Half a Loaf | The Lone Ranger (12-02-42)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Half a Loaf | The Lone Ranger (Original Airdate: 12-02-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Release Date: July 15, 2026

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Episode Overview

This digitally restored episode of The Lone Ranger, “Half a Loaf,” is a classic Western radio drama originally broadcast in 1942. The story centers on Sam Crawford, a hardworking baker in Buena Vista, and his son Kip. When Sam’s past associates coerce him into unwitting involvement in a stagecoach heist, The Lone Ranger and Tonto must unravel the plot, clear Sam’s name, and bring the true criminals to justice. The episode explores themes of redemption, community trust, and the burden of a checkered past.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Daily Life of Sam and Kip Crawford (04:46–06:52)

• Sam Crawford is introduced as a dedicated local baker, respected for his reliability and routine, alongside his son Kip.
  • Notable Quote:
    “He said you were the best baker in the whole state and that you always did it the same way. He said that folks in this town set their watches by the time you bake fresh bread in the window. … He ain't missed once in 15 years.”
    — Kip Crawford recounting local admiration for his father (06:12)
• This routine becomes key to the plot, as Sam’s daily timing is used to trick the townspeople.

2. Sam’s Past Comes Calling (07:10–08:43)

• Two old associates, Len Hackett and Jay, arrive and pressure Sam to collaborate in a criminal scheme targeting the afternoon stagecoach.
  • Notable Exchange:
    “Our partnership is over and done with. I’ve been going straight ever since I came out West.”
    — Sam Crawford (07:55)
  • Sam refuses to participate, but they threaten him and force his cooperation.

3. The Stagecoach Heist (09:08–11:14)

• Hackett and Jay impersonate the regular stagecoach, using Sam’s altered bread routine as an alibi for timing.
  • Sheriff Jeb and townsfolk are fooled by the early arrival, cemented by their trust in Sam’s precise baking schedule.
  • The real driver, Baldy, arrives too late as the payroll is already gone, triggering suspicion.
  • Notable Moment:
    “The other stage come just as Sam Corbett was putting his bread in the window. We always tell time for Sam and he was ahead of time today.”
    — Len Hackett (10:52)

4. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Enter the Mystery (11:30–13:12)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the abandoned stagecoach, only to be mistakenly accused by Sheriff Jeb.
  • The Lone Ranger’s calmness in the face of arrest:
    • “You won’t shoot me if I don’t go for a gun. I have a right to know the reason for my arrest.”
      — The Lone Ranger (12:18)
  • Sheriff Jeb wants to see if Sam will flee, suspecting his involvement.

5. The Town Turns on Sam (13:43–15:24)

• Sheriff confronts Kip at the bakery, accuses Sam of being a crook.
  • Notable Quote:
    “I’m saying them. It’s just your hard luck, kid, that you picked a crook for a pa.”
    — Sheriff Jeb (14:14)
  • Kip persistently defends his father’s innocence.

6. Outlaws Hide Out – Sam’s Capture (17:14–19:48)

• Hackett and Jay are hiding in the hills with the stolen gold and Sam, who is tied up.
  • They discuss how perfectly their frame-up has worked, pinning the crime on Sam.
  • Sam tries to escape, is shot while fleeing, and heads home wounded.

7. Kip and Sam’s Heartfelt Conversation (20:09–22:02)

• Kip finds Sam wounded in the bakery.
• Sam confesses his criminal past and how he was forced by his old partners.
  • Key Emotional Exchange:
    “You’re a good boy, Kip. Stay that way always, will you?”
    — Sam Crawford (21:52)
  • Kip admits he overheard everything and assures Sam of his loyalty.

8. Tragedy Strikes – Sam’s Death (22:02–22:34)

• The Lone Ranger arrives to find Kip grieving over Sam, who has just died from his wounds.
  • Moving Moment:
    “You’d cry, too, if your Pa just died. The best Pa in the world.”
    — Kip Crawford (22:29)

9. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Outmaneuver the Outlaws (24:40–27:14)

• Kip, the Lone Ranger, and Tonto are captured by Hackett and Jay, who plan to eliminate witnesses.
• Tonto cleverly leaves a trail for the sheriff by dropping torn pieces of paper.
• The sheriff and posse arrive just in time, a gunfight ensues, and the outlaws are subdued.
  • Notable Quote:
    “Those are the ones you want. Kip Crawford will tell you the truth.”
    — The Lone Ranger, presenting the real murderers (26:30)

10. Justice and Resolution (27:05–29:26)

• The truth about Sam’s innocence is revealed.
• The sheriff recognizes Tonto’s and the Lone Ranger’s heroism.
• Kip, now orphaned, is determined to carry on his father’s legacy.
  • Touching Resolution:
    “Yeah, I know. I’ve got to take my pop’s place.”
    — Kip Crawford (27:39)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Experience, son. Or maybe it’s luck. Anyway, I always mix it and knead it and bake it in the same way …” — Sam Crawford on the secret to perfect bread (06:04)
• “It’s just your hard luck, kid, that you picked a crook for a pa. That’s a lie. You’ll see.” — Sheriff Jeb & Kip’s steadfast defense of his father (14:14)
• “Worry won’t help.” — The Lone Ranger’s calm in captivity (25:07)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto’s careful teamwork and resourcefulness, cleverly leaving clues for the sheriff.
• Kip’s moving resolve as he takes up his father’s work, facing a new chapter in his life after loss.

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| MM:SS | Segment | |----------|----------------------------------------------| | 04:46 | Sam and Kip baking in the hot kitchen | | 07:10 | Confrontation with Sam’s old partners | | 09:08 | The fake stage arrives—heist is executed | | 11:30 | The Lone Ranger & Tonto investigate | | 13:43 | Sheriff confronts Kip | | 17:14 | Outlaws at the mountain hideout | | 20:09 | Sam returns home wounded | | 22:02 | Kip holds his dying father | | 24:40 | Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Kip are captured | | 26:12 | Sheriff and posse arrive, gunfight resolves | | 27:39 | Kip’s resolve to take his father’s place |

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Tone and Style

The episode preserves the classic, earnest storytelling and emotional range of mid-century radio Westerns, blending tension, quick-witted heroics, and values of redemption and loyalty. The dialogue is direct and grounded, with moments of heartfelt simplicity and moral clarity.

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Final Thoughts

“Half a Loaf” is a beautifully restored episode featuring a tightly woven plot, endearing character moments, and an illustration of the dangers of unwarranted suspicion. The Lone Ranger and Tonto’s unwavering commitment to justice provide closure for Kip and clear the good name of an honest man who tried to leave his past behind.

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Transcript

[Sam Crawford]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six? All new drinks are here now at McDonald's.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Narrator]

Another game day.

[Len Hackett]

But while he's glued to the tv, I'm winning my own way with Mistplay.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Let's go.

[Len Hackett]

Mistplay rewards me just for playing free mobile games.

[Narrator]

I earn points and swap them for gift cards to Amazon, Uber Eats and Sephora.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Yeah, we won.

[Len Hackett]

And I just redeemed a Target gift card.

[Jay]

Woo.

[Len Hackett]

Download Mistplay today and turn your downtime into rewards.

[Kip Crawford]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Sam Crawford]

Sam. Best thing that's ever happened to you. Financially.

[Narrator]

Go easy.

[Andrew Rines]

Sold my car on Carvana. Amazing offer, really.

[Sam Crawford]

I hit 200 on the scratcher.

[Andrew Rines]

Did the scratcher come to your house and hand you a check? No. How many scratchers did you hit to get that? I hit a button on Carvana.com once.

[Sam Crawford]

Okay, that's fair.

[Andrew Rines]

It's like the lottery, except you always win.

[Sam Crawford]

Not like the lottery at all, actually.

[Andrew Rines]

Exactly. Inexplicably good offers worth bragging about. Sell your car today on Carvana.

[Sam Crawford]

Pick up.

[Andrew Rines]

These may apply.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Sheriff Jeb]

A dangerous on the trail ahead, I'll see.

[Narrator]

Baking bread in Buena Vista was a duty to Sam Crawford, a duty he never shirked, no matter what the weather might be. He was a widower and he operated the bakery with the help of Kip, his small son.

[Sam Crawford]

Got them pans greased. Kip Almost ready, Pa. Bring him over here. I've got to get this batch of bread into the oven before I pull

[Narrator]

the other one out.

[Kip Crawford]

Here. 12 of them, all greased and ran good. Gee, Mulligans, it's hot.

[Sam Crawford]

Can't bake bread without heat, son.

[Kip Crawford]

I'll bet it's so hot outside, you could put those pans in the middle of the street and the bread would bake easy.

[Sam Crawford]

Maybe so, but it wouldn't be as good as what comes out of the oven. All right, Kip, open that stove door. I'm gonna push him in.

[Jay]

There.

[Sam Crawford]

Now, we've got a few minutes before we pull out the first batch.

[Kip Crawford]

Is it done, Pa?

[Sam Crawford]

Well, not yet. It'll be 15, maybe 20 minutes before the first loaves are done just right.

[Kip Crawford]

Pa? Yeah, Pa. How do you tell when bread is done just right?

[Sam Crawford]

Kip, I'm surprised at you. You've been helping me around here ever since your ma went away. You've watched me bake bread hundreds of times.

[Kip Crawford]

Sure, but I still don't see how you know when it's done just right.

[Sam Crawford]

Experience, son. Or maybe it's luck. Anyway, I always mix it and knead it and bake it in the same way and the same time every day.

[Kip Crawford]

Yeah, I know. I heard Jack Riley over at the livery stable telling some men about you just this morning.

[Sam Crawford]

That right?

[Kip Crawford]

He said you were the best baker in the whole state and that you always did it the same way. He said that folks in this town set their watches by the time you bake fresh bread in the window. Every window.

[Sam Crawford]

Yeah. Mm.

[Kip Crawford]

Then he told em, whenever you see Prophet putting fresh bread in his window, you can bet your bottom dollar it's three o'. Clock. He ain't missed once in 15 years.

[Sam Crawford]

I never thought of it before. I guess it is about three o' clock every day, then.

[Kip Crawford]

Think I'll ever be a baker like you, Pa?

[Sam Crawford]

Sure you will, Kip. You're almost as good as me right now.

[Kip Crawford]

I've just been thinking.

[Sam Crawford]

Oh. Somebody in the front of the shop kept you. Go see who it is.

[Kip Crawford]

Sure.

[Sam Crawford]

Guess I'd better rustle a little more wood for that fire.

[Kip Crawford]

Two men want to see you, Pa. See me?

[Sam Crawford]

Who are they?

[Kip Crawford]

I don't know, but they're two fellows I was telling you about.

[Sam Crawford]

I don't know.

[Len Hackett]

This place is hotter than the hinges. How do you stand it, Sam?

[Jay]

Sure is hot.

[Sam Crawford]

Hack it. Len Hackett.

[Len Hackett]

Surprised to see me?

[Sam Crawford]

Hi. What do you want?

[Len Hackett]

Who's the kid?

[Sam Crawford]

He's mine. My son Kip heard You were married.

[Len Hackett]

Had a family. Heard all about you, Sam. That's why Jay and me dropped around. Ain't it, Jay?

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Sam Crawford]

What are you doing here in Buena Vista?

[Len Hackett]

We'll get to that. Want to palaver in front of the kid?

[Sam Crawford]

Go outside for a few minutes, Kip.

[Kip Crawford]

Aw, Pa. Go on. All right.

[Len Hackett]

That's better. You don't seem very glad to see us, Sam.

[Sam Crawford]

Why should I be glad to see a couple of owl hoots like you and Jay?

[Len Hackett]

Kind of forget your old partners, don't you?

[Sam Crawford]

Our partnership is over and done with. I've been going straight ever since I came out West.

[Len Hackett]

Sure, sure, we forgot about that little deal in Texas. That was years ago. Maybe the law's got a better memory.

[Sam Crawford]

What do you want with me?

[Len Hackett]

Nothing, Sam. Absolutely nothing. Jay. And I've heard a lot of nice things about you since we've been in town. Well, everybody says you're the best baker west of the Mississippi. That you're so regular and dependable on your work, they set their watches by you.

[Sam Crawford]

You didn't come here to tell me that.

[Len Hackett]

No, Sam, we didn't. We came to tell you about the stagecoach that hits town Every day at 3 o'. Clock.

[Sam Crawford]

Stagecoach? Look here, Hackett. I don't know what you're planning to do, but I do know I won't have any part of it.

[Jay]

Yes, you will.

[Sam Crawford]

Your gun doesn't scare me, Hackett. I'll.

[Len Hackett]

You'll do exactly what I tell you if you want to stay alive.

[Sam Crawford]

There's law here in Buena Vista.

[Len Hackett]

You heard me.

[Sam Crawford]

Crawford. What is it?

[Len Hackett]

Nothing now, but when the stage comes in here tomorrow afternoon, there will be something for you to do.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Here she comes, folks. She's early. Due here till 3 o'. Clock. That right, Sheriff? It does seem a might early. I didn't think it was that late yet.

[Len Hackett]

It's three o', clock, all right. Look across the street in Sam Crawford's bakery. Just putting fresh bread in the window.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Guess my watch must be slow. Sam can't be wrong.

[Len Hackett]

Neither's old Baldy. He always brings the stage in on time. That ain't Baldy driving, is it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Say, where's Baldy? The regular driver? Yeah.

[Jay]

He's sick and we're in Cold Springs. They're taking his place. How about that gold shipper for the mine company payroll?

[Sheriff Jeb]

I guess it's all right. Help you with the.

[Len Hackett]

Ah, sure, sir.

[Sheriff Jeb]

There. That ought to ride all right.

[Jay]

Good. Thanks a lot, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Baldy must have took sick kind of sudden.

[Jay]

Yeah, real sick. That's why he asked me to drive for him. Said it was important that this payroll got down to the mine company.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Yeah, it is.

[Jay]

Well, thanks again, Sheriff. Get up, you.

[Len Hackett]

That's too bad. But Ball, you're being sick. Ain't it, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Yeah, it is too bad. Comes folks. Hey, another stage coach. Another coach? He can't be. Hey, look, it's Baldy. Baldy. What does this mean?

[Jay]

Car sick?

[Sheriff Jeb]

You think I was passing out free stogies the way you folks are crowding around. They told us you were sick. There was a stage here a few minutes ago at 3 o'. Clock. Stage here? What are you talking about? It's just three o'clock now. Straight up. Hey, Sheriff, what time you got? Say, my watch wasn't slow after all. It says three right now.

[Len Hackett]

The other stage come just as Sam Corbett was putting his bread in the window. We always tell time for Sam and

[Sheriff Jeb]

he was ahead of time today. Who drove the other stage? We don't know.

[Len Hackett]

A stranger. But he was on time.

[Sam Crawford]

And he said you was laid up sick.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Great day in the morning. You didn't give him that cash to carry. Say, Sheriff, did that other stage get the cash? Yes.

[Sam Crawford]

It was a trick.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Hey, maybe Sam Crawford was ahead of time on purpose.

[Len Hackett]

It hadn't been for him, maybe we'd

[Sheriff Jeb]

have noted the other stage was early and been suspicious. We'll get after it. That we'll get after it. Then by Juniper, I'll have a talk with Sam Crawford.

[Narrator]

About an hour later, two men were riding north toward Buena Vista. One of them was masked and astride a powerful white stallion. His companion was an Indian. It was the Lone Ranger in tato.

[Len Hackett]

Look at this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tato. Empty stagecoach pulled up to the side of the road. Team cut loose, no one around. That's strange.

[Len Hackett]

Maybe wheel, brake.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, everything's in good shape. I can't understand why.

[Sam Crawford]

Look.

[Len Hackett]

Come down the road.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those men are riding hard.

[Len Hackett]

Tutto, we take back trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, we'll see who they are.

[Len Hackett]

Get your hands under cover.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Don't touch leather.

[Len Hackett]

He's masked.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Sheriff, we got our men with the stage too. Take a look and see if the gold is still on board. That mask armor ain't the one that was driving you. Stranger, did you hear me? Get your hands up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Because you're under arrest.

[The Lone Ranger]

For what?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Dog on and do what I say. Get them hands up.

[The Lone Ranger]

You won't shoot me if I don't go for a gun. I have a right to know the reason for my arrest.

[Sheriff Jeb]

All right. You came through town in that stage or at least Your partners did. You lied about the regular stage driver and picked up a load of gold. Gold ain't here now, Sheriff. So you got partners. They went ahead with the gold.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know anything about this robbery, Sheriff, but I'm going to take his hardware. You hadn't better try it.

[Sheriff Jeb]

By thunderation, I never saw a man as cold as you. Don't you know this is a gun in my hand? Don't you know I can drill? If you're refusing to surrender, you won't.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll go quietly wherever you want me to go. And Connor will go with me. But I'm going to keep these guns and this mask. Now, where do you want me to go?

[Len Hackett]

I never see the equal of them.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Me neither. Read it all. I want to talk to Sam. If I take this hombre into town like that and Sam is in cahoots with the gang like I suspect Sam will see his coming and skedaddle.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's possible that he's as innocent as I am.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Now look here, you two. You stay right here with the masked man. The redskin. Keep your guns handy and keep close watch.

[Len Hackett]

We should take a shooting iron, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Jeb]

And when you move close, you grab, you use you as your shield and start gunplay. No. I know a fast gunslinger when I see one. Just keep watch and wait here till I get back. I'll be back as soon as I talk to Sam Crawford.

[Kip Crawford]

Hi, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Hello there. Where's your pa?

[Kip Crawford]

He's not here.

[Sheriff Jeb]

I was afraid of that.

[Kip Crawford]

That's why I'm mixing this bread dough. So when Paul comes back.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Where'd he go?

[Kip Crawford]

I don't know. Said he'd be back after a while. Why?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Kip Crawford. You're lying to me.

[Kip Crawford]

Lyin'. Why, no. Sheriff.

[Sheriff Jeb]

I'll bet he hightailed it out of here about 3 o', clock, didn't he?

[Kip Crawford]

Sure.

[Sheriff Jeb]

I thought so. Your pa's a crook. He's in cahoots with the outlaws that stole $25,000.

[Kip Crawford]

He is not.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Shut up. I'll find him. I'll have a posse fan this whole state till we run him down.

[Kip Crawford]

You can't say things like that about Paw.

[Sheriff Jeb]

I'm saying them. It's just your hard luck, kid, that you picked a crook for a pa. That's a lie. You'll see. I've already got two that were on the job. Likely they're the ones that borrowed a stage from somewheres. I found him with the abandoned stage. Now that I know Sam is guilty, I'll make those two Tell where he is. Ho, ho.

[Jay]

Ho.

[Sheriff Jeb]

That boy.

[Jay]

Whoa.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Ho. Jeb. Oh, Jeb. Jeb. Dad rattled an. Answer me. Now, where's that no account, deputy. Great Scott. All tied and gagged back at the stage. Laced up like a couple of new boots. Why, you doggone bugs and fools. Shut up till I cut the gag. There now. Drat your worthless hide. What happened?

[Sam Crawford]

He jumped us, Sheriff.

[Len Hackett]

Jumped us? Gagging, roped us and got clean away.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Now you can talk, too. They move like greased lightning, Sheriff, but it proves they're guilty.

[Len Hackett]

What about Crawford?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Well, he got away from town before I got there.

[Len Hackett]

Those two sure got away fast. I never see the like of it.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Well, I'll get them. Get them and Crawford too, if it takes me till kingdom come.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act

[Len Hackett]

of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes.

[Narrator]

Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our. After the Lone Ranger and Tuttle made their successful escape, the masked man and his Indian friend knew that a posse would soon be on their trail. They rode south for several miles, then doubled back. It was after dark when they reined up beside the deserted stagecoach that had figured in their arrest.

[The Lone Ranger]

The sheriff and his deputies will spend their time searching for us. Meanwhile, the real crooks will have more time to get away. The trail starts right here, Toto. That right. We'll have to be sure not to confuse their trail with the footprints a lawman made.

[Len Hackett]

And me follow trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I'm going back to town. I want to learn more about Sam Crawford and his part in this thing.

[Len Hackett]

Maybe next time. Deputy did not give you a chance to escape.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll be ready the next time. I'll have a disguise beneath my mask. And where tanta meet you in town, kimosabe. I'll leave a sign if I'm not there. I'll see you later. Come on.

[Narrator]

While the Lone Ranger headed for town with a brief pause to don a disguise beneath the mask, the outlaws crouched by their campfire in a mountain hideout. On the ground near the fire, a man lay tied both hand and foot.

[Jay]

Hey, Len, you sure nobody got wise to you when you were in town?

[Len Hackett]

How could they get wise? I was inside the coach. You were the only one who saw.

[Jay]

Is the town pretty riled up?

[Len Hackett]

They're going crazy. Sheriff is running around like a chicken with its head over.

[Jay]

He said he captured a couple of hombres where we left the stage.

[The Lone Ranger]

He did?

[Len Hackett]

Tall man wearing a mask and an engine.

[Jay]

And he blamed Sam, right? Sure.

[Len Hackett]

Luck is with us, Jay. We Couldn't have framed it any better ourselves.

[Jay]

Yeah, well, except Sam over there. We didn't figure on him turning us up here.

[Len Hackett]

Don't worry. We'll take care of Sam. That right, Crawford?

[Sam Crawford]

Sure, it's easy enough for you buzzes to kill me. But the law will get you sometime.

[Len Hackett]

Sam, you sure scare me with threats like that. You know, you used to be a pretty smart hombre in the old days.

[Jay]

You should have been so smart, Sam. The trail we left was pretty well hid. I didn't think anyone could follow it.

[Sam Crawford]

You forgot that I used to be one of the best at Reading Trail.

[Len Hackett]

Yep. Like I said, you used to be a pretty smart hombre. You should have been smarter today.

[Sam Crawford]

I'll live to see you two hang.

[Len Hackett]

Yeah, laying there hogtie with your face in the dirt proves it. Trouble with you, Sam, is that you caught that honesty disease.

[Sam Crawford]

That's bad, dirty, low down.

[Len Hackett]

And the worst part of it is a disease like that is liable to prove fatal.

[Jay]

Hey, do the people in town think he had anything to do with it, Lynn?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Len Hackett]

The sheriff figured there must be some reason for Crawford putting his bread in the window a few minutes early.

[Jay]

And they think he's with us.

[Len Hackett]

I guess they do. That's a shame too. Cuz I've got a hunch Mr. Crawford won't be with us very long.

[Sam Crawford]

Go on, shoot me. What are you waiting for?

[Len Hackett]

I know.

[Jay]

Hurry.

[Len Hackett]

Jay and I have got to take that gold out of the box and pack in saddlebags.

[Sam Crawford]

You got plenty of time. You mind giving me a drink of water? I'm thirsty.

[Jay]

How about it, Lynn?

[Len Hackett]

Sure, Give him a drink. Here, take my water jug.

[Jay]

I'm not gonna pour it for you.

[Sam Crawford]

Then loosen these ropes on my hands and feet so I can sit up.

[Jay]

I don't know about that.

[Len Hackett]

All right, Jay. Just keep him covered while he's drinking.

[Jay]

I don't know why let me bother with you. Old time sick. I guess.

[Len Hackett]

That's better.

[Jay]

Yeah.

[Sam Crawford]

Take the Jag.

[Jay]

And don't try any funny business. Lynn. Lynn. He's getting away.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Heading for the horses.

[Len Hackett]

I'll nail him.

[Jay]

Did you get him, Lynn?

[Len Hackett]

I think I winged him. That's not your fault, you're mule.

[Jay]

I couldn't help it, Lynn. Honestly, couldn't he move so fast.

[Len Hackett]

Shut up. Now we gotta tail him.

[Jay]

Lynn, listen. Look. Is that Sam?

[Len Hackett]

No, it's an engineer.

[Jay]

Do you think he.

[Len Hackett]

The main thing we got to worry about is now is Sam Crawford. You'll head for Bu Vista and get the sheriff.

[Jay]

Hear me?

[Len Hackett]

We'll I'll go alone. You stay here and keep your eye on the gold.

[Jay]

But l. My horse.

[Len Hackett]

A lot around. That Bron he got away with. I'll hit him.

[Jay]

All.

[Narrator]

In the little kitchen of Sam Crawford's bakery, Kip was busy kneading the bread dough for the evening's baking.

[Kip Crawford]

Bet Pa be surprised when he comes back and finds I've got it already put in.

[Len Hackett]

Chip.

[Kip Crawford]

Pa. Where have you been? Everybody's been looking for you.

[Sam Crawford]

Yes. Yes, I know.

[Kip Crawford]

Pa, what's wrong?

[Sam Crawford]

Nothing. I just gotta sit down.

[Kip Crawford]

I guess you're hurt. I can see by the way your shirt. Pa, you've been shot.

[Sam Crawford]

Not bad, Kip. At least I don't think it is. Hope not.

[Kip Crawford]

I'll run and get Doc Sawyer. He'll be away.

[Sam Crawford]

Wait. Something I've got to tell you first.

[Kip Crawford]

What, Pa?

[Sam Crawford]

A long time ago, before your ma and me were married, I guess I was kind of a wild one. Hired out on the chuck wagon of a big cattle spread down South.

[Kip Crawford]

I'd better get the doctor.

[Sam Crawford]

No, wait. While I was working there, some of the cowpokes pulled a little rustling job. I was in on it. Things got hot, so we hightailed it. I came up here, got married, started this bakery.

[Kip Crawford]

Pa, you better let me.

[Sam Crawford]

Those men that were here yesterday, Kip. I worked with them down south. They were the ones who pulled that robbery with a fake stagecoach. The reason they got away with it was because I. I mean, they made me.

[Kip Crawford]

I know, Paul.

[Jay]

You.

[Kip Crawford]

You know, instead of going outside when you told me, I stayed behind the door and listened.

[Sam Crawford]

Then you know why. I had to put the bread out early, so everybody.

[Kip Crawford]

Sure, I know. And so does the sheriff. He was here hunting for you, but I didn't tell him a thing.

[Sam Crawford]

You're a good boy, Kip. Stay that way always, will you?

[Kip Crawford]

Why, sure, Pa.

[Sam Crawford]

But,

[Kip Crawford]

Pa. Pa. Gene willock and. Say, pa. Who is it? A masked man. Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Your name's Kip Crawford? Yes, I've heard about you. I didn't think that Kip Crawford was a boy who cried very much.

[Kip Crawford]

You'd cry, too, if your PA just died. The best Pa in the world.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, excuse me, Kip. I didn't see. I understand. Here, let me see.

[Kip Crawford]

They shot him. The men who drove a fake stagecoach this afternoon. They fooled the sheriff and got away with a lot of money.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did your father get into it?

[Kip Crawford]

He made him do it. They knew Pa always put the fresh bread in the window every afternoon at 3:00'. Clock. But they made him put it in early. So everybody think it was time for the regular stage.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. But how did your father get you?

[Kip Crawford]

I went after him because he was the first one who realized what had happened. They caught him. He must have got shot getting away.

[Len Hackett]

That's right. First one of you the moves will get. Lead us back. Reach.

[Kip Crawford]

What the.

[The Lone Ranger]

Behind us.

[Len Hackett]

Kip. You're dealt going right now. You ain't taking a chance.

[Kip Crawford]

You coyote. You killed my paw.

[Len Hackett]

Now you shut up around. Knock you down too.

[Jay]

What are you doing? No, you don't.

[Len Hackett]

Jay. What is it?

[Jay]

Get in there.

[Sam Crawford]

Go on.

[Jay]

Step along fast.

[Len Hackett]

Hey, where'd you find the redskin?

[Jay]

They're starting to come after you. He's the one we seen before. I thought he was harmless. Must be this mask. Could his friend.

[Len Hackett]

Well, looks like we got plenty to do.

[Jay]

What about Sam?

[Len Hackett]

Well, he's done. But the kid here knows all about us.

[Jay]

It's too bad for him.

[Len Hackett]

Hold on, you gun crazy fool. You want the whole town to hear?

[Jay]

What do we got to do?

[Len Hackett]

Move them. Take them to our camp.

[Kip Crawford]

You won't take me.

[Len Hackett]

I'll gag the kid. Now he's a fighting kid. You ain't so strong I can't handle you.

[Jay]

Don't you make a move.

[Len Hackett]

It's candy you will not get.

[Jay]

Oh, we'll see. Pick up the jump of the mask. Put him outside and put him on his horse. You got the kid all gag tagged?

[Len Hackett]

Sure. Let's get out of here. Now, with these two gone, the sheriff will figure they're the thieves. And they got Sam so they wouldn't have to split. Where we take him, Our camp's good as anywhere. Put that on Brain. His horse. Redskin Jay, you see these hog tied while you're out to take his guns. Him ride this horse. That white one's yours. No white horse, not mine.

[Jay]

Where is yours? This is Sam's.

[Len Hackett]

Me ride horse down yonder. You won't see it.

[Jay]

Well, get it. Don't waste no time. I suppose you left it over there so we wouldn't hear you. I'll go with you. Just to make dead sure you don't sound to alarm.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger recovered consciousness to find himself tied and riding the paint horse that belonged to Tonto. Tonto rode beside him with Kip on the other side. Hard voices came from the darkness and back.

[Jay]

Let's keep going straight ahead. We'll tell you where to make a change in direction.

[Len Hackett]

You with a mask. You conscious yet?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Len Hackett]

That's too bad. Cause you got that much more time to worry about. What we aim to do with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I won't worry about that.

[Len Hackett]

Oh, you won't, eh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Worry won't help.

[Sam Crawford]

I don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

What about Silver? Me leave him behind.

[Len Hackett]

You know what horse you ride?

[The Lone Ranger]

Of course.

[Len Hackett]

This is Cup.

[Narrator]

You know what horse Tono rides?

[Jay]

What are you talking about?

[The Lone Ranger]

The secret secrets. Another horse, Tono. But I don't understand.

[Sam Crawford]

Maybe a fetch help.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I see. Good for you, Tono. Now, which of those men has my guns?

[Sam Crawford]

Fellow named Jay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jay?

[Jay]

What do you want?

[The Lone Ranger]

How much farther?

[Jay]

You'll be told when we arrive. Now turn around and keep your face in the front.

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't the sheriff follow our trail?

[Sam Crawford]

He tear bits of paper all a long way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Haven't those two noticed you?

[Len Hackett]

No.

[Sam Crawford]

Be plenty careful and not notice out of.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you hear something?

[Sam Crawford]

Ah, horse come this way.

[Len Hackett]

Me hear it.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's what I thought. Be ready. Are your hands tied?

[Narrator]

No.

[Sam Crawford]

Get him loose.

[Len Hackett]

Listen. Shove over into the trees and rain up. Someone's coming. We'll let them pass. Oh, there city, city boy.

[Jay]

Now listen, if you make a move, I'll let you have it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who's coming?

[Jay]

I don't know, but keep still.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sevy, don't you suppose it might be the sheriff and his men?

[Jay]

If it is, we'll come right to you.

[Len Hackett]

A.J. look over yonder. You can see in the moonlight. It is the sheriff.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Oh, hello. He's kill him. Tell him from saddle. Is it for you? For you Shoot him. Heck and I drop my gun. Oh, that way. Unless it's us.

[Narrator]

Drop that.

[Jay]

Oh, my arm.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take those two.

[Sheriff Jeb]

I got you all covered.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take the gag from that boy. His father was murdered by those two glory beers.

[Sheriff Jeb]

The masked man. The redskin got your last, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Those are the ones you want.

[Len Hackett]

Kip Crawford will tell you the truth.

[Narrator]

Ah, Kip.

[Len Hackett]

Now you can talk.

[Kip Crawford]

Hankett and Jay robbed the stage. They killed my dad.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Stole my horse. Huh? You've got a plenty to account for.

[Len Hackett]

Toddle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Remembered something you said, Sheriff. You proved that you considered a horse thief the worst of cooks.

[Len Hackett]

Ah, me know you follow horse. That why me take your horse, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

He left a trail of torn paper for you.

[Jay]

You done that. Hell get you for that you get

[Len Hackett]

nobody nap or blow. You give Lone Ranger.

[Sheriff Jeb]

The Lone Ranger. Great day, Jeb. You heard that?

[Sam Crawford]

That's it, Sheriff.

[Len Hackett]

That accounts for the white horse that's been following us.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Here, Silvery. Here, boy. Cut that rope loose his hands. Jerry. Hear me?

[Len Hackett]

Happy and cut.

[Sheriff Jeb]

You must be named Tonto.

[Len Hackett]

Me Tonto?

[Sheriff Jeb]

Why in Tucker, didn't you say who you was?

[Sam Crawford]

Great Scott. No wonder you got away from us. The Lone Ranger.

[Len Hackett]

To think I figured on guarding you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady there, Silver. Be good to be riding you again. Easy, Sheriff. You take care of Kip.

[Sheriff Jeb]

Kip. Glad I clean forgot you. Dog gone it. You've got a big job now.

[Kip Crawford]

Yeah, I know. I've got to take my pop's place.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Tom 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.