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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
Dan Frisbee
Silver boy.
Narrator
Fiery horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust and the hearty hi o silver the lone ranger.
Grandma Frisbee
Foreign.
Katie Duke
Hi, I'm Katie Duke and I've been a nurse for over 20 years. Listen, I used to think that I was my most stylish in my 20s, but honestly, style and confidence only get better with age. And that is why I love figs. These scrubs are beautiful, comfortable, and they are built to last. They're not those boxy, scratchy uniforms that we all started out in. No, no, no. These fit perfectly. They feel amazing, and the quality is just wow. My favorite color? Burgundy. It's chic, it's timeless, and it's even the same color as my apartment because I'm kind of obsessed with it. And I love adding custom embroidery to make my scrubs as personal as my style. And since I work in telehealth, my embroidered figs even double as my ID badge. It's never too late to reinvent yourself or your scrubs. Get 15% off your first order at wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX. That's wherefigs.com code FIGSRX for 15% off your first order.
Narrator
With his faithful Indian companion, Tuttle, 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.
Greg
Come on, Silver. We're heading for the north country house. Silver hoy.
Narrator
High in the mountains were their precious deposits of copper. Just south of the Canadian border. Wind lashed fine biting crystals of snow against the windows of a shack that sheltered several hard faced men.
Snake Anson
Don't ask me what Greg is doing. Just wait and find out. The same as I've got to do.
Fenner
You sure you ain't holding out on a snake? You and Greg have been pretty thick for the past couple of weeks.
Snake Anson
I ain't holding out on anybody.
Fenner
Don't try it, that's all.
Snake Anson
Shut up. Stop your haglin. Wait and see what he's got in his mind. He's fixing something to show us.
Fenner
He can show us a way to get the Martin mine. I'm for him. Hot weather man or not.
Snake Anson
He's taking a mighty long time in that other room.
Mud
Hey.
Fenner
Who?
Narrator
What?
Fenner
Get your hands up. Heist him.
Greg
Mast.
Snake Anson
Stand where you are.
Katie Duke
Don't move.
Fenner
Don't reach for them guns.
Mud
Take it easy, you glutes. Put away the hardware and relax.
Snake Anson
That's Greg.
Fenner
What's the idea?
Mud
Why the mask, boys? I told you I'd come up with a plan. The good one.
Greg
You see.
Mud
Outfit is part of it. But the most important part tell me this. Have any of you critters ever heard of the Lone Ranger?
Greg
No.
Mud
What about it?
Fenner
Ranger? What's he, a Texas Ranger? This ain't Texas.
Snake Anson
Seems I've heard of him.
Mud
Nothing much though you'll hear plenty about him if you'd go south of Badlands. Ain't a man, woman or kid down there that ain't heard of a Lone Ranger. Wears two guns like these. White hat and a mask.
Snake Anson
Is he a wrestler?
Mud
Wrestler my eye.
Snake Anson
What is he?
Mud
Well, he's just about the biggest headache there is for men that have to step outside the law. He's the one who smashed my gang. If it wasn't for him, I'd be down where it's warm instead of up in these freezing mountains.
Fenner
Is he after you?
Mud
I guess I've shook him. The point is this. We want something Mr. Martin has got. Well, now, you boys know that youngster that's friendly with Martin?
Snake Anson
Dan?
Greg
Yeah.
Fenner
You mean that fellow that lives with the old woman?
Mud
Yeah, she's his grandma or something. Her name's Frisbee. Anyhow, the kid has heard stories about the Lone Ranger. This grandma Frisbee tells him the kid thinks that whatever the Lone Ranger ever did was just right. Here's the point. Dan has plenty of information about Martin. He's worked for Martin once in a while, doing odd jobs and things. Martin thinks a heap of them.
Snake Anson
Get to the point, Greg. What's that to do with your get up?
Mud
How do you think Dan would act if he was to come face to face with the Lone Ranger?
Snake Anson
I begin to savvy.
Mud
Wouldn't he break his neck to do anything, the Lone Ranger?
Snake Anson
Ask him why, darn it, but he would.
Mud
And with him knowing Martin so well, ain't there possibilities in my scheme?
Snake Anson
Possibilities is right. Plenty of possibilities.
Grandma Frisbee
I declare, Dan, this is gonna be a night that ain't fit for man or beast. You don't have to go to Mr. Martin's office tonight, do you?
Dan Frisbee
Nope. Said I better stay home to see if the fireplace is kept well filled.
Grandma Frisbee
What's that you doing?
Dan Frisbee
Just carving something out of this hunk of wood. It's cowboy's head, see?
Grandma Frisbee
Oh, is that a mask you've shown over the eyes?
Dan Frisbee
You spotted it, eh, Graham?
Grandma Frisbee
Is that a Lone Ranger?
Dan Frisbee
No, I never said it was.
Grandma Frisbee
Oh, you never said. You needn't say. I've been able to read your face ever since you was knee high to a pup. And there's a special look you always get when you're thinking about that masked man.
Dan Frisbee
Gee, I wonder if I'll ever have a chance to go to the Southwest where he is.
Grandma Frisbee
You wonder if you'll ever have the chance. Well, why won't you have the chance, son? There's a chance for anyone to do anything if he makes it.
Dan Frisbee
Suppose there's a chance the Lone Ranger will ever come up into this high border country.
Grandma Frisbee
Now, what gave you that idea?
Dan Frisbee
He never has, has he, Graham?
Grandma Frisbee
No. That's why hardly anyone around here knows much about him.
Dan Frisbee
Just wondering. Guess I better put another log in the fire.
Grandma Frisbee
What's on your mind, laddie?
Dan Frisbee
Nothing in particular.
Grandma Frisbee
You were asking about the Lone Ranger coming up here.
Dan Frisbee
Well, there's a lot he could do. Mr. Martin said there were a lot of outlaws around here. He has to be awful careful who he hires for his copper mine.
Grandma Frisbee
Well, I suppose bad men from all over come here because the border's so handy. They can get out of the country if the law gets too close to them.
Dan Frisbee
I guess so.
Grandma Frisbee
Oh, sakes alive. Now, who'd be out on a night like this?
Dan Frisbee
I'll go see.
Mud
Howdy mast. Mind if I step in out of the wind?
Grandma Frisbee
Do the talking inside. That wind's bad.
Mud
Thanks. Sure is a fierce night.
Narrator
Ma', am.
Grandma Frisbee
We were just saying that a lot of outlaws head for this high border country. But you're the first one that was brazen enough to wear his mask.
Greg
Me?
Mud
An outlaw? That's a good one. Maybe you never heard of me. I'm called the Lone Ranger.
Fenner
You?
Grandma Frisbee
The Lone Ranger?
Fenner
Sure.
Mud
If you was down in the south country, you'd have heard of me.
Grandma Frisbee
Well, now, who says we haven't heard of the Lone Ranger?
Dan Frisbee
Germany. We've heard about you, mister, but I never thought I'd set eye on you. Well, sit down. Here, take this chair.
Mud
Thanks. I've had a hard trip. Mighty hard. Then I won't mind if I can do some good up here.
Grandma Frisbee
Is there something we can do for you?
Mud
Well, ma', am, I wouldn't like to intrude on you, but I sure need a place to spend the night.
Grandma Frisbee
We've got an extra room.
Dan Frisbee
You mean you're gonna stay here?
Greg
Why not?
Mud
I'm a democratic sort of hombre. My fame hasn't gone to my head none. Oh, maybe if you care to listen, I could spin a couple of yarns about my adventures in the South. Take the time, for instance. Me and my horse busted up a smugman outfit.
Narrator
For an hour, Greg, posing as the Lone Ranger, told fabulous stories of his personal achievement. Then he was shown a room in which he was to sleep. Dan's face was sober as he went to say goodnight to Grandma.
Dan Frisbee
I'll be up early in the morning, Graham.
Grandma Frisbee
What's the matter, lad?
Fenner
Nothing.
Grandma Frisbee
I suppose you feel somewhat let down.
Dan Frisbee
Well, he's different than I thought.
Grandma Frisbee
Mm.
Dan Frisbee
But I suppose he wasn't boasting. People from the south may have a different style about him.
Grandma Frisbee
Maybe so.
Dan Frisbee
Chances are he thought the things he told about were, well, pretty ordinary adventures. He probably didn't sound like bragging to him.
Grandma Frisbee
You're trying hard to be fair, Dan. I suppose you had the Lone Ranger pictured as a lot different. That's usually the way. You probably thought of him as a white knight following the search for the Holy Grail. After all, Dan, even the Lone Ranger's just a flesh and blood human.
Dan Frisbee
Sure, sure.
Fenner
That's it.
Dan Frisbee
I suppose the knights at the Round Table have seemed different than we picture them. Anyway, he must be a great man. I'm just hoping I can help him in anything he wants to do.
Narrator
The following morning, Dan's spirits rose to a high point when the masked man outlined a plan and asked Dan to help. He whistled cheerily as he made his way across the crisp, fresh snow to Mr. Martin's office.
Dan Frisbee
Yes, sir, he is all right. Not many men would do the sort of thing he's planning. And even if they did, I'll bet they'd want the credit for it.
Greg
Well, good morning, dan.
Dan Frisbee
Good morning, Mr. Martin.
Greg
I didn't look for you today, Dan. Did I tell you I'd have some work for you?
Dan Frisbee
No, sir.
Greg
I hope he didn't come to tell me your grandma ain't well?
Mud
No, sir.
Dan Frisbee
She's all right.
Snake Anson
Good.
Dan Frisbee
Mr. Martin, I came here today because I want to talk business with you.
Greg
Business? Well, son, set yourself right down.
Snake Anson
Yes, sir.
Greg
Set yourself down.
Dan Frisbee
Mr. Martin, you own a small piece of land on the elbow of Cane Creek.
Greg
I reckon so. I guess I bought it once to
Dan Frisbee
help a squatter get a stake to go back east. Would you sell it for $100 cash?
Grandma Frisbee
Sell it?
Dan Frisbee
You own it. Well, it isn't for me, Mr. Martin, that is. Well, someone else wants to buy it.
Greg
Land's no good.
Dan Frisbee
Well, Mr. Martin, here's the whole point. There's water there. If something happened to you and someone else got the land, I got the
Greg
kid all fixed up.
Mud
Snake. So you'll convince Martin that he's got to keep it a secret who he's buying that land for.
Snake Anson
Won't the Kid tell Martin he's buying it for the Lone Ranger?
Greg
Oh, no.
Mud
I made him swear he wouldn't tell who he was representing.
Snake Anson
You think the kid swallowed your story?
Mud
Sure he did. I told him that I wanted to get the land to make sure that the folks that settled there in the future wouldn't lose the water rights. He fell for it. He thinks I'm doing a great thing for humanity. Me, the Lone Ranger.
Snake Anson
I still don't see what good it'll do to have that worthless land.
Mud
It'll get a deed to it signed by Martin.
Snake Anson
Sure, but what good?
Mud
I wrote up the paper myself and I fixed it so's we can change the Wording of it instead of being a deed to that Elbow land. When we're done with it, it'll be a deed to the Martin Copper mine.
Snake Anson
Greg, I take my hat off to you. That's the slickest scheme I ever heard of. Yes, sir, that sure is one doggone slick scheme.
Greg
You are underage, Dan, So all you can do in this deal is act as the messenger.
Dan Frisbee
Yes, sir, I know that. I sure appreciate this, Mr. Martin.
Greg
All right, Dan. I'd ask more questions about this mysterious friend of yours, but you said you'd given him your word. Well, there's the paper all signed. I'll have my clerk witness it.
Narrator
Greg got what he wanted through Dan and for the next few days held many conferences with Snake Anson. Conferences to which Mudd and Fenner were not invited. The two resented their exclusion.
Fenner
I ain't no fool, Fenner. I know what those two are up to.
Mud
Oh, you do, huh? Well, Mud, what's your idea? I got notions of my own.
Fenner
You have, huh? I bet they're the same as mine.
Mud
Greg and Snake are aiming to freeze
Fenner
us out of the deal. That's just the way I figured.
Mud
It's plain as day, Mud.
Fenner
Before Greg got here, we got along
Mud
all right with Snake. Now Snake has thrown us over.
Fenner
Right. And I don't like it. I don't aim to stand for it.
Mud
Me neither.
Fenner
Greg is in our way. When a man's in my way, I get rid of him. He planned to go to Grandma Frisby's place tonight. Now, when he goes there, he circles the town to come up with a mask on from the direction of the woods. We can ambush the rat if we wait there.
Mud
Comfort. Let's get Greg tonight.
Narrator
While Mud and Fenner waited in ambush, a masked man rode toward them through the woods. This masked man was not the schemer, Greg. He was a Lone Ranger, travel worn and near exhaustion. As was the Indian named Totta at his side. Their trip had started months ago in Texas, had crossed the narrow strip of Oklahoma.
Greg
We pledged ourselves to capture Greg.
Narrator
Yes, the masked man's pledge. But Greg had traveled far. There were days and days of discouraging defeat of lost trails and then a slender clue to take them to Dodge City in Kansas, then to Kearney in Nebraska. These were days of scorching sun with nights of bitter cold that sapped men's strength and tried their courage.
Greg
We pledged ourselves to capture Greg.
Narrator
Nebraska was behind the Lone Ranger and Tottle. The unknown lands of Wyoming stretched out endlessly ahead. The torches of grim wilderness would have made an animal give up the trail. But the masked man and tottle pushed on with adherence to a purpose that gives strong men the right to dominate and rule and the right to govern the lesser living creatures we pledged ourselves to capture. Craig, Wyoming kissed Montana. Then the hills and mountains. The high border country with the end of the journey in sight. The end one way or the other.
Greg
Other. This is the first time we've been in the North
Narrator
Lights.
Mud
A town ahead.
Greg
Yes. If Greg isn't there, we've lost him. He'll cross the border into Canada. We can't go. After.
Narrator
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.
Katie Duke
Hi, I'm Katie Duke, and I've been a nurse for over 20 years. Listen, I used to think that I was my most stylish in my 20s, but honestly, style and confidence only get better with age. And that is why I love figs. These scrubs are beautiful, comfortable, and they are built to last. They're not those boxy, scratchy uniforms that we all started out in. No, no, no. These fit perfectly. They feel amazing, and the quality is just.
Dan Frisbee
Wow.
Katie Duke
My favorite color, burgundy. It's chic, it's timeless, and it's even the same color as my apartment because I'm kind of obsessed with it. And I love adding custom embroidery to make my scrubs as personal as my style. And since I work in telehealth, my embroidered figs even double as my ID badge. It's never too late to reinvent yourself or your scrubs. Get 15% off your first order at wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX. That's wearfigs.com code FIGSRX for 15% off your first order.
Snake Anson
Sam.
Narrator
Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger and Tonto were riding Silver and Scout high in the border country on the trail of an outlaw known as Greg. But at this moment, their progress was watched intently by two shady characters known as Fenner and Mud Fenner.
Fenner
Someone is coming out of the woods over yonder. See him? Yeah.
Mud
Two of them.
Fenner
I wonder who Greg's got with him.
Mud
You take one, I'll take the other. Maybe Snake is one of them.
Fenner
Should we let him get close enough to make sure who they are? One horse is white, and I think it is.
Mud
Couldn't be anyone but Greg. Now get ready.
Greg
We wouldn't have come on this long trip, Tonto. We hadn't given our word to that dying man that we'd get Greg. I Think of the way he rode to that appointment without suspecting that Greg was waiting in ambush. Rifle cocked, aimed at his Harley. Hello. Oh, I got one of them. Get the other this time, Kimo sabe. Come on, Sylvie. Surrender or you got some more. Give him up, Scout. No, no.
Fenner
Don't shoot. Don't shoot again.
Greg
Hand up, both of you.
Fenner
Great Caesar's ghost. It ain't Greg.
Greg
Greg.
Dan Frisbee
Hollow.
Greg
Did you hear that? Huh?
Dan Frisbee
Me here.
Greg
Steady, big fella. One of you fired a shot that grazed my horse.
Fenner
Wait. Listen, mister. Let me explain.
Greg
Take a look at Silver Tahoe.
Dan Frisbee
Tell me.
Mud
Keep dropping these two.
Greg
They won't start anything. See if Silver's badly hurt.
Fenner
It was a mistake. We thought you were someone else.
Greg
You said Greg?
Fenner
Yes. That's who he was waiting for.
Greg
What does Greg look like?
Fenner
He's tall and lean, hipped. And he's been posing as a Lone Ranger.
Greg
What?
Mud
That's how we made the mistake. He's been wearing a mask.
Narrator
Even got himself a white horse and
Mud
tried to call it Silver.
Fenner
Hey, that was what you called your horse.
Mud
Let's shoot him. Taking our rifle clean out of our hands while sitting astride a horse.
Fenner
Fenner, maybe this.
Greg
I'll deal with you two in a minute. How about that wound, Tyler? It only scratch Silver, not hurt Good. I had to race you, old fellow, or they could fire a second time. I wasn't sure I got their rifles.
Fenner
Look at here, mister.
Greg
Why were you waiting for Greg?
Fenner
It's a mighty long story.
Greg
Tell me.
Fenner
You mean we're to stand here in the wind and tell you the whole thing?
Greg
The sooner you start, the better.
Mud
I'm down if I will talk.
Fenner
All right. Greg is up to something. Him and Snake Anson figured on finishing up their business deal tonight. Greg should have been by here by this time. Maybe he changed his plans, I don't know. But I do know that he figured on concluding the business tonight posing as the Lone Ranger.
Snake Anson
See, Dan, the Lone Ranger sent me for you. He said to tell you was mighty urgent.
Dan Frisbee
I don't know why he'd sent for you.
Grandma Frisbee
Neither do I. Snake Hanson, you're not worth a hoot. You never was and you never will be. And I'm hanged if I trust you.
Snake Anson
Well, suit yourself. I brought you the message. That's all I can tell. I suppose the masked man didn't have time to investigate the reputation of the man he sent for the message.
Dan Frisbee
I'll go to Mr. Martin, Grandma. If he thinks we should go meet the Lone Ranger, it'll be all right.
Katie Duke
Very well.
Grandma Frisbee
Then whatever Mr. Martin says, I'll be
Dan Frisbee
back as soon as I can.
Grandma Frisbee
Well, bundle up good. It's getting bitter cold. I will.
Dan Frisbee
Are you sure you'll be warm enough?
Grandma Frisbee
Sakes alive, of course I will. The way you keep the wood piled on the fire is a caution. Well, what are you waiting for? Snake Hansen. You've delivered the message?
Snake Anson
Yes, I'm leaving.
Dan Frisbee
Bye, Graham.
Grandma Frisbee
Bye. Wish I could shake off the feeling I got. There's something about that there Lone Ranger. Something about it.
Fenner
So he wants you and me to
Greg
go to him, Dan, eh?
Dan Frisbee
I hated to ask you, Mr. Martin, but he said that now it'd be all right to tell you who he was and why he was buying that land and everything.
Greg
Lone Ranger. At last you've met him face to face.
Dan Frisbee
It's up to you, Mr. Martin, if you don't want to go out on a night like this.
Greg
It's all weather. Never stop me, Dan.
Dan Frisbee
Oh, and he wanted your clerk, too. I don't know why. I can't figure it out unless he's in real trouble. Maybe he's hurt. Maybe he's been wounded or something.
Greg
Son, what do you think we should do?
Dan Frisbee
I don't know.
Greg
What's your grandma say?
Dan Frisbee
Well, she said you'd know best.
Greg
Hang it all. We're going. If we don't, we might wish we had.
Dan Frisbee
Your clerk is supposed to.
Greg
I'll get him.
Snake Anson
Great. They're coming.
Mud
I told you they would.
Snake Anson
The kid Martin and the clerk that works for Martin. I watched till I saw him start out from the clerks. I'll be here in a minute.
Mud
Good enough. You keep out of sight.
Greg
I need you.
Mud
Those three have got to die. But it's got to look like an accident. Well, it'll look like an accident. The three of them will die.
Dan Frisbee
Here's the shack, Mr. Martin.
Greg
Come in. Why, that's.
Dan Frisbee
That's the man.
Mud
Come right in. Glad you got here. The wind party.
Dan Frisbee
It wasn't bad.
Greg
Who are you? Me?
Mud
The kid told you I'm the one that's called the Lone Ranger. Right down here by the fire and get warmed up.
Greg
You say you're the Lone Ranger? Sure.
Mud
What's the matter? Don't you believe me?
Greg
You sound a mighty lot like someone I've known right here in town.
Mud
Yeah.
Greg
Let me see your right hand, Mr. Martin.
Mud
He tried to hide his hand, but not quick enough.
Fenner
Mr. Martin. He has the tattoo mark.
Mud
This man's name is Greg.
Grandma Frisbee
What?
Mud
Get your hands up.
Snake Anson
You heard him. And back in his place. Snake.
Greg
Handsome Snake. So you're Greg.
Fenner
Damn.
Greg
This man's no more the Lone Ranger than I am.
Dan Frisbee
He isn't.
Narrator
No, he isn't.
Mud
See if they got guns, Snake. Right, keep facing this way and keep those hands high.
Greg
What's your game, Greg?
Mud
You're a smart man, Martin. Built yourself a big thing from being smart. But you weren't so smart when you sold it.
Narrator
Get to the point.
Snake Anson
Hey. Darned.
Greg
What did I sell out of that Elbow Land? That's worthless.
Mud
You didn't sell the Elbow Land, Martin. You sold your copper holdings.
Greg
That's a lie.
Dan Frisbee
It was the Elbow Land.
Mud
Get ropes on these three, Snake. Can't take chances with them.
Snake Anson
I'll have a rope in no time.
Mud
The time we got finished with that bill of sale, Martin, it read a lot different than it did when you signed it.
Greg
So that's it.
Mud
When I went to record it, the man, the Orbis, wondered if you'd really sold out for two, $20,000 cash, like the paper said he was going to ask you about it. You can blame him for what will happen to you three.
Greg
Murder, eh?
Mud
I can't take a chance on having you deny the sale, can I? I reckon you'd have an easy enough time telling what you really sold with this kid and the gent there that witness the signature to back you up.
Greg
Oh, God.
Snake Anson
Shut up a little while. The rope won't hurt your wrist.
Dan Frisbee
I should have known better. Should have trusted my first feeling. Oh, Mr. Martin, this is all my fault. Look here, Mr. Gregg, let Mr. Martin go. Let him go and keep the clerk and me.
Mud
Now that wouldn't be fair.
Dan Frisbee
Oh, if Mr. Martin's alone, it'll be his word against yours. There's no need to murder him. He's my.
Greg
Save your breath, Dan.
Snake Anson
And still while I rope you.
Dan Frisbee
Not while I. Hey, you little.
Greg
Stop that.
Dan Frisbee
You ornery crooks. Let me go.
Mud
You make one more play like that and I'll shoot Martin before your eyes.
Dan Frisbee
I'd give my life to get you and Mr. Pottle out of this.
Greg
You trusted a man. You thought you had reason to trust
Dan Frisbee
Dan and you trusted me. You'd never have gone into a business deal like this without even seeing a man if I hadn't asked you to.
Greg
Don't blame yourself.
Mud
No time to cheers. Front of the fire and we'll leave
Narrator
him for a little while.
Mud
Let him try to figure out what's going to happen to him. How long we've been watching the place sneak?
Snake Anson
About 10 minutes here.
Mud
The candle I fixed should have burned down by this time. As soon as it hits the fuse, the potter will let go. This rain will be blown to kingdom come. All we got to do is make sure no one can tell they was roped. Who is it to say it wasn't an ex?
Snake Anson
Greg, look. Someone. Two men heading for the shack. You see him?
Greg
Yeah.
Mud
Well, that's their tough luck.
Greg
The trail leads to this house. Toto. So you're back.
Dan Frisbee
That's not Greg. What?
Fenner
Not Greg, the Indian.
Dan Frisbee
It's Toto. It's the real Lone Ranger.
Greg
Tado, cut those ropes.
Dan Frisbee
He's here. He did. Come, Mr. Martin. He'll fix everything.
Greg
Your name is Dan?
Dan Frisbee
Yes.
Greg
Get the others. Toto. I'll release Dan.
Mud
Hurry. The others will be back.
Greg
Silver will warn us. What's the matter?
Snake Anson
Wait.
Mud
You say your name? Dan?
Dan Frisbee
Yes.
Greg
Here, let me rub your wrist where the ropes were tied. What's your last name?
Dan Frisbee
Dan Frisbee.
Greg
Oh, Dan Frisbee.
Dan Frisbee
Somehow felt you'd come here. I wondered what was wrong about the other one. But I know you're the Lone Ranger. I don't know what brought you here.
Greg
Two men tried to shoot us. We went to Mrs. Frisby's and she said Dan went somewhere with Mr. Martin. She didn't know where. But we followed your tracks.
Dan Frisbee
Greg's the one that posed as a Lone Ranger. He aims to swindle Mr. Martin out of his copper mine and kill you three.
Greg
Yes. He'll be coming back. He and Snake. Anson. Why did they leave? I don't know. Otto and I saw the tracks going away from here. They headed for a little gully.
Dan Frisbee
I smell smoke.
Greg
Smoke? Maybe they were planning to set fire to the cabin.
Mud
It come from that room.
Dan Frisbee
Smells like the smoke from the fuse Mr. Martin uses and blast them their candle.
Mud
It light fumes black. Tado.
Grandma Frisbee
Wow.
Dan Frisbee
Did you see that gun come out?
Greg
What did you do? A lucky shot. I nipped the fuse here.
Narrator
Here.
Mud
Kind of blasting powder.
Greg
So that was their scheme. Now, wait here, Toto. I'm going after them. Graham.
Dan Frisbee
You should have seen a wave went out after those crooks. He's the real Lone Ranger. I never saw anything to equal him. He looked at me and I looked right into his eyes. I never saw eyes like his before.
Grandma Frisbee
Oh, Dan. Dan. If he hadn't shown up, you'd be dead by now.
Dan Frisbee
So had Mr. Martin and his clerk. There was something. I wonder why he and Tanner were so curious about me. They didn't look at Mr. Martin at. Wait. I'll see who's there
Greg
then. May I come in?
Dan Frisbee
Graham. Graham is here.
Greg
Greg's. Been captured. Dan. Snake. Anson got away. I. I thought you'd want to know about it.
Dan Frisbee
Yes, sir. Thanks. Thanks for everything.
Greg
Thanks aren't necessary. Dan.
Grandma Frisbee
I don't suppose you'd sit down for a little while. I'd like to fix you something to eat.
Greg
Thank you, Mrs. Frisbee. I'd like to sit down. You see, I want a chance to talk to Dan.
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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Fenner
Ra.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: July 22, 2026
Original Airdate: December 14, 1942
In this classic Lone Ranger radio drama, "Heading North," listeners are transported to the high border country near Canada, where nefarious outlaws scheme to steal a valuable copper mine from its rightful owner, Martin, through trickery and impersonation. The legendary Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto, travel far from their usual southwestern haunts to right these wrongs, resulting in suspenseful confrontations, clever deception, and a triumphant finale. This enhanced, digitally restored episode exemplifies Golden Age radio storytelling, rich in character, adventure, and moral lessons.
Notable Quote:
“Have any of you critters ever heard of the Lone Ranger? ... Ain't a man, woman or kid down there that ain't heard of him. Wears two guns like these. White hat and a mask.”
— Mud, explaining the Lone Ranger’s legend to the gang (06:17)
Notable Quote:
“Gee, I wonder if I'll ever have a chance to go to the Southwest where he is.”
— Dan to Grandma Frisbee, sharing his longing to meet the Lone Ranger (08:40)
Notable Quote:
“We wouldn't have come on this long trip, Tonto. We hadn't given our word to that dying man that we'd get Greg.”
— The Lone Ranger, on the depth of their pledge (20:24)
Memorable Moment:
“I nipped the fuse... So that was their scheme.”
— The Lone Ranger, after saving everyone from the blast (29:42)
Notable Quote:
“I never saw anything to equal him. He looked at me and I looked right into his eyes. I never saw eyes like his before.”
— Dan, awestruck by his meeting with the real Lone Ranger (30:19)
| Time | Segment | |----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 01:57 | Opening theme; call to adventure, "The Lone Ranger" | | 05:23 | Outlaws discuss their plans in the northern mountains | | 08:15 | Dan carves a Lone Ranger figurine; talks with Grandma | | 10:02 | Greg, as Lone Ranger, arrives at Frisbee cabin | | 12:14 | Greg manipulates Dan to deliver deed to Martin | | 14:06 | Outlaws reveal they're altering deed to steal mine | | 16:33 | Lone Ranger and Tonto’s arduous journey detailed | | 19:41 | Ambush in the woods; Fenner and Mud mistaken identity | | 22:33 | Snake Anson lures Dan and Martin to cabin for ambush | | 25:22 | The imposture unravels; heroes are tied up | | 29:33 | The real Lone Ranger disarms the deadly trap | | 30:06 | Dan reflects on meeting the Lone Ranger | | 30:40 | Aftermath; Greg captured, Snake Anson escapes |
On Heroism:
“You probably thought of him as a white knight following the search for the Holy Grail. After all, Dan, even the Lone Ranger's just a flesh and blood human.”
— Grandma Frisbee on idealizing heroes (11:34)
On Trust and Betrayal:
“You trusted a man. You thought you had reason to trust Dan and you trusted me... you'd never have gone into a business deal like this without even seeing a man if I hadn't asked you to.”
— Martin, comforting Dan (27:18–27:21)
On Justice:
“We pledged ourselves to capture Greg.”
— The Lone Ranger, repeating his resolve (various; 16:33, 20:24)
The episode maintains a classic Western tone—brisk, direct, and colored with archetypal characters. Music cues, sound effects (wind, creaking doors, hooves, gunshots), and the earnest dialogue deliver a nostalgic, reverent homage to the morality-driven storytelling of the era.
"Heading North" is a sterling example of Old Time Radio drama: resourceful, suspenseful, and morally centered. The digitally restored audio deepens immersion, and the layered plot—outlaws, imposture, a daring rescue, and the power of belief—spotlights why The Lone Ranger remains an enduring figure of the American imagination.