Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: “Inky’s Adventure | The Lone Ranger” (02-25-53)

Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the classic Lone Ranger tale, “Inky’s Adventure.” Host Andrew Rhynes presents a meticulously restored version of the 1953 radio broadcast, transporting listeners to the Wild West for a suspenseful story of gold shipments, outlaws, and the unflagging courage of a mischievous young boy named Inky. As the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive in Modoc City to hunt down the fugitive Spence Burrow, Inky’s curiosity sets off a chain of perilous events centered around a daring gold heist and a desperate rescue.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Stage: Modoc City, Gold Shipment, and Characters Introduced

[04:52–07:36]

• Ma Hank, the hearty landlady, is introduced as she prepares food in the kitchen of the Henry House hotel.
• Inky, a 14-year-old orphan and prankster, arrives after finishing his duties helping with the local newspaper.
• Inky learns that Marshal Jim Frazier and Inky’s mentor, Tom, are out helping to guard a large gold shipment headed to the Wells Fargo office.
• Inky wants to join the gold escort but is told by Ma Hank that it’s too dangerous.

“If Tom wanted you to go along, Inky, he'd have taken you. Besides, you have work to do here.”
— Ma Hank ([05:39])

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto make a surprise visit to the hotel, explaining that they're seeking the outlaw Spence Burrow.
• Discussion reveals Burrow is wanted for robbery and murder, and may be after the newly arrived gold.

Inky’s Curiosity Gets the Best of Him

[09:15–13:26]

• Inky sneaks out to the hotel stable to see the Lone Ranger's horse, Silver, and Uncle Homer’s black stallion, Blackie.
• Overcome by temptation, Inky considers riding Blackie to join the excitement.
• Hidden in the stable, Inky overhears Spence Burrow and local cafe owner Clyde Roscoe conspiring. Burrow is afraid of the Lone Ranger’s presence in town.

“You’d be smart to forget that gold, Clyde. You’re in the clear now. Take my advice and stay that way. With the masked man and the redskin around here, you haven’t a chance.” — Spence Burrow ([11:53])

• Trying to stifle a sneeze while eavesdropping, Inky is discovered by the criminals when he can’t hold it in because of kicked-up dust.

Inky’s Capture and the Outlaws’ Deadly Plot

[13:26–16:01]

• Spence and Clyde capture Inky and decide to silence him by taking him to Clyde’s shack by the river.
• The crooks devise a plan: leave Inky tied up on a rock in the river as bait to draw out the Lone Ranger. With no means to cross but to swim, the Lone Ranger will have to remove his weapons, making him an easy target.

“To rescue him, the masked man will have to take off his guns and swim to the rocks. Without his guns, the Lone Ranger will be as helpless as a crippled duck. We'll open fire on him while he's in the water.”
— Clyde Roscoe ([15:15])

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

[17:09–18:41]

• Ma Hank, the Lone Ranger, and Tonto return to the stable, finding evidence of a struggle: a missing saddle, Inky's hat, and tell-tale footprints.
• Tonto tracks the prints to Clyde Roscoe’s cafe, then discovers Burrow’s horse. They realize Inky has been taken away in a wagon.

The River Standoff: Rescue and Justice

[19:39–24:00]

• At daybreak, Clyde and Spence strand Inky on a rock in the river, then sabotage the only boat to force the Lone Ranger to swim if he attempts a rescue, intending to ambush and shoot him.
• The Lone Ranger arrives and is immediately warned by Inky just as bullets fly. He takes cover instead of attempting a reckless rescue.
• Tonto, hearing the gunshots, sneaks up on the outlaws, outflanking and disarming both.

“Drop gun—Pronto, or I'll shoot!”
— Tonto ([22:25])

• The prisoners are tied and captured without further violence.

Return to Town and Aftermath

[24:00–25:16]

• The outlaws are turned over to Deputy Pete Morgan, with Inky relating the whole story.
• Inky sheepishly confesses that his attempt to “help” was sparked by mischievousness, and that his sneeze gave him away and nearly got him killed—yet it also ultimately helped catch the crooks.

“If you hadn't been in the stable, you wouldn't have gotten into trouble. Huh? What were you doing here? Well, were you trying to saddle Homer's horse?”
— Ma Hank ([24:35])

• Ma Hank decides not to scold Inky, noting that in a roundabout way, his actions “helped capture those polecats.”

“Gosh, just think, Ma. I helped the Lone Ranger!”
— Inky ([25:16])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On champions being made, not born:
  “Plenty of practice, plenty of the right food. That's sound advice for anyone hoping to be a champion. …Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions.”
  — Announcer, The Lone Ranger ([04:42])

• Spence’s fear of the Lone Ranger:
  “You keep jawing about the Lone Ranger and Tonto being on your trail.”—Clyde
  “They are!”—Spence ([10:47])

• Inky’s sneeze changes everything:
  “In spite of himself, Inky felt the sleep knees coming. …He sneezed.” ([13:21])

• The Cold Calculation of the Outlaws:
  “Without his guns, the Lone Ranger will be as helpless as a crippled duck. We’ll open fire on him while he’s in the water.”
  — Clyde ([15:15])

• Tonto’s Daring Heroism:
  “You too. Drop gun…Pronto, or I’ll shoot!”
  — Tonto ([22:25])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Main Story Introduction & Setup: [04:52–07:36]
• Inky Overhears the Crooks: [09:15–13:26]
• Inky Captured, Scheme to Trap Lone Ranger: [13:26–16:01]
• Stable Discovery & Tracking: [17:09–18:41]
• River Showdown and Rescue: [19:39–24:00]
• Aftermath, Inky’s Confession: [24:00–25:16]

Tone and Style Reflection

The episode retains the suspenseful, dramatic, and gently humorous qualities characteristic of classic Old Time Radio Westerns. Inky’s youthful mischief, Ma Hank’s motherly warmth, the Lone Ranger’s steadfast justice, and Tonto’s quiet courage all shine through in dialogue and performance. The episode captures the energy and morality play of its era—emphasizing that even mistakes, when paired with bravery and quick thinking, can help bring about justice.