Horse’s Master | The Lone Ranger (10-05-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Horse’s Master | The Lone Ranger (10-05-42)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: June 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “Horse’s Master,” immerses listeners in a tale of stolen horses, mistaken identity, and the deep bonds of loyalty forged in the Wild West. Enhanced with modern digital audio clarity, the episode showcases how a clever frame-up nearly costs the life of Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s loyal companion. The ultimate resolution unveils not only the true culprit but also the depths of friendship and sacrifice among the ranchers.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Crime and Tonto’s Ordeal

Timestamps: 04:35 – 10:16

• Tonto, alone at camp, is suddenly surrounded by suspicious ranchers led by Jim Jones and Red (Rancher).
• They accuse Tonto of horse stealing, citing numerous circumstantial pieces of evidence, including:
  • A paint horse with a yellow smear matching paint from Jim’s ranch.
  • Tonto’s moccasin tracks found near Jones’ saddle shed.
  • Jim’s stolen spurs and hunting knife found in Tonto’s saddlebags.
• Despite Tonto’s adamant denial — “Me not steal horse.” (Tonto, 06:46) — the ranchers refuse to believe him. They attempt swift vigilante justice and prepare to hang Tonto.
• Memorable moment: The lynching is thwarted only because Scout, Tonto’s loyal horse, refuses to move at the mob’s command, recognizing no one but his true master.
  • “You not master. You not owner. Horse not obey you. This horse named Scout. Him my horse.” (Tonto, 10:16)

2. The Lone Ranger’s Investigation

Timestamps: 11:28 – 14:28

• The Lone Ranger confronts the sheriff in his bedroom, challenging the evidence presented against Tonto.
  • “Jim Jones tried to hang an Indian.” (Lone Ranger, 11:54)
  • Lone Ranger suggests the evidence (paint, knife, spurs) could have been planted by Jones.
• The scope of horse theft is revealed—dozens of horses have been stolen from nearly every rancher over several weeks, but no cattle. The trail is muddled by multiple hoofprints.

3. Confrontation and Unraveling the Frame-Up

Timestamps: 15:00 – 16:23

• Sheriff captures Tonto and the Lone Ranger, bringing them before the gathered ranchers in the cafe.
• Amidst high tension, Red surprisingly confesses to all the horse thefts in order to save Tonto and the Lone Ranger:
  • “Maybe he can name the real one, but he don’t need to take the trouble. I’ll confess I stole all the horses.” (Red, 15:44)
• The confession is met with disbelief, especially because Red is “the richest man in the valley.” Shortly after, Jim Jones also confesses, aiming to protect Red.

4. The Truth Emerges

Timestamps: 23:31 – 24:39

• The Lone Ranger removes both men from the cafe, determined to get to the heart of the issue.
• In private, Red and Jones admit their confessions were made solely to protect one another, neither one truly guilty.
• Jones wanted a scapegoat to stop the rash of thefts; Red, seeing Jones’ desperation, would rather take the blame himself.

5. The Real Culprit: Deputy Tate Raft

Timestamps: 24:34 – 32:07

• The sheriff recounts the events to his deputy, Tate Raft, who becomes increasingly nervous about the Lone Ranger’s investigation.
• The trap is set: The Lone Ranger and Tonto catch Tate sending a messenger, leading them to the hidden lair of the real rustlers.
• The stolen horses and two gang members are found and arrested after a brief shootout.
• Deputy Tate is exposed as the insider feeding misinformation and orchestrating the theft operation.
  • “You see, Tate, Jim Jones had been made to believe that his friend Red was a thief. To save Red, he tried to frame an Indian.” (Lone Ranger, 31:02)
• The theme of loyalty is reaffirmed as it’s revealed that Red and Jones’s mutual confessions were acts of friendship forged in the fires of past hardship.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Friendship and Loyalty
  “Friendship, Tate, is something you wouldn’t understand. You see, Jim and Red were partners in the Indian wars. Each is alive today…because the other saved him. Each was ready to confess and hang to save his friend.” (Lone Ranger, 31:26)
• When the Mob Turns
  “You ready to confess to horse stealing?” (Sheriff, 06:45)
  “Me not steel. Horse.” (Tonto, 06:46)
• On the Futility of Evidence
  “My name isn’t Jim Jones…You take a look and see if there’s not some paint there.” (Jim Jones, 05:52)
  The staged evidence is picked apart later by the Ranger.
• The Lone Ranger’s Justice
  “I said sit down.” (Lone Ranger, 24:14)
• Comic Justice
  “These certain parties that are buying from the horse thieves are going to buy back their own stolen horses!” (Sheriff, 27:22)

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Structural Highlights with Timestamps

• Tonto captured, lynching attempt
  04:35 – 10:16
• Lone Ranger confronts the sheriff
  11:28 – 14:28
• Sheriff, ranchers, and false confessions
  15:00 – 16:23
• False confessions unraveled—Lone Ranger’s moral probing
  23:31 – 24:39
• Sheriff’s office, Deputy Tate exposed
  24:34 – 27:46
• Final pursuit, showdown, and resolution
  29:44 – 32:25

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Tone & Style

The episode is classic, earnest, and old-fashioned—rich with period dialogue and a strong sense of right and wrong, underscored by music and realistic sound effects. The narrative moves briskly through suspicion, peril, humor, and redemption, ending on a note of hope and gratitude.

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Takeaway for New Listeners

“Horse’s Master” demonstrates the power of character, loyalty, and justice in the face of danger and suspicion in the Old West. The Lone Ranger and Tonto, aided by friendship stronger than fear, restore the peace with ingenuity and heart.
A compelling mix of suspense, western action, and moral lessons—brought to life with enhanced, immersive audio.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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.

[Tonto]

Oh.

[Red]

S.

[Narrator]

Fiery horse for the speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Carvana User]

Hey, sweetie. Your mother showed me this Carvana thing for selling the car. I'm gonna give it a try. Wish me luck. Me again. I put in the license plate. It gave me an offer.

[Red]

Unbelievable.

[Carvana User]

Okay, I accepted the offer. They're picking it up Tuesday from the driveway. I haven't even left my chair.

[Sheriff]

It's done.

[Carvana User]

The car is gone. I'm holding a check anyway. Carvana.

[Sheriff]

Give it a whirl.

[Carvana User]

Love ya.

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[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 on Silver

[Sheriff]

Huddo's life is in danger. Oh, Silver hoy.

[Narrator]

Tonto was alone in camp. He wakened at a whining from Scout. Instantly alert, wondering the cause of Scout's uneasiness, the faithful Indian companion of the Lone Ranger listened to the night noises in the woodland clearing. Suddenly, those noises stopped.

[Tonto]

Men, come here Scout, come on all side. And why, Cricket? Stop noise.

[Narrator]

He knew he was surrounded. But by whom? Then suddenly close in.

[Red]

Boys, go make a break. We got your redskins.

[Jim Jones]

Shoot him if he moves.

[Sheriff]

Claw up your hands.

[Tonto]

What's the matter, you fella?

[Sheriff]

Grab him.

[Red (Rancher)]

You're on a red horse, Steve.

[Tonto]

Me not struggle. You fella make big mistakes.

[Jim Jones]

Yeah, there's no mistake.

[Red (Rancher)]

How about it, Jim? Is that paint horse yours?

[Jim Jones]

Sure it is. That's the horse that was stolen from me. I'll bet all I got on it.

[Red (Rancher)]

Throw more brush in that fire so we can see this place.

[Red]

I'll do it, Red.

[Jim Jones]

Drop that redskin. We'll make him tell where the rest of the stolen horses are.

[Red (Rancher)]

Here. Right. Stand still, redskin.

[Tonto]

You fella got ranch around here?

[Red (Rancher)]

Doggone right. We've all lost horses.

[Red]

Hey, fellas, this redskin's got a partner. Look, there's signs that two men use this camp.

[Jim Jones]

Where's your partner?

[Tonto]

Me not horses.

[Jim Jones]

Never mind the lies. I know the truth. Well, you're caught right here with the goods. That's my horse there.

[Tonto]

That's not true.

[Jim Jones]

I can prove it. Red, come over here.

[Red (Rancher)]

What is it, Jim?

[Jim Jones]

Let me prove that this paint is my stolen horse.

[Red (Rancher)]

Sure, go ahead. We want to make sure of things.

[Jim Jones]

I'll prove it's minor. My name isn't Jim Jones. You remember, Red, the other day when I was painting my house with yellow paint?

[Red (Rancher)]

Sure I do.

[Jim Jones]

Well, my horse came alongside and got a smear of paint on his rump. Now, look. You take a look and see if there's not some paint there. Move the critter to the fire. Come on, you stubborn animal.

[Red (Rancher)]

He is a stubborn cuss, Jim.

[Jim Jones]

Come on now.

[Red (Rancher)]

Give me a hand with him. Get over there.

[Tonto]

That's my horse. Him named Scout.

[Jim Jones]

No use you trying to lie out of it, Redskin.

[Red]

Here, Jim. I'll fetch your bran from the fire

[Jim Jones]

so we can see good enough. Now take a look, boys. There's a smear of yellow paint, just like I said.

[Red (Rancher)]

Jim's right.

[Jim Jones]

You boys make sure. But I'm gonna have a look at the saddlebags that are on this tree.

[Red]

It's the same color paint that Jim Jones used for his house.

[Red (Rancher)]

There's no doubt.

[Red]

This must be his horse.

[Red (Rancher)]

He described the horse to us ahead of time, remember?

[Red]

Sure. He had the description right down to

[Jim Jones]

a T. What about it, Redskin?

[Sheriff]

You ready to confess to horse stealing?

[Tonto]

Me not steel. Horse.

[Red]

Denied it, eh?

[Red (Rancher)]

Look here, engineer. There's been horses stolen from all of us ranchers. We suffered plenty from horse thieves. Now, we don't figure you're as much to blame as the man that works with you. He's not a redskin, is he?

[Tonto]

Me not talk?

[Red (Rancher)]

You tell us where the stolen horses are and where we can find this partner of yours and we won't hang you.

[Tonto]

Me not talk?

[Red (Rancher)]

You'll sure as thunder hang if you don't talk.

[Jim Jones]

Hey, fellas, look here. Take a look at what I found. The ornery polecat stole other things as well as horses. Look what I found in his saddlebags. My spurs. The fancy ones that I had hanging in my saddle shed.

[Red (Rancher)]

Silver one.

[Jim Jones]

And here's a good hunting knife that was in my saddle shed. Got my initials on it, see?

[Red]

Was that in the saddlebag, too, Jim?

[Red (Rancher)]

Yeah.

[Jim Jones]

This dog gone? Redskin's been prowling all over my place. I reckon a few boys want still more proof I can supply.

[Red (Rancher)]

Oh, we got proof enough, Jim.

[Jim Jones]

I had a hunch I could find this critter. You see, that horse always had a special long stride, so it wasn't hard to follow the tracks to this woods. And the campfire led us the rest of the way. Redskin, you're slated to hang me, not horse thief.

[Red]

Boys, remember, we want to be triple sure we've got the right man before we hang him.

[Jim Jones]

All right, Hank. There's more proof. As I said, you can match the footprints of this redskin against the footprints near my saddle shed. Look. Moccasin. See?

[Red (Rancher)]

Jim's got it right. I remember him showing me the footprints of a man in moccasins.

[Red]

All right, then, who's got a rope?

[Jim Jones]

Here's one noose already in it. I'll put it around the engine's neck,

[Red (Rancher)]

make sure it's fixed right. Let me have the end. I'll toss it over that branch up there. This is as good a hanging tree as any would find.

[Jim Jones]

No more wood in the fire. We want to have plenty of light to see what we're doing.

[Red]

Gents. Hold on a minute.

[Jim Jones]

What is it, Hank?

[Red]

Well, taking the life of a man isn't something to do casual.

[Jim Jones]

That's the Easterner talking out of you. You'll get over that when you've been out here a while longer, Hank.

[Red]

But the Indian says he's not a horse thief.

[Jim Jones]

You don't expect him to confess, do you?

[Sheriff]

Well, I don't know if I do.

[Jim Jones]

You don't want any part of this. You can clear out anytime you want. The next time you get into trouble with horse thieves, don't come to us looking for help. We agreed to stick together.

[Red]

Maybe it'd be better to go to the law.

[Jim Jones]

No. What's the law? Old Parker. He hasn't caught a crook in the three years he's been sheriff. He jugged the redskin and the redskins pals had bust him out of jail. Now, you let me handle this.

[Red (Rancher)]

Stand clear. There's the rope. Grab that free end now.

[Jim Jones]

I got it. You, redskin. Get to the back of that paint horse you stole from me.

[Tonto]

Me not steal him.

[Jim Jones]

Lift him to the horse, fellas. He can't mount up with his hands tied. Lift him up.

[Red (Rancher)]

Hoist him now.

[Sheriff]

That's it.

[Red (Rancher)]

Grab his leg on that side.

[Jim Jones]

Yeah, that'll do it.

[Red (Rancher)]

Here's a branch to slap the horse.

[Red]

Now, wait a minute, boys.

[Jim Jones]

Now what do you want, Hank?

[Red]

Let me speak to him once more. Look here, redskin, we aren't a pack of killers. We're just ranchers that have been robbed. Now, if we could get back the horses that have been stolen from us, we'd be willing to turn you free, wouldn't we, boys? Well, at least we wouldn't hang you. Now, where are the horses?

[Tonto]

Me not steal'. Em.

[Red]

Come on and tell us. Where's your partner?

[Tonto]

Me not Tom.

[Jim Jones]

It's no use, boys. Red, slap the horse out from under him. Let the critter hang.

[Tonto]

Scout not move.

[Red (Rancher)]

We'll see.

[Tonto]

Get up there, Scout not move.

[Jim Jones]

Slap that critter again.

[Sheriff]

Get along there. Get up.

[Tonto]

Maybe master a horse make a mind. You say. This your horse? You tell him go.

[Sheriff]

Get up there.

[Jim Jones]

Get along with you.

[Sheriff]

Get along, I tell you.

[Tonto]

You not master. You not owner. Horse not obey you. This horse named Scout. Him my horse.

[Sheriff]

I'll get the ropes. Who's that? Hey, where is he?

[Tonto]

Get him on.

[Sheriff]

Shoot him. Shoot him.

[Red]

No use, boys. We can't see for them trees and dark.

[Red (Rancher)]

That must have been the engines.

[Sheriff]

Park get our horses tail and we've

[Jim Jones]

got to run them down.

[Red]

Hold on, Jim. Wait a minute, boys. Listen to me, Jim. Are you dead sure you didn't make a mistake?

[Jim Jones]

You saw the proof.

[Red]

But the paint horse wouldn't pay attention to you or Red the minute the engine spoke. Girly, did you see the critter travel?

[Sheriff]

The man that shot that rope into.

[Red (Rancher)]

Where'd he come from? Who is he?

[Jim Jones]

I don't know or care. But I'm going to get after those two. You men can come or stay as you please. If I've got to run those horse thieves down alone, I'll do it.

[Sheriff]

We're with you, Jim.

[Red (Rancher)]

Come on, boys.

[Jim Jones]

Get to the horses and get after us.

[Narrator]

The sheriff was a troubled man. Hounded by the ranchers who had suffered heavily at the hands of horse thieves. He had tossed sleeplessly for hours. Then finally, as he dozed, he was suddenly wakened.

[Sheriff]

Hey. What? Let me go. Where's my gun?

[Lone Ranger]

Take it easy, Sheriff. I want to talk to you.

[Tonto]

But who?

[Lone Ranger]

You don't need a light. You can hear in darkness. And you don't need to see me.

[Sheriff]

But who are you? What's the idea of busting into my house like this? What? And tug at you?

[Lone Ranger]

I want to know about those horse thieves.

[Sheriff]

Horse thieves? Well, now I'm awake. No, I am awake. What do you know about him? You tell me.

[Lone Ranger]

Nothing. I'm here to learn.

[Sheriff]

And who are you?

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Jones tried to hang an Indian.

[Sheriff]

Oh, yes. I heard about it. A little while ago. That redskin stole his paint horse.

[Lone Ranger]

That's not true. I was with the Indian when he stopped at the Jones ranch. Jones saw both the paint and my white stallion. He had ample chance to learn what the paint looked like.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Huno left footprints near the saddle shed where he went to water his horse. And Jones led the ranchers to try and lynch my friend.

[Sheriff]

Your friend? The redskin?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Sheriff]

But I understand there was evidence. A blob of yellow paint which Jones

[Lone Ranger]

himself could have put on the horse when he found it.

[Sheriff]

But there was a knife in the saddlebag and spurs that belonged to Jim Jones.

[Lone Ranger]

Both of which Jones could have put there when he claimed to find them

[Sheriff]

gone, the way you tell it. But it sounded like proof that couldn't be shaken. When the ranchers told me about it.

[Lone Ranger]

Just how many horses have been stolen?

[Sheriff]

Two score and more.

[Lone Ranger]

From whom?

[Sheriff]

Red Tarbuck, Jim Jones, Hank Fielding, Sam Blake. Why, from almost all the ranches around here.

[Lone Ranger]

How long ago was the first horse stolen?

[Sheriff]

How long ago?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Sheriff]

A couple of weeks. Since then, there's been thefts most every night. First from one ranch, then from another.

[Lone Ranger]

Always horses?

[Red]

Yep.

[Lone Ranger]

No cattle.

[Sheriff]

Never so much as a heifer.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, isn't there any trail to follow?

[Sheriff]

Ranches is so cluttered with hoof marks that a trail wouldn't show very much. One horse's hoofs looks same as another.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Sheriff. Thanks.

[Sheriff]

Now, hold on. Don't you start away till I got my turn at asking questions.

[Lone Ranger]

Go ahead, Sheriff. Ask all you want. But don't light the lamp. And don't leave the side of your bed.

[Sheriff]

Who are you? Where'd you come from? Why are you so interested in that redskin well, answer me, old Silver go on it all. He's gone.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger hurried to the shadows and back of the row of buildings on the town's main street. Tanto was there waiting for him.

[Lone Ranger]

I talked to the sheriff and learned that almost every one of the ranchers have lost horses.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right?

[Lone Ranger]

And those men quit their search for us. They reported to the sheriff. It built a pretty strong case against you, Tunnel.

[Tonto]

Me?

[Carvana User]

No.

[Lone Ranger]

But why? Jim Jones seemed mighty anxious to hang you. I wonder if he didn't want to hunt for the thieves to be called off. Scout had obeyed those men, you'd be dead.

[Tonto]

You come just in time.

[Lone Ranger]

At first I knew there were men in our camp. I heard them trying to make Scout move. If he had, well, you'd have had your neck broken.

[Tonto]

Scout plenty smart.

[Lone Ranger]

Jim Jones knows about these thieves, Tonto. He must. Otherwise he wouldn't be so anxious to hang an innocent man.

[Tonto]

How we make him confess, I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

Are the ranches still over there in the cafe?

[Tonto]

Uh, them there now.

[Narrator]

All of them.

[Tonto]

Uh, Jim Jones, Red there. Fellow named Hank, many others. All right.

[Lone Ranger]

What's the matter, Sylvia?

[Sheriff]

Get your hands up. We've got you covered. The sheriff. Hold him, boys. Capture him.

[Lone Ranger]

No, no, no. Have us surrounded. Don't shoot. These men are lawmen.

[Tonto]

This plenty big mistake.

[Sheriff]

Oh, you should fight. Now, don't you shoot. You won't be shot. Take their guns, boy.

[Red (Rancher)]

All right.

[Sheriff]

You are the one who's in my house?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I am. I told you the case against Tanner was a flimsy one. It still is.

[Sheriff]

We'll see. We'll see about that. Boys, take him inside the cafe. We'll let Jim and Red look him over and see what they've got to say.

[Jim Jones]

This Indian's the one we captured, all right. He got away.

[Sheriff]

Well, I got him again. And his mask partner along with him. Take the mask off that one. Boys, one minute.

[Lone Ranger]

We're not guilty, and we'll prove it by showing you how Tyler was framed and naming the leader.

[Jim Jones]

He was not framed.

[Red (Rancher)]

I know. Wait a minute, Jim.

[Lone Ranger]

What is it, Red?

[Red (Rancher)]

Boys, listen to me. The masked man's right. He's not the horse thief. Maybe he can name the real one, but he don't need to take the trouble. I'll confess I stole all the horses.

[Sheriff]

You don't know what to say, Red. Now, hold on, Red. You're a dog gone liar. You're saying have to save these two. I don't know why you're confessing to it. Why you want to save these two, but you're not the thief. We won't let you confess.

[Red]

Why'd you do that, Red?

[Sheriff]

What'd you confess for?

[Jim Jones]

You know it ain't so, Red.

[Red (Rancher)]

Boys, I've made my statement. It stands as is. Take it or leave it.

[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.

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[Sheriff]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now, to continue our story. When the sheriff captured the Lone Ranger in Totto and took them before the ranchers in the cafe to charge them with horse stealing, a rancher called Red suddenly confessed.

[Sheriff]

No one believes you, Red. Well, Sunday, you've got no reason to steal horses. You're the richest man in the valley.

[Red (Rancher)]

You heard my confession. If you want to jail anyone, you've got to jail me.

[Sheriff]

I'll be hanged if I'll jail you. You've got to prove you stole those horses before I'll believe a word of it. Where are the horses?

[Lone Ranger]

Where?

[Red (Rancher)]

Well, I sold them.

[Sheriff]

Who to?

[Red (Rancher)]

I don't know. They're way off by this time. The cash is in my bank account.

[Sheriff]

A pack of lies to save this masked man.

[Red (Rancher)]

If you jail the masked man, you gotta jail me, too. I know enough of the law to know that. Sheriff, you can't jail a man who claims he didn't steal the horses and let go free the man who claims he did, now, can you?

[Sheriff]

Well, I was never up against anything of this sort. I'm doggone if I know what the law says.

[Jim Jones]

It's no use, Red.

[Red (Rancher)]

Jim, Keep your mouth shut.

[Jim Jones]

A masked man knows the truth. I confess to the stealing.

[Sheriff]

What's that, Jim Jones? Are you trying to make me think you had a hand in it, too?

[Jim Jones]

I'm your host, Jim.

[Sheriff]

This don't beat all I ever.

[Jim Jones]

Give me those guns.

[Sheriff]

I'll.

[Lone Ranger]

Stand back.

[Red (Rancher)]

All of you.

[Lone Ranger]

Back there against that wall you can't get away with.

[Sheriff]

Save your breath, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

Get your guns Tuttle.

[Sheriff]

Let me get him, boys. Close it.

[Tonto]

Quiet.

[Lone Ranger]

Move back some more, Jim Jones. Fred, you two step forward.

[Jim Jones]

And what if we don't?

[Red]

I'll help you.

[Jim Jones]

All right.

[Red (Rancher)]

All right.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm forward.

[Red (Rancher)]

Never mind grabbing me by the shirt. I'll do what you say.

[Lone Ranger]

Take the guns, Tutto.

[Jim Jones]

What the Sam hill's the matter with you? You heard me confess to the horse stealing. What more do you want?

[Lone Ranger]

I want the truth. And you're not telling it.

[Red (Rancher)]

Of course he isn't. Jim Jones is no thief. I'm the thief.

[Lone Ranger]

Neither one of you can tell where the stolen horses are.

[Red (Rancher)]

I said I sold them.

[Jim Jones]

You didn't, Red. I sold them. I sold them and put the cash away.

[Lone Ranger]

That's enough.

[Tonto]

Me got the guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Take them outside. Tunnel, go to a new camp where we can make them talk.

[Tonto]

You hear what Lone Rangers say?

[Sheriff]

Lone Rangers, straight guns. That's who it is. The masked man's a Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

You go outside.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, you make a mistake if you let any of your posse try to follow us.

[Sheriff]

No, this ain't right. Ain't fair or square. You're doing me wrong. First I got four men to charge with horse shielding. Two of them self confessed and next minute I got none at all.

[Lone Ranger]

And not one of the four is a real thief.

[Sheriff]

What I have.

[Lone Ranger]

Perhaps the real thief will be found after we hold a meeting.

[Sheriff]

Ready Tunnel's own horse.

[Tonto]

Ready to ride.

[Sheriff]

Get started then.

[Lone Ranger]

I will.

[Sheriff]

You get after him. Get him back. I want all for him.

[Red]

Get him yourself. That's a Lone Ranger. Let's see what he can do.

[Narrator]

In a new camp some distance from town, the Lone Ranger permitted Jim Jones and Red to dismount.

[Lone Ranger]

Got a fire going, Toto. No one will find us here.

[Jim Jones]

Oh?

[Tonto]

No one follows from town.

[Jim Jones]

Why'd you do this? What are you after?

[Lone Ranger]

The truth, Jones. You're going to give it to me

[Red (Rancher)]

no matter what he says. Jim Jones isn't a thief.

[Lone Ranger]

Neither are you. Red, why did you confess?

[Red (Rancher)]

That's my business. I've got nothing to say. Except that Jones isn't a horse thief. I know why you think he is. He tried to frame Tonneau.

[Jim Jones]

Sure I did. I wanted someone to hang so the whole thing would be cleaned up. And the rest of the ranchers wouldn't want the sheriff to keep hunting clues.

[Lone Ranger]

Now listen to me. You did enough lying in the cafe. Now we've got some truth. Sit down there.

[Jim Jones]

Nothing to discuss. I said I was.

[Lone Ranger]

I said sit down.

[Jim Jones]

All right then.

[Lone Ranger]

You too, Red. Sit next to each other so I Can watch you both.

[Narrator]

The following day, the sheriff was in his office when Tate Raft, one of his deputies, sauntered in from the hitch rack.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Well, how'd the office go while I was away, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Good enough, Tate. Can't complain. Had a little excitement last night.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Yeah? How's that?

[Sheriff]

The ranchers thought they was in the track of horse thieves.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Yeah, the horse thieves that have been operating around here.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Did they get them?

[Sheriff]

They trailed a redskin to a camp in the south woods. Claimed there was a lot of evidence against him. His moccasins fitted footmarks. It was found around Jim Jones saddle shed and the horse. A redskin had a paint was like one of the Jim Jones string. It even had a smudge of paint on it. Paint like Jones used on his house. For a time, I reckoned the boys was dead sure they'd captured the horse thief. It didn't turn out that way.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Who was the redskin?

[Sheriff]

He wasn't the thief. He got away all right without too much trouble.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Say, it's a wonder the boys didn't string him up. You know, Sheriff, it seems to me Jim Jones himself might be involved in horse stealing.

[Sheriff]

Why should he be? He's got plenty of cash.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

I don't know about that. I've heard he hasn't as much as folks think he's got.

[Sheriff]

As a matter of fact, Tate, the evidence did point to Jim Jones.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Have you investigated him any?

[Sheriff]

Not yet. I wanted to sort of think it over for a time.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Wasn't any more horses stone last night?

[Sheriff]

No. Hasn't been a robbery since you went over to Pine Flats. But you never know when it'll break out again.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

That's right.

[Sheriff]

Since you left three days ago, the Lone Ranger's turned up around here.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

The Lone Ranger?

[Sheriff]

You've heard of him, haven't you?

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Sure. Who hasn't heard of the Lone Ranger? What's he doing around these parts?

[Sheriff]

Looking for thieves horse.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Ah, I see. Has he got a lead?

[Sheriff]

Says he don't need one. He's just waiting around in town to see the horse thief trap himself.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Trap himself? How can he do that?

[Sheriff]

Here's a good one, Tate. Sit down. Let me tell you. You know the last horses that was stole was took from Jim Jones.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

So I heard. There hasn't been a robbery since then, huh?

[Narrator]

No.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

I suspected at the time that Jones robbed his own livestock to throw off suspicion. Everyone else but Jones has been robbed.

[Sheriff]

Here's what happened. Yeah, it's going to be funny. Wait till I tell you. Well, go on, tell it. Jones came Here with horses he bought real cheap. Now, you know a man can buy real cheap horses if he doesn't insist on a legal bill of sale.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Did Jones buy stolen horses?

[Sheriff]

I'm not saying. But the fact is those horses had an old brand on them. A brand that could hardly be seen. It was sort of a secret brand, see. Well, when the Lone Ranger came here and told how certain parties were buying stolen horses, he and Jones got to comparing notes. And here's where the funny part of it is. These certain parties that are buying from the horse thieves are going to buy back their own stolen horses.

[Carvana User]

What?

[Sheriff]

Won't that be a humdinger? And they'll come right in here with blood in their eyes, hunting the critters have sold them back their own horses that had been stolen. Don't you see? We don't have to do a doggone thing but just sit back and watch what happens. That's why the Lone Ranger's hanging around here. Well, then we'll take a walk. You watch the office till I get back.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

I'll watch things.

[Sheriff]

Bye.

[Lone Ranger]

There goes the sheriff hunter.

[Tonto]

Me see him. Now we see what deputy and office do, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

Are there ranches where we can reach them in a hurry?

[Tonto]

All ranches in town, all waiting. Cafe.

[Carvana Seller]

Good.

[Lone Ranger]

Look, Tate's leaving the office. He's hurrying to that house across the street. Come on, Tyler. Hey, what's the hurry?

[Tonto]

You need to knock the door down.

[Jim Jones]

Tate.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Jake, take this note and travel fast. You know where to take it. Get there as fast as the best horse will take you.

[Sheriff]

What's the matter?

[Jim Jones]

Anything wrong?

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Gotta change the plans. Now don't waste time. I've gotta get back to the office. The sheriff will be back in a minute.

[Red (Rancher)]

Hurry.

[Sheriff]

Leave the door open, boys. We won't be in this office long.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Sheriff. Oh, hello there, Jones. Hi, Red.

[Jim Jones]

Tate, we want to talk to you.

[Sheriff]

A mask, man? You bet it's a mask, man.

[Jim Jones]

It's the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Tate, you're riding with us.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Riding?

[Lone Ranger]

Following the man you just sent out with a message, man.

[Sheriff]

We saw you. I baited you and you took the bait. Come on, you poor cat. We'll see where your partner leads us. Wait. Listen.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

Ouch.

[Red (Rancher)]

Wait.

[Sheriff]

Let go me. My neck.

[Jim Jones]

There's your horse.

[Red]

Get on him.

[Sheriff]

I will, I will. But tell me, what about manner men?

[Lone Ranger]

There's tunnel at the top of the hill. He's watching the messenger.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, Tonto.

[Red]

The sheriff.

[Narrator]

Tate and the ranchers rode in pursuit of the man whom Tate had Sent out with a message. They rode two hours at a loping trot, much against Tate's will. Then they came to a valley where more than a score of fine horses were corralled and guarded by two men.

[Lone Ranger]

Hal, load your horses.

[Jim Jones]

It's mine.

[Red (Rancher)]

And mine.

[Red]

Hey, I see my horses too.

[Sheriff]

They're shooting, boys. They've asked for it. Let them have it. Don't kill them.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll need them as witnesses against their leader. Take them alive.

[Sheriff]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

With the Lone Ranger in the lead, the ranchers raced into the valley, firing into the air. They quickly surrounded the rustlers, forcing them to surrender.

[Sheriff]

Don't shoot. We give up. You got us. We surrender. Change your double crossing, pole cat. You led the law here to try and save your own dirty neck. No, no, Jake, I. I couldn't help. Save your talk for court. Rope them boys. And don't be none too generous.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

All right, you got me, Sheriff. You told me yarn about Jim Jones having stolen horses and I believed you.

[Sheriff]

Sure you did, you crook. You thought the Lone Ranger knew who you were selling horses to. You thought you'd sell them to the ones they'd been stolen from before Jones got em and your guilty conscience trapped you.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

But. But who talked? Someone must have known about me. I'd give everything to know who it was.

[Sheriff]

No one.

[Lone Ranger]

You see, Tate, Jim Jones had been made to believe that his friend Red was a thief. To save Red, he tried to frame an Indian.

[Jim Jones]

I'm sorry about that. I don't know what I'd have done if the engine had died. I never knew I'd go that far for Red.

[Red (Rancher)]

When I realized that Jim had framed the redskin, I figured Jim was guilty. I'd sooner confess and hang myself than see Jim Jones hang.

[Lone Ranger]

Friendship Tate is something you wouldn't understand. You see, Jim and Red were partners in the Indian wars. Each is alive today. Well, because the other saved him. Each was ready to confess and hang to save his friend.

[Sheriff]

Yes, they did confess. Then the Lone Ranger took things in hand, got them together and found out that you was the one that gave each of them the idea the other was a thief.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

And no one told on me?

[Tonto]

No, Tate, you dumb galoot.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

You shut up.

[Tonto]

If you hadn't been such an addlehead,

[Sheriff]

you wouldn't have sent me here.

[Tonto]

Then they wouldn't have followed me here.

[Deputy Tate Raft]

I couldn't help it.

[Sheriff]

I couldn't save it. We've heard enough talk. Get em back to town, boys. We'll see what the jury says about him. Where's that masked Man.

[Carvana Seller]

Now.

[Sheriff]

Hey, hold on there, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

We meet again, Sheriff.

[Red]

Good luck to you.

[Tonto]

Hold on.

[Jim Jones]

Wait a minute. I want to tell that redskin that I'm sorry.

[Sheriff]

Wait. It's no use, Jim. Those fellers don't wait for thanks. But you can bet your life they were glad to help you.

[Narrator]

O.

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[Carvana Seller]

I sold my car in Carvana last night.

[Carvana Advertiser]

Well, that's cool.

[Carvana Seller]

No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.

[Carvana Advertiser]

So what's the problem?

[Carvana Seller]

That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.

[Carvana Advertiser]

Maybe there's no catch.

[Carvana Seller]

That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.

[Lone Ranger]

Wow.

[Carvana Advertiser]

You need to relax.

[Carvana Seller]

I need to knock on wood. Do we have. What is this? Table wood?

[Carvana Advertiser]

I think it's laminate.

[Carvana Seller]

Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough.

[Carvana Advertiser]

Car selling without a catch Sell your car today on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply.

[Tonto]

It.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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