[Whistler Hogan]

Which man?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Tanto? No me leave trail for you. Then. Wait there and don't Let yourself be seen. Come on, Silver. The Lone Ranger rode to the ranch house and managed to reach it unseen by Bar M. Waddes. Martin was asleep. The sound of his window being raised awakened him. He was about to reach for his gun when. You're covered.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Leave your gun where it is, Martin. You're coming with me.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Mask.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I can see you in the moonlight that comes through the other window. As well as you can see me. Don't try any tricks. Get ready to ride.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I'm darned.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Hurry up. Get clothes on and come on out through the window.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I won't do anything. Hey, what the.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Just a rope.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You catch my eye.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You come with me.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Are you going to pull clothes on.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Or will I drag you through the window as you are?

[Whistler Hogan]

Who are you?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

What's this mean? What's this?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You're going to ride with me and follow down a little idea I have in mind about Bob Darwin and the theft of your money.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

That dirty, sneaking coyote.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

If I'm mistaken, there'll be no harm done. If I'm right and you don't go with me. There's likely to be a great deal of harm done. Surely a great injustice.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You don't seem to give me no choice. I'll get my boots on. Now don't haul me out that window with that rope. Who in the sam hill are you anyway?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Someone who hopes to help you and Darwin, I'd assume.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You don't mention me in the same breath with that varmint.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Ready now?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I reckon so.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Bring your gun.

[Bob Darwin]

My gun?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Great Scott. You mean to say you're gonna let me carry my shooting iron?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You'll not use it against me?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

How do you know I won't?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You'll not get the chance.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I can't figure out that mask business. You got a nice sort of horse.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get your horse at the corral.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You sure got a real horse there.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Looky here. Are you a friend of Darwin's?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I've never seen him.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Never seen him?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But I don't believe that he's a thief.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I know doggone well he is. I seen him steal my money.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I know his friends. Martin. A man can be judged by his friends.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

That's true. But Darwin's a man. That's disappointing. I'd have vouched for his honesty up to a few weeks ago.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You would?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Fact is, I was sort of hoping he'd marry my daughter, Peggy. Him and her seemed to love one another.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

And you wanted the marriage.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

No. I'm glad it didn't come off. I was Sort of working with Mark Tilson to put it over. Gosh, what a narrow escape.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's surprising news to me. I understood that Tilson and you were dead set against the affair.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Darwin and Peggy was a lot alike. Both wanted things I couldn't get. I tipped off Tilson to sort of make Darwin think he wanted to marry Peggy's own self. And I made Peggy think I was again. Her marrying Darwin, that helped bring the two together.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get your horse. You'll have to ride bareback. There's no time to saddle up. Hurry.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Gone. I forgot for a while that you was holding a gun on me. Here I am talking to you like a friend.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

On your horse. Hurry up.

[Bob Darwin]

Now.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Follow me. Easy, Silver. Go on with what you were telling me. What happened next?

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Things started disappearing every time Darwin come to call. I hate to think it was him. Then I found some of my dogies on his land. Then I couldn't judge no other way. But he was a thief.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But all this might have been framed against him.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

That might have. But not him coming right to the house with his face hid and stealing my payroll at the point of the gun. No, sir. He's a crook. I'm no good crook.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Tilson took you seriously and decided to get Darwin out of the way.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

No, not Tilson.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, we'll be on the trail soon. I hope it'll lead us somewhere. The masked man and Martin rode to the arroyo and picked up the clearly marked trail left by Tonto and old Whistler. Meanwhile, behind the COVID of a great boulder, Bart Stevens stood over Bob Darwin. The young rancher lay on the ground, roped hand and foot.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

If that fool partner of yours comes here, Darwin, he'll get the same as you.

[Bob Darwin]

You dirty coyote.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Yeah, go on. Call me names, Bob.

[Whistler Hogan]

Take some life, Bob.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Ice your hands, Whistler.

[Whistler Hogan]

I trailed your horse, Bob. Who's this coyote that's got a gun on me?

[Bob Darwin]

Bart Stevens of the Bar M. I'll.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Take your shooting iron. Whistler. Glad you're come. Now I'll make it look like both you and Darwin lit out with the cash that was stolen.

[Whistler Hogan]

Cash? Stolen?

[Bob Darwin]

Whistler, I wish you hadn't come. This fellow's sure to kill you.

[Whistler Hogan]

What's all this mean?

[Bob Darwin]

He held a gun on me when I was riding away from the Martins. Oh, gosh, Whistler, how I been framed. This rat stole from the Martins and done it every time I come to call. And tonight he corralled me.

[Whistler Hogan]

Ain't no do with something of the sort. When your horse come back without you.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Don'T make no fast moves, Whistler. I'll rope you up like your pods roped. Then I can finish you off when I get around to it.

[Whistler Hogan]

What did he do when he corralled you?

[Bob Darwin]

Bob forced me to steal from Martin gimme an unloaded gun and made me steal. He was right outside the window with his own gun leveled on Peggy. I had to go through with it or she'd have been shot and the blame would have fallen on you. He seen to that.

[Whistler Hogan]

Why, you dirty. No counter on my pole, cat.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I like to hear you get riled up. Yeah, yeah.

[Whistler Hogan]

It took careful scheming for weeks to.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Get to taking that payroll. But I done it and I'll get away with it.

[Whistler Hogan]

No, you won't, Whistler.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

We heard the whole thing, Stevens. Martin, we send Whistler to you.

[Whistler Hogan]

Yeah. You doggone fool, Stevens. I come here to get you to talk and you done it.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

You won't kick me alive. I'll shoot. Nice shooting, masked man. Your bullet just knocked that gun clean out in his hand.

[Whistler Hogan]

My head grab a hole.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

So we'll get your rope.

[Whistler Hogan]

I'll cut them ropes off you, Bob. Here's my knife.

[Bob Darwin]

Whistler, you fetch these folks. Who's the mask man?

[Whistler Hogan]

We hear about it, Cracky Bob. It's a story I can tell you.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

Me rope this bad feller.

[Whistler Hogan]

Martin, listen to me. Martin, listen to me.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

I listened to you when you was talking to Whistler and I heard all I want to hear. Bob, I'm sure glad I know the truth. You heard it all aplenty. When the masked man, the Indian and Whistler met Bart at the line fence earlier this evening, they noticed that Bart's horse had been ridden hard. When the masked man asked him if the horse had been ridden fast and hard and Bart denied it, they suspected something was wrong.

[Bob Darwin]

Sure, Bart had to bring me here from the ranch house, tie me up and get back to the line fence to give himself an alibi.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Peggy will be glad to hear the truth.

[Martin (Ranch Owner)]

She'll be waiting for you, son. Yes, siree. I reckon this answers a lot of things. Now you'll come with me. Bart, what are you going to do? Where are you taking me? Where? You think jail's a place for rats like you? Get ready to travel.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

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

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 have a great day and thanks for listening.