Horse Thief Tracks | The Lone Ranger (04-25-52)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Horse Thief Tracks"

The Lone Ranger (Original Air Date: 04-25-52)
Podcast Episode Date: October 15, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

---

Episode Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored version of "Horse Thief Tracks" from The Lone Ranger radio series, immersing listeners in a classic tale of justice on the American frontier. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto embark on a mission to recover a stolen horse, but soon uncover a much larger plot involving cattle rustling, betrayal, and a deadly conspiracy targeting an unsuspecting ranch owner, Mr. Taggart. Themes of justice, deception, and the cooperation between cultures run through this fast-paced Western adventure.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Rescue of Sheriff Sam Kendall

• [03:33-06:46]
  • Sam Kendall, the sheriff, is found tied up near a campfire after being attacked by an unseen assailant. His horse is stolen.
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover him, offer aid, untie and revive him, and quickly deduce that the thief is traveling with a newly stolen horse.
  • Kendall is skeptical of the masked man at first:
    • “Mask? Reckon it's another outlaw.” — Sam Kendall ([04:36])
    • “I'm not an outlaw, Sheriff.” — The Lone Ranger ([04:39])

2. Tracking the Horse Thief & Meeting Tonto's Friends

• [06:54-09:24]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto follow the horse thief’s tracks through the forest.
  • They encounter Tonto’s friends, a group of Native Americans on a wild horse hunt, which momentarily distracts Tonto, but he decides to stay loyal to the Lone Ranger’s mission.
    • “Me stay with you. Catch horse, then maybe join friends in horse hunt.” — Tonto ([09:15])

3. Tension over Native Access to Land

• [10:37-12:26]
  • Tonto’s Indian friends attempt to set up for their wild horse hunt, but are confronted by Red Barton (the ranch foreman) and Taggart, who try to drive them away, blaming them for recent cattle thefts.
  • Taggart recognizes the land as open range, but Red persists in his bias and suspicion.
    • “We don’t want redskins around here, boss.” — Red Barton ([11:35])
    • “He’s right about that, Red. The mountainside is open range.” — Taggart ([11:32])

4. Discovery of the Rustler’s Hideout

• [13:10-14:30]
  • Tonto and the Lone Ranger trace the tracks to a canyon which opens onto a hidden basin, the perfect cover for stolen cattle.
  • They discover evidence of both the thief and a sizable rustling operation.

5. Eavesdropping on the Outlaws’ Plot

• [16:00-19:33]
  • Hiding above a cliff, the Lone Ranger and Tonto listen in as Red Barton and his men discuss their conspiracy:
    • Red’s group stole about 50 head of Taggart’s cattle.
    • Red intends to forge a will, murder Taggart, blame the crime on the Indians, and inherit the ranch.
      • “Such as taking over all the Taggart cattle and the ranch and buildings, the whole shebang. How’s that sound?” — Red ([17:35])
    • The outlaws decide to attack the ranch that very night.

6. Racing to Warn Taggart

• [19:42-23:28]
  • The Lone Ranger sends Tonto to gather the Indian horse hunters for backup while he goes straight to warn Taggart.
  • Taggart is defensive and skeptical of the masked man’s claims at first, but listens as the full plot is revealed.
    • “You talk in a mighty convincing style. But you can’t make me believe my friend Red would turn on me.” — Taggart ([22:37])
    • The Lone Ranger reveals his identity in a dramatic moment:
      • “Some people call me the Lone Ranger.” — The Lone Ranger ([23:28])

7. The Night Attack on Taggart’s Ranch

• [23:40-25:56]
  • Red and the rustlers arrive and open fire on the house, wounding Taggart.
  • The Lone Ranger organizes the defense, waiting for Tonto’s reinforcements.
  • Taggart realizes Red truly has betrayed him during the siege.
    • “Oh, those ornery pole cats. That double crossin’ foreman.” — Taggart ([25:16])
  • Tonto and the Indians arrive, turning the tide and overpowering the attackers.

8. Justice Served & Resolution

• [26:14-27:32]
  • Red Barton and the other outlaws are captured and tied up.
  • Taggart apologizes to Tonto and offers the Indians respect and open access to the land.
    • “You tell your friends to hunt anywhere they please.” — Taggart ([27:08])
  • The Lone Ranger sets off to summon the sheriff, leaving order restored.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I'm on the side of lawman, sheriff. And opposed to horse thieves.” — The Lone Ranger ([07:14])
• “You figure on murder?” — Bates ([18:18])
• “It’ll look like the work of Indians!” — Red ([18:21])
• “You outsmarted yourself, Red, when you tied up with a horse thief who was being trailed by the Lone Ranger.” — Taggart ([27:32])
• Taggart’s transformation from suspicion to gratitude is a highlight, as he warmly welcomes the Indians’ help by the close.

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue Sam Kendall | 03:33-06:46| | Encounter with Tonto’s friends and mission reprioritized| 07:59-09:24| | Indians and Taggart/Ranch Foreman dispute | 10:37-12:26| | Discovery of basin/cattle rustler hideout | 14:01-14:30| | Listening to outlaws’ murder plot | 16:00-19:33| | Lone Ranger warns Taggart, reveals identity | 19:42-23:28| | Night attack, defence, and the Indians’ arrival | 23:40-25:56| | Wrapping up: justice restored, Indian cooperation | 26:14-27:32|

---

Episode Tone and Style

The episode maintains the classic Western radio drama style: earnest, action-driven, and clear in its moral messages. Dialogue is brisk, characters speak plainly, and heroism and multicultural cooperation is ultimately celebrated despite initial biases and suspicion.

---

Final Thoughts

"Horse Thief Tracks" exemplifies the best of The Lone Ranger: sharp storytelling, strong characters, and a satisfying conclusion in which justice prevails and old prejudices are overcome. The restored audio brings the story vividly to life, ensuring a compelling listen for both nostalgic fans and new audiences.

---

Transcript

[Red Barton]

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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Red Barton]

It's.

[Narrator]

His faithful Indian companion, Totto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Silver.

[Red Barton]

Hooray.

[Narrator]

It was late at night when Sam Kendall left the ranch of a friend and headed south toward his home in Hawksville. He took a shortcut through a woods. Presently he saw a campfire and drew rain.

[Sam Kendall]

Might be someone I know camping here. Yeah. Have a look. See?

[Narrator]

Sam didn't see anyone near the fire. Neither did he see the man who sneaked from the sheltering trees and approached his back with an upraised gun.

[Sam Kendall]

There's a horse tied over there.

[Narrator]

The following morning found the Lone Ranger and Tottle riding through the same large forest. It was about one hour past daybreak when they heard a cry.

[Tonto]

Did you hear that tottle sound?

[Sam Kendall]

Like Piper.

[Red Barton]

Help.

[The Lone Ranger]

Help me. Help me over that way. Come on, Silver.

[Bates]

Get him up.

[Narrator]

Scout, the masked man rode in the direction of the sound with Tottle following. In a moment he came to a small clearing.

[Tonto]

Easy, Scout.

[Narrator]

Easy, fellow. A gray horse was tied to a tree and a man lay on the ground near the cold ashes of a campfire. The man's hands and feet were tied. He wore the star shaped badge of a lawman.

[Tonto]

He must have a him. Lawman?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Get a canteen, Toto. I'll cut the ropes.

[Sam Kendall]

Mask. Ray Gun's another outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not an outlaw, Sheriff.

[Sam Kendall]

And I don't care who you are. Just cut me free and I'll be mighty obliged.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who tied you?

[Sam Kendall]

And I don't know. I didn't see the poor kid.

[The Lone Ranger]

There, your feet are free. Now for the wrist.

[Sam Kendall]

The critter who tied me stole my horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

For that bite?

[Sam Kendall]

Jupiter, he'll hang.

[The Lone Ranger]

Doesn't the gray horse belong to you? Oh, no. There, your hands are free.

[Narrator]

Here, water.

[Sam Kendall]

Gosh, my hands are numb. No feeling in them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold the canteen for him.

[Tonto]

Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll rub his hands to restore the circulation. Then examine the grey horse, Toto. See if there's a mark of identification.

[Sam Kendall]

Oh, thanks. It'll do for now.

[Tonto]

Maybe me. Fine brand on horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

Would you care to tell me what happened, Sheriff?

[Sam Kendall]

I don't know why you'd be interested, mister, but you've done a friendly deed.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd like to hear the story.

[Sam Kendall]

Well, there's not much to tell. I was on my way to Hawksville. That's where I live.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you must be Sam Kendall.

[Sam Kendall]

Yeah, that's right. How'd you know?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm familiar with the names of many lawmen. You said you were on the way to Hawksville. Yep.

[Sam Kendall]

I'd been north of here at the Taggart Ranch. Jim Taggart's my friend. He wanted to talk to me about some cattle losses, so I went there. I was riding south through this woods when I saw a campfire. Well, I was curious. I came to this clearing to see who was camping. Didn't see anyone. Then I was slugged on the back of my head.

[The Lone Ranger]

Knocked out.

[Sam Kendall]

You doggone right old cat who did it must have been hiding among the trees.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let me examine your head, will you?

[Sam Kendall]

It doesn't hurt much now. It's all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

A fair sized lump on your head.

[Sam Kendall]

I came to and the fire was burned ambers. I was tied hand and foot. When it got light, I saw that my horse was gone.

[Narrator]

I'm all right now.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll help you to your feet.

[Sam Kendall]

I'm all right. Good as new.

[The Lone Ranger]

You still have your gun? How about money?

[Bates]

Let me see.

[Sam Kendall]

Cash is here, what there is of it. Knife, keys. I reckon my horse is all it's going.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Tonto]

Gray horse, plenty lame. Him not carry Ryder for two, three days.

[Sam Kendall]

So that's it. That's why that ornery horse thief took mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

It shouldn't be hard to follow the tracks. Your horse was newly shod, you know that. Those marks on the ground make it obvious.

[Sam Kendall]

Good at cutting sign, I'll say that. You know, I'm downright curious about you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Most people are.

[Sam Kendall]

If I didn't feel obligated, I'd commandeer your horse and follow that horse thief.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll follow him for you. Meanwhile, sheriff, I hope you'll not try to ride that lame horse to town very soon.

[Sam Kendall]

Hey, hold on. Why are you so quick to help a lawman?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm on the side of lawman, sheriff. And opposed to horse thieves.

[Sam Kendall]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady. Easy, feller. Come on, sir.

[Tonto]

Get him up. Scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

Doggone.

[Sam Kendall]

Well, looks like I'm walking to Hawksville. Come on, you gray skinned critter. Can't hold it against you that you were owned by a thief.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto followed the tracks of the stolen horse eastward to the edge of the woods. There the trail made an abrupt right angle turn to the north. After about an hour of riding due north, the masked man and his companions saw a group of nine horsemen approaching from the east. Toto showed unusual excitement.

[The Lone Ranger]

Indians, Toto?

[Tonto]

Ah, me no. Them good friends. Them from Tonto Ty.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, is that so?

[Tonto]

Ah, me not see him for a long time.

[The Lone Ranger]

They've recognized you. They're certainly glad to see you.

[Tonto]

Me plenty glad to see them.

[Narrator]

Tato's friends wore wide grins of delight as they rode close and drew. Reino greeted his friends and introduced them to the Lone Ranger. They exchanged polite formalities, then directed their talk to Tato. It was fast, persuasive talk with many gestures. The Lone Ranger knew enough of the dialect to know that the Indians were on a wild horse hunt. They wanted Tonto and his masked friend to join them. Tato finally raised his hand in a gesture for silence. He turned to the Lone Ranger and began.

[Tonto]

Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why not join them?

[Tonto]

Tadu, you know of hunt.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understood some of the talk. It's just as they told you. It'll be like old times to ride with your friend.

[Tonto]

Will you come?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, thanks, Todo. I'll stay on the trail of the horse thief.

[Tonto]

Oh, me forget him for a minute. Me stay with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, it's not necessary. Toto go with your friend.

[Tonto]

No, no. Me stay with you. Catch horses, then maybe join friends in horse hunt.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well, Tato. Find out where they'll be.

[Narrator]

The Indians told of a mountain side wild horses had been seen grazing. They described the location, then rode away. The Lone Ranger and Tonto continued on the trail north, following the tracks of the horse thief.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonto, I appreciate your staying with me. I hope we reach the end of this trail before your friends finish their hunt.

[Tonto]

Well, hunt take long time. Indians first cut down thin tree, then build corral before them. Round up horses and take two, three days.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Toto, if we capture the horse thief, there'll be no need for you to waste a full day riding with me to Hawksville and back.

[Tonto]

Oh, me help you get crook and ropes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, but as soon as he's captured and tied, you go and join your friends. I'll need no help in taking him to the sheriff in Hawksville. I'll try to get back to join you before the hunt's ended.

[Tonto]

You know place where Indians go?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. It's on a hill a few miles north of Taggart's ranch. It's open range.

[Tonto]

Maybe Taggart's cattle on open range. Me hope Taggart not make trouble for Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Zoo.

[Tonto]

Get him up.

[Bates]

Scout.

[Narrator]

It was shortly after noon when Toto's Indian friends reached their destination and made camp. A few miles north of Taggart's ranch. The mountainside had been cleared of large trees to provide lumber for the ranch house and other buildings. But there were scattered trees of smaller size. The Indians were cutting and trimming a number of these trees to build their corral when they saw two men approaching from the direction of the ranch. Work stopped. All nine of the Indians watched as Taggart and his foreman rode up the slope and drew rein.

[Red Barton]

Ho.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ho.

[Bates]

Ho there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ho there.

[Red Barton]

What are you redskins doing?

[The Lone Ranger]

We build corral, then hunt wild horses.

[Bates]

Can't you see this cattle grazing down there at the foot of the mountain?

[The Lone Ranger]

We not harm cattle.

[Bates]

You're not gonna do any horse hunting around here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who you?

[Bates]

I'm Red Barton, the foreman of this ranch. This is Mr. Taggart, the owner. You're on Taggart land, so clear out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Indian agents say this open range.

[Red Barton]

He's right about that, Red. The mountainside is open range.

[Bates]

We don't want redskins around here, boss.

[Narrator]

The Indians drew back a few paces and held a low voiced conference while Taggart and his foreman watched and waited.

[Bates]

For all we know, Mr. Taggart, those Indians might be the ones who are stealing your cattle.

[Red Barton]

Well, it's possible. They don't seem to be troublemakers. Furthermore, Red, we have no legal right to drive them away.

[Bates]

We needn't worry about legal rights. There's no law this side of Hawksville and it's a long ride from here.

[Red Barton]

They finished the pow wow.

[Bates]

Well, did you decide to clear out?

[The Lone Ranger]

Indian agents say all right to hunt on mountain. Him also say make no trouble for white men.

[Bates]

You hunt around here and you'll have plenty of trouble. We'll bring the cowhands with guns, not want trouble.

[The Lone Ranger]

We go hunt other place on far side of mountain.

[Narrator]

The spirit of fun was gone. Soberly and silently, the Indians packed their things and rode away. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Toto found their task increasingly difficult. The ground became harder and the tracks of the horse thief less distinct. Totto's hope of joining his friends that night diminished as the afternoon advanced. Sunset found the masked man and his companion in a narrow canyon with a floor of almost solid rock. They had dismounted and were walking ahead Of Scout and Silver watching for the scratches on rock of iron horseshoes. Finally, the Lone Ranger stopped.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who's it?

[Andrew Rines]

Who?

[Tonto]

Scout, old Feller thought.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, we're wasting time. We know the thief entered this canyon.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

He couldn't climb these walls, so he must have kept going ahead. We ride through and look for his tracks at the end of the cut. Easy.

[Tonto]

Easy, fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, get him up.

[Tonto]

Scout.

[Narrator]

The canyon became narrower and shallower and twilight deepened. The ground was littered with rocks of all sizes, which made it necessary to slow the horses to a walk. Darkness was gathering when the end of the cut was reached. At this point, the walls were less than 2ft high and scarcely 5 yards apart. The Lone Ranger's exclamation was involuntary. The canyon opened into a vast expanse of level plain carpeted with lush grass. It was a natural basin. The wall was high on all sides except where it lowered at the gap.

[The Lone Ranger]

Long ago, Taro, this must have been the bed of a lake. The canyon was its outlet.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

There on the ground. The tracks of the horse thief. He turned to the left. He must have.

[Narrator]

The masked man left his sentence unfinished. His attention was caught by what he saw close to the western side of the basin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cattle tunnel and a campfire.

[Bates]

And me.

[Tonto]

See men there look like horse thief got friends.

[The Lone Ranger]

This would make a good place to hide stolen cattle. A horse thief may have led us to a gang of cattle thieves.

[Narrator]

We go closer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Those men are close to the cliff that surrounds the basin. From here we can follow the top of the cliff until we're directly over that campfire. We'll leave the horses here. Easy said easy.

[Narrator]

All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Toto.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Red Barton]

Satan.

[Narrator]

Leaving their horses at ground hitch in the canyon, the Lone Ranger and Tonto set out toward the campfire about a quarter of a mile away. They walked silently through the moonlight, following the edge of the cliff that surrounded the basin. Presently they stopped and lay on the ground. They inched forward until they could peer over the ledge. The campfire and eight men surrounding it were almost directly below. Close to the 30 foot cliff, a red haired man was speaking.

[Bates]

Bates, I hope you didn't leave tracks that can be followed.

Don't worry, Red. I came through the South King.

It's all rock.

Besides, who's to follow me? Sheriff Kendall can't follow his own shadow. If he could, he wouldn't have a horse to ride.

Sam Kendall's a friend of my boss.

That's so?

Yeah. In fact, he'd been to Taggart's house. He was on his way back to Hawksville when you slugged him.

Did that visit have anything to do with stolen cattle?

Yes, it did. Taggart's finally realized that his herd is getting smaller. He suspects that rustlers are at work.

[Narrator]

Does he suspect you?

[Bates]

Not for a minute. I ace high with the old man. Why shouldn't I? I've been his top hand for 10 years.

Can't you convince him his cattle is straying over the mountain and getting lost?

I tried that, Bates. He just said hogwash. We can't take any more of the Taggart stock.

But we've only taken about 50 head.

Yes, and I've still to see my first dime for working with you.

You know the deal, Red. You get paid when I sell the cattle. And I can't move it and sell it till the new brands are heeled over. Besides, I don't want to move less than a hundred head.

Bates, listen to me. That's tinhorn stuff.

Tinhorn, huh? Well, for a man who's worked 10 years at Foreman's pay, you're getting big ideas.

That's right, Bates. I have big ideas. Such as taking over all the Taggart cattle and the ranch and buildings, the whole shebang. How's that sound?

You're either local, you have lots more to say.

What if Taggart dies and leaves a will naming me his heir?

[The Lone Ranger]

Is there such a will?

[Bates]

I can make one copying Taggart's handwriting and some of you boys can witness it.

Do you think it'd stand up?

[Red Barton]

Sure.

[Bates]

Taggart hasn't any relatives. He's told me a dozen times.

How about friends?

Sheriff? Sam Kendall is his only friend, and he's not a close friend. I'll fix it so Kendall gets a few hundred dollars and a horse or two. That'll make the will look genuine.

You figure on murder?

Yes. It looked like the work of Indians.

[Red Barton]

What Indians?

[Bates]

Nine horse hunters. They were on the mountain overlooking the north range this afternoon. Taggart had a run in with him. He told all the ranch hands about it when we got back to the house. In fact, I led them to believe those Indians might have been stealing his cattle.

The job will have to be done while the Indians are still in the neighborhood.

It'll have to be done tonight. That's where you and your men come in, Bates. Tonight, Taggart is alone on the ranch. The cowhands got paid today and rode to Hawksville to Spend the night. We'll all ride to the ranch and do a lot of shooting to spread bullet holes around. We'll make sure one or more of the bullets gets Taggart. Then we'll smash up some furniture and things to make it look like the work of sore headed Indians.

You seem to have it all worked out.

I have. I worked out every detail after I thought of the scheme.

When did you think of it?

When I saw those Indians this afternoon. That's what gave me the idea.

Did you ride out Taggart's will?

No, but there's plenty of time for that.

Well, boys, how's it sound?

Depends on what's in it for us. Yeah, that's right.

All right, Red, let's discuss terms. We'll make an agreement in writing.

[Tonto]

Then.

[Bates]

I know you won't try double cross after you become owner of the Taggart Ranch.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger signaled Toto. The two drew back from the edge of the cliff and hurried to their horses. Them crook.

[Tonto]

Them plan to blame good Indian for murder. We like to crack heads together.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto, I'll go directly to the ranch and tell Taggart what we've learned. You get your Indian friends and bring them to the house. Easy, City. Easy, Scout.

[Narrator]

Easy, Father. Come on, Silver, get him up. Scout. The masked man and his Indian friend headed west and rode together until they were near the Taggart Ranch. There they separated. Toto headed toward the mountain where he expected to find his friends while the Lone Ranger turned toward the south and headed for the ranch house. He turned Silver into the corral where there were several other horses, then crossed the Moonland area and ascended the port steps. The house door opened.

[Red Barton]

I heard your horse, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mashed a tiger dice.

[Red Barton]

Get him up, Mr. Hive.

[Bates]

All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

My hands are up. Now may I tell you why I came here?

[Red Barton]

Turn around. Face the other way while I take those guns.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not going to turn around and you're not going to take my guns. I came to tell you what I've learned about your stolen cattle and about a plan to murder you. I didn't expect gun trouble. Before I had a chance to explain this mass Hagger dropped the gun as.

[Narrator]

A chopping blow fell. With lightning speed on his forearm, the Lone Ranger shoved the rancher hard.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go inside.

[Red Barton]

You'll pay. I'll get you off my knee.

[Narrator]

As Taggart stumbled into the room, bumping into a chair and a table, the masked man picked up the gun and followed.

[Red Barton]

What'd you do?

[The Lone Ranger]

I struck your gun arm with the side of my hand.

[Red Barton]

It moves so Fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

I was reasonably sure I could disarm you before you could cock the gun and fire. Next time you try to cover a man, draw back the hammer of your gun.

[Red Barton]

All right, you've got to drop on me. What's next? You gonna shoot me?

[The Lone Ranger]

No. But someone else is planning to shoot you. I came to warn you.

[Red Barton]

Who's planning to shoot me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Your foreman, a man called Red.

[Red Barton]

That's a downright lie.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll probably say the same about everything else I have to tell you.

[Red Barton]

Shave your breath.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Taggart, no. I'm going to talk and you're going to listen. Less than an hour ago, I saw over 50 head of cattle that had been stolen from you.

[Red Barton]

You know I lost cattle, eh? Maybe you stole it.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, but I saw the men who did, and Red was with him. Furthermore, those crooks are planning to come here and murder you. They're probably on the way right now. They may arrive within a few minutes. All right, I'll start at the beginning. Last night, I found a man hiding.

[Narrator]

Though minutes were precious, the Lone Ranger told Taggart everything. He summarized the finding of Sam Kendall, the following of the horse thief's tracks, the meeting with Tonto's Indian friends and the discovery of the stolen cattle and the rustlers in the basin. He finished by detailing Red's plan to murder the rancher and place the blame on the Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. Toto has gone to the Indians.

[Red Barton]

Mister, you talk in a mighty convincing style. But you can't make me believe my friend Red would turn on me.

[The Lone Ranger]

You may believe me when they come here shooting, eh? Red and the seven rustlers.

[Red Barton]

You said your friend Tonto has gone to those Indians.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why you bring them here? They're good Indians, Taggart. They'll fight on our side against the killers. They should be here by this time.

[Red Barton]

You figure I'll let them into this house?

[The Lone Ranger]

I hope so. We'll need their help.

[Red Barton]

Sounds like a fancy scheme to get them in here so as they can kill me and take everything I own.

[The Lone Ranger]

If that had been the plan, there had been no reason for me to come here ahead of them. They'd have no trouble attacking while you were here alone.

[Red Barton]

If all you said is true, which I still doubt you've gone to a lot of trouble for a man you never saw before.

[Tonto]

Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

Because it's a chance to strike a blow at crime.

[Red Barton]

You're not a lawman.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Red Barton]

Who are you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Some people call me the Lone Ranger.

[Red Barton]

If I believe you're the Lone Ranger, I'll have to believe you told the truth. Which means Red is planning to kill me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Horses are stopping in front, several of them. Maybe Tyler was brought his friend. Hey, Mr. Tiger.

[Red Barton]

That's Red.

[The Lone Ranger]

He and his pals here before the Indians. Will you step out on the porch?

[Red Barton]

He wants me to stick to the porch.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't do it.

[Red Barton]

I'll see who's with him. I look out the window.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't show yourself. Look what nearly got you.

[Red Barton]

If you hadn't pulled me back. Hey, that was Red. Who fired? I saw him. He's in there.

[Tonto]

Boys.

[Bates]

Surround the house.

[Red Barton]

And that was Red and Skunk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here's your gun. Put out that lamp.

[Red Barton]

Look out. Stay back from that window.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll let them know they have a fight on their hands. You hit someone in the shoulder. Watch the west side.

[Red Barton]

Right. Yeah, I see one of them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get him.

[Bates]

Aye.

[Red Barton]

He ducked behind the water trough. I'll try to cover this side. In the back of the house, in.

[Narrator]

Addition to the water trough, the attackers found shelter behind a huge rock, a pile of lumber and a shed. They were on all sides of the house and each shot from within brought a quick response.

[The Lone Ranger]

That smashed a lamp on the table.

[Red Barton]

Good thing I blew it out. We might have had a fire.

[The Lone Ranger]

We should have help at any moment.

[Red Barton]

You mean the engines you mentioned?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. I expected them ahead of the rustlers.

[Red Barton]

You hadn't better count on them.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Red Barton]

I allowed my foreman to send them away.

[Narrator]

The masked man made no comment, but his face was grim. He knew that the odds against himself and Taggart were heavy. Despite the fact that a couple of the outlaws had been hit and were out of the fight. Both men hurried from window to window trying to watch all sides of the house.

[Red Barton]

Oh, those ornery pole cats. That double cross informan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you badly hit?

[Red Barton]

Shoulder. I can't use my gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's see the wound.

[Red Barton]

Never mind me. Watch the windows. Don't let them get close. Just leave me be here.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll bleed to death if I don't fix this.

[Red Barton]

They'll get close. They'll set fire to the place.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll fix a tourniquet.

[Red Barton]

What's going on? What's he shouting about?

[The Lone Ranger]

Staggers. I heard Tunnel's war cry.

[Red Barton]

I hear a lot of war cries.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tunnel must have found his friends. They're here to help. Help you.

[Red Barton]

Engines and fighting on my side.

[Narrator]

Two men in front of the house were quickly shot down by the attacking Indians. Four others who rushed from the sides and rear were quickly taken care of a few minutes later. Inside the house, Red and four other men wore ropes on their Hands and feet. And in addition, three of the four were bandaged. Taggart's right arm was in a sling. He held a gun in his left hand.

[Red Barton]

I'm just hoping one of you crooks makes a fast move. It'll be the first time I drilled a man with my left hand.

[Bates]

What are you gonna do with us, Red?

[Red Barton]

You and your pals are going to jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Indians will watch you while I ride to Hawksville and report to the sheriff. J.

[Red Barton]

Tell Sam his stolen horse is here. Three dead men, including the crook who stole it. Also five live crooks who stole my cattle and tried to kill me.

[Tonto]

Kimasabe. Yes, we wrapped dead men in blankets.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Red Barton]

Jay. Tato, that crooked foreman of mine drove your Injun friends away.

[Tonto]

That right? And that's why them plenty glad to come here and make foremen.

[Red Barton]

Sorry, but where'd you find them?

[Tonto]

Me find them far side, mountain tallow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you ask the Indians to stay here until the sheriff and his men arrived?

[Tonto]

Me ask em. Them glad to stay. Glad to help Taggart. Them say Taggart not like foreman.

[Red Barton]

You tell your friends to hunt anywhere they please.

[Tonto]

And maybe you want Indians go to Basin, bring back stolen cattle.

[Red Barton]

No, no, my men will do that tomorrow when they're back from town. Shakes alive. Your friends have done enough to help me save my ranch and save my life.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll send the Indians in here. Toto, keep an eye on those coats.

[Bates]

That masked man. If it hadn't been for him, I'd.

[Red Barton]

Be dead and you'd be riding high. You outsmarted yourself, Red, when you tied up with a horse thief who was being trailed by the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell, Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-98-68739 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.

[Red Barton]

SA.