Island in the Rio | The Lone Ranger (05-04-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns:

"Island in the Rio" | The Lone Ranger (05-04-42)

Release Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Theme:
A classic tale of justice and ingenuity in the untamed West, as the Lone Ranger faces Butch Murdoch’s ruthless gang exploiting a lawless island refuge between Texas and Mexico. Through wit, alliance, and daring, the Lone Ranger and his friends orchestrate an epic showdown to bring outlaws to justice.

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode plunges listeners into a suspenseful frontier drama where lawlessness prevails on an island in the Rio Grande, beyond the reach of both American and Mexican authorities. The Lone Ranger is called upon by a desperate sheriff and the townsfolk to confront the notorious Murdoch gang. The story centers on themes of community, sacrifice, courageous leadership, and the creative strategies needed to confront evil where laws fall short.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Lawless Island & Murdoch’s Reign

• Situation: Butch Murdoch operates a criminal stronghold on an island in the Rio Grande, exploiting its ambiguous legal status ([03:25-07:00]).
  • Sheriff Wilson: “He’s got a headquarters that can stand an attack of 100 men. And his headquarters is located where there’s no law... It’s an island in the river. … Neither the United States nor Mexico owns it.” ([04:20])
• The island’s geography, dense brush, and strategic location make assaults nearly impossible.

2. The Lone Ranger Arrives

• Inciting Incident: Sheriff Wilson, overwhelmed by Murdoch’s violence, secretly seeks help from the Lone Ranger ([03:30-05:05]).
• The town is attacked in retaliation: the gang burns buildings, robs, and violently warns the sheriff and townsfolk against resistance. Tonto and the horses are kidnapped ([06:00-08:30]).
  • Notable Moment: The Lone Ranger is injured in the chaos, raising doubts about hope for justice.

3. Despair and Divide in the Community

• Aftermath: Townspeople blame the Lone Ranger's involvement for bringing Murdoch’s wrath upon them ([08:50-10:20]).
  • Gene: “All you’ve accomplished is to bring Murdoch here with the worst raid any town has had.” ([09:16])
  • Lone Ranger: “We won’t fight until the last man in town is wiped out. We’ll fight until the last outlaw is where he belongs.” ([10:16])
• The episode starkly portrays the psychological cost of resisting tyranny versus enduring it.

4. Captivity and Threats

• Tonto’s Dilemma: Tonto is held captive; his loyalty is tested as Murdoch threatens to execute Silver and Scout if he doesn't give up the Lone Ranger’s plans ([12:30-14:30]).
  • Murdoch: “When that sun dips into the horizon today I’m going to put bullets through the heads of those two horses—that is unless you get some notions.” ([13:12])

5. Seeking Unlikely Allies

• Diplomacy: The Lone Ranger turns to Don Rafael Gonzalez, a respected rancher across the river in Mexico, for support ([17:54-21:44]).
  • Lone Ranger: “We need more than men to drive these outlaws from the island.” ([20:07])
  • Discussion of using powerful Spanish fighting bulls to dislodge the gang—a creative, risky plan.
  • Don Rafael: “Perhaps the bulls could do what men cannot do.” ([21:41])

6. Trap and Counter-Trap

• The Lone Ranger Captured: Lone Ranger allows himself to be captured to reunite with Tonto and gauge the gang’s defenses ([22:28-25:00]).
  • He feigns surrender, giving Murdoch partial truth about a "stampede plan," but withholds critical details.
  • Lone Ranger: “The plan, Murdoch, is to stampede you from this island...some ranchers are planning to drive cattle into the river...The plan was to drive your men from the island.” ([25:34])
• Murdoch’s Overconfidence: Murdoch prepares to repel cattle, thinking he’s outwitted the law.

7. The Stampede of Bulls: The Decisive Move

• As the sun sets, Don Rafael’s Spanish fighting bulls are driven into the river. Instead of fleeing from gunfire, these battle-trained bulls attack the outlaws, sparking chaos ([26:40-29:00]).
  • Vivid soundscape: thundering hooves, bulls bellowing, gunfire, and screams of panicked outlaws.
  • Narrator: “Much to their dismay, the bulls lowered huge shaggy heads and charged.” ([28:24])
• Murdoch’s gang flees into the river, only to be met by lawmen waiting on both shores.
  • Sheriff: “The Lone Ranger worked it out just right.” ([30:25])
  • Vern: “I reckon one Lone Ranger against two score crooks like you is downright unfair odds. But he had one arm hindered by a wound in the shoulder. So that should have evened it up a little.” ([30:42])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “There’s more lawlessness than I can handle. More than any sized posse ... The Murdoch outfit takes what it wants and laughs at anyone that tries to fight him.” — Sheriff Wilson ([04:00])
• “We won’t fight until the last man in town is wiped out. We’ll fight until the last outlaw is where he belongs.” — Lone Ranger ([10:16])
• “If those bulls would be driven into the river, where the current is swift and the water’s deep...That island is too small for both outlaws and wild bulls. The bulls are infuriated.” — Lone Ranger ([21:16-21:41])
• “Much to their dismay, the bulls lowered huge shaggy heads and charged.” — Narrator ([28:24])
• “I reckon one Lone Ranger against two score crooks like you is downright unfair odds. But he had one arm hindered by a wound in the shoulder. So that should have evened it up a little.” — Vern ([30:42])

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Timeline & Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Content | |:----------:|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:54 | Story introduction and setup (classic theme "Hi-Yo Silver!") | | 03:25-07:00| Sheriff’s plea; description of Murdoch’s untouchable island | | 08:50-10:20| Aftermath of the raid; community in despair and conflict | | 12:30-14:30| Tonto’s captivity and the threat to Silver and Scout | | 17:54-21:44| Lone Ranger seeks help from Don Rafael in Mexico | | 22:28-25:00| Lone Ranger captured; reveals partial plan to Murdoch | | 26:40-29:00| Bulls stampede, chaos on the island, outlaws routed | | 30:42 | Resolution, justice served, community restored |

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Final Notes

This episode powerfully blends suspense, character-driven dialogue, and a rich soundscape enhanced by digital restoration. It highlights the Lone Ranger’s blend of courage and ingenuity, leaning on alliances and inventive tactics to bring justice where the usual arm of the law cannot reach. The centerpiece—wild bulls routing outlaws from their sanctuary—remains a wildly memorable and original climax.

Classic western radio drama at its finest—restored for a new era, with all the crackling tension and moral clarity that continue to define the Lone Ranger legacy.

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Transcript

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

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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.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

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

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

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. Sheriff Wilson had Been asleep for several hours before the door of his small house opened softly, then closed without a sound. The lawman's first consciousness was a feeling of someone shaking him gently by the shoulder. You were. What's this? Who said it? Sheriff, I'm a friend. Who's here? Dead Red, it's the middle of the night. Who are you? Get wide awake before you try to talk. Sheriff Wilson? Barely. Where's the candle you light in here? Be better if there is no light. Perhaps you don't want anyone to know that I came here. Doing places, are you? I heard that you wanted to see me. A padre in a mission told me. Jumping gooseberries. Hold on now. Don't fool an old discouraged lawman. Don't do it. If you're not the man I think you are, don't josh me about it. I left Silver in back of your house while I was there with him. Silver? Todo, Is it true that you need help here? You're the one. There's no mistake in that voice of yours. You're the Lone Ranger. Yes, sir. Oh, heaven sent you. That's the truth. There's no two ways about it. Now, wait. Just let me get out of this bed, get my boots on. Why did you want to see me, Wilson? I'll tell you why. Speak. Because there's more lawlessness than I can handle. More than any sized posse I can get is able to handle. What kind of lawlessness, Sheriff? You're down, right. Out and out. Killing, stealing, raiding and whatever else there is. The Murdoch outfit takes what it wants and laughs at anyone that tries to fight him. Murdoch? Well, he's the brains of the gang. Butch Murdoch. He's got a headquarters that can stand an attack of 100 men. And his headquarters is located where there's no law. Where is it? Between here and Mexico. It's an island in the river. I see. I've heard about that island. Neither the United States nor Mexico owns it. That's a story. And as long as Murdoch is there, he can't. Well, he can fight off any number of men. What is the island like? It's about three miles long and only about a quarter of a mile wide. It's all overgrown with brush. That gang always has good hiding when they have to shoot it out against men that try to attack them. Is the river deep around the island? Deep enough so a horse has to swim for it. That's why that gang can just hide in the shelter of the brush and pick off any number of men they have to leave the island sometime. What happens when they're on the mainland? No one can tell where or when they'll strike next. As long as the place is on guard, they stay holed up on the island. When they attack at night, they hit a place that's unguarded. I see. How about the troopers? The army? Well, the island isn't in the state, so our troopers can't go there. It isn't in Mexico. So the Mexican army's in the same fix. They have plenty of supplies. They stole enough to last them from now to doomsday. They steal money, gold, jewels and that sort of thing, not bothering with big things like cattle or horses. Murdoch. The last time I heard of him, he was in jail. Really? Got out? Was not a jail two months before he had this gang organized. Wait. There's something going on. Sheriff. Sheriff, it's the Murdoch gang. Come in here. Yeah. Hell, not the Sheriff. No, I'm not. What's that you're saying? Vern Burdock's gang. They hit the far side of town. They've already cleaned out the bank and the store. How many of them? Oh, looks to be half a hundred. They're coming this way. And fast, too. They're starting a couple of fires. Hey, look down there. Blazing building. Mas man's been hit. Give me a hand. Hold it. Back in the house. Get him in a. The outlaws charged like a tidal wave of sudden death, firing point blank anything or anyone who stood between them and the road ahead. They swarmed around the sheriff's house, shouting warning to the lawman through the window. Keep on your side of the water. This town will get worse than I trade. This is just a warning, Sheriff Wilson. There's not around that rock for you. Two horses in. The Redskin. Unable to resist the mob, Tonto was quickly roped and dragged from the saddle of his paint horse. Silver and Sculpt were literally dragged away from Sheriff Wilson's house. The gang moved swiftly on. Oh, my sake. Shall I burn? It's a lone ranger that was shot. No. Is that right? It's the truth. You better light the lamp so we can see how bad he's hurt. Oh, I'll get to it right away. And that Injun friend of his, I heard him. Take him along. No. Tell him what they'll do to him and the horses. Sure, Sheriff. Did they get you? Yeah, they did. Here's the lamb now. Let me take a look at him. I expect he'll wish he's dead when he hears about his Indian friend. His horse. I heard that Redskin fight like a banshee wildcat before they got him. The Lone Ranger's alive. Breathing pretty steady. Good. That wound. It's got in the shoulder. Well, it might have been worse. Knocked him down. He hit his head when he fell. Well, that's what knocked him out. Hitting his head when he fell. Vern, get that water basin and some of them clean Sunday shirts in my dresser drawer. I'll clean out the wound. Right. I reckon if we wanted to, we could take that mask off and see what the face the Lone Ranger's like, couldn't we? You stop that kind of talk. Anyone that's do that, he should have his neck stretched. Well, thunderation. Sheriff, I wouldn't. I was only thinking. Hey, I'd like you to shirt. It's the cleanest one. Put that basin on the floor beside me. That's it.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Jack Wilson. Our house is burned down and Claude's store was robbed and you're to blame for it.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Wait. Shut that door, Genie.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Who's that?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

It's a Lone Ranger.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

So you found them. Well, I hope you're satisfied. Everyone tried to warn you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Warn me? Here, get some water boiling. Vern, you build up the fire genie. Get some clean water and a kettle.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

They told you what Murdoch would do to the town if you insisted on trying to get the Lone Ranger to come here and fight his organization.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Well, the Lone Ranger is here.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Yes, and he looks as if he's going to fight. Stretched out flat on his back on the floor. He's still alive even if he wasn't wounded. There isn't anything he could do. All you've accomplished is to bring Murdoch here with the worst rate any town has had.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Gene, maybe you'd like it better if we just let that gang run things the way they want. Steal and kill and plunder to suit themselves.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

At least we'd have had our home and Pa would have had his store.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Yeah, but we'd have had our heads down with shame when we thought of the men that given their lives to win us freedom. The water will be hot in a jiffy. Now, Gene, you go on home if you're going to talk. Bowing down to the Murdoch gang. Oh, he's coming to now, Sheriff. There. Now, you take it easy till you get your wits together. Don't try to get up too soon. Oh, Wilson. It was Murdoch and his gang. They attacked the town because they heard that I was looking for you to fight against him.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

So you're to blame for everything that's happened.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Now, Gene, you sure shot. Go on, Home to your power.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Go on, scat. I won't. That masked man ought to know what's happened. Buildings burned, lots of people robbed and half a dozen murdered. And all because he's lined up against the gang.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I'm sorry. Sorry?

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Now, I suppose you're going to make some big, brave sounding statement of going after that gang. Of fighting until the last man in town has been wiped out like. Like the Alamo.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

No. We won't fight until the last man in town is wiped out.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

We'll fight until the last outlaw is where he belongs. It took two days for the Lone Ranger to recover his strength. On the morning of the third day, Gene called at Sheriff Wilson's house with a bowl of steaming broth. I'll see if the broth is taken to the bedroom for him, Gene.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

But when can I see him? I want to tell him how ashamed I am for what I said the other night.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Nope. You can't let no one talk to him, Gene.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Maybe tomorrow.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Well, maybe we'll see.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

But, Sheriff, yesterday you said I could see him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Today I'm taking orders from the Lone Ranger, Gene. That's all I can say. He won't talk to anyone.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Well, is he still angry?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

He wasn't angry at all, Gene. He's just hard hit at losing Tono and Silver. And he's bound and determined to get that gang.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Well, here's a chicken I broiled for him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Well, I'll see that it don't go to waste. Thanks, Gene.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Can I see him tomorrow?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I don't know.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Well, if I can't, then. Well, tell him I'd do anything to take back what I said.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Yep.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

And I'll stop in tomorrow right after church.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I'll be here. The next day. Sunday, Jean came to the house of the sheriff, accompanied by Vern, her father and several men of the town. They entered the small house as a committee. And sheriff, we'd want to do anything that the Lone Ranger'd be against. But we all want him to know that he can call on us for whatever he wants. Well, I guess he'd be glad to

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

hear that these men insisted on coming with me, Sheriff Wilson.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I see. We, that is, we need a leader, Sheriff. Someone that would direct a fight against the Outlaw island. Yep. Now, how long do you think before it'll be the Lone Ranger can go into action? Well, I couldn't say, Vern. You've been mighty secret about him, Wilson. Now, let Vern, Gene, all the rest of you. I reckon the Lone Ranger figured that he didn't want your help. The truth can be told. Now I'll invite you to help yourself. Do a look in the bedroom. There's been no one there for these past three days. The mask man slipped away from here at night. No one around here knew about it. What's he going to do? He didn't tell me.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Is he going against that gang single handed?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I don't know. But you can bet your boots he's going after him. They captured his Indian friend. And believe me, he's going to make them sorry they did it. Meanwhile, on the long narrow island, Butch Murdoch kept Tonto tied and closely guarded. Each day went to the Indian with questions. I want to know what the Lone Rangers planted to do. Me never tell. There's no way the Minute Town could drive me away from here. There's no law can touch me here. How's that mask ombre figured on getting at me? Me not tell. Look here, redskin. I wasted plenty of time with you. More time than I should have. I'm gonna find ways to make you tug, See. Don't scare easy, eh? Me not afraid of anything you do. That's where you're mistaken. What you mean? Maybe you don't feel what I could do to you. How about to the finest horses ever breed? Pete, bag them horses over here. Sure. The white and the paint horse coming right around. What you do? You're downright worried, eh? Come on, pitch him here. What's the matter, can't you handle them? Come along, man. Come on with you.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

hell do. Pete. Let him stand. You not hurt Silver and you leave Scout alone. What would you do, redskin, to see the lives of these two horses? What you want? I want to know what the plans of the Lone Ranger. How does he plan to move again? My stronghold. Tonto not know plan. How you doing there? Me not know what Lone Ranger plan. And you better start figuring out what he's likely to do. You see that sun shining in the west? Me see. When that sun dips into the horizon today I'm going to put bullets through the heads of those two horses. That is, unless you get some notions. In the meantime, Lone Ranger not tell Tanto plan. Me not know plan how. Me tell plan to you. Listen, redskin. Lone Ranger will find some scheme for driving us off this island. I don't know what it'll be, but he'll find something. You traveled with him long enough to have a pretty fair idea what that scheme will be. You think it over between now and sunset if you don't want to see two good horses at your feet. Golly Butch, it seems a shame to kill the white stallion. We won't hesitate though. The horse is no good does no one could ever gentle a critter. It's a one man horse. Keep an eye on the Indian. I'll be back around sundown. Well Santo, sure would be a shame to see those horses shot. May not know what plan to be. Well, I can tell you this Butch Murdock wasn't fooling. He meant just what he said. Where Lone Ranger now? Last we heard he was still getting over being shot in the sheriff's place. Now he's scheming something and we got to know what it is. You better figured out. And I sure hope you do, because I'd hate to have to shoot horses like them too. Yes siree, I sure would hate to do it. 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. Safeway and Albertsons have made saving easier than ever, with great savings on family favorites this week at Safeway and Albertsons. USDA choice beef boneless tri tip, whole or flank and style ribs bone in are $6.99 per pound member price and asparagus or 1.99 per pound member price plus 16 ounce strawberries, 6 ounce raspberries or blackberries are 197 each limit three

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Sam. Now to continue our story. Some distance south of the Rio Grande, a Spanish gentleman maintained one of the largest, finest ranches in the entire region. His name was Don Rafael Gonzalez. His wife, Senora Maria Gonzalez, came into the patio during the siesta hour with excitement in every word movement.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

You come quickly in the house.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Maria, what is wrong?

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

The sword. The sword of your grandfather is gone

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

from the wall a moment ago.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

I'm in the house.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

I look.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

The sword no longer is on the wall where it was placed.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

For this I will punish someone.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

I don't know how long it has been gone.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Only wait. I will find Raphael. Must. Who is it to come? This, Don Raphael, is your sword?

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

He is the one. He is who took it.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Wait. Then you are. There was a time when this sword was worn at the side of the governor of Texas. It is true. For that reason, Texas needs another man from the family of Gonzalez. Will you wear this sword? I Texas? Senor. The nurse. I came here on a horse that was borrowed. I parted the stream far up where it's shallow and where there's but little current. My own horse has been stolen because of this. You come here to take that sword? I come because I was told that if I ever was needed for this sword to be carried again, the request had only to be made here. Read what's inscribed on the sword. But you. The mask. They call me the Lone Ranger. That is it. Your horse Silver is not here. I told you that my soledad ranchero.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

The Lone Ranger. Raffaele said his horse was stolen.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Senor, how is it possible for me to serve? There's an island between our countries. That island of the lizards that spawn of all that is evil. A wood could be blown into nothing. And you know the kind of men who live there? No. Then, senor, I curse them daily. I pray for their painful death. They've been raiding towns in Texas and in Mexico. And they are immune. There is no law, no man who can attack. And they live where there is no government. And they can defeat any who try to go after them.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Many of our friends have suffered because of this outlaw.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Have your friends tried to drive them from their island? Oh, yes. And so dearly they have paid. There was a time when 20 of us plunged into the water with our horses. But before we could get halfway to the island, most of us had been killed. And the others forced to swim with their wounds back to our own sight. That's why I came to you. What? Why? We need more than men to drive these outlaws from the island. We must act at once. But, senor, how can they be done? Will you wear the sword? If wearing it will help you and many others near here in Mexico have cattle. Cattle? Cattle, senor, you breed bulls for the ring. And in all of Mexico, unknown fire or stronger or more dangerous. How many such bulls can be herded? I do not know, amigo. Perhaps several hundred.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

But these bulls, what can they do?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

If those bulls would be driven into the river, where the current is swift and the water's deep, it would be swept along on the current, yes. They would try to go ashore at the nearest point. They do not like the water if the current took them near that island. And the outlaws on the island would have a fortune in priceless bulls. That, Don Raphael, is what we must prevent. But I do not understand. That island is too small for both outlaws and wild bulls. The bulls are infuriated. Yes, Senor Raphael.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Perhaps the bulls could do what men cannot do.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

If we could enlist the help of your friends and the help of my friends in Texas, with the law ready to make arrest when the outlaws try to go ashore on the mainland. The bulls draw them from the island. Would be good, senor. As I have said, the bulls would be lost. Perhaps not. Will you let us take the chance, senor? I think I know what you have in mind. You hope to stampede the bulls. Perhaps. It will not work, amigo. I'm sorry. Why? Oh, no. You may understand the long horns of Texas, but the Spanish bulls with generations of breeding for the bull ring, they are different. They do not stampede from fear. As do your takes as beasts, senor.

[Character in Lone Ranger Drama (e.g., Gene or Vern)]

Is too bad you come so much on the help of Don Raphael, and now you're so disappointed.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Don Raphael, I'm going to that island. You Ton is there. He's my friend. Silver's there, my horse. I'm going to be there with him. And I'm going to count on the help I came to get from you. I tried to tell you. It is all place. Perhaps. I understand. You're fighting bulls better than you think. I. As the hour of sundown drew near, Murdoch came to Tonto, who had his dark eyes fixed on the red rim that still showed on the horizon. Scout and Silver were tethered close at hand. And Pete stood with a heavy rifle in his hands. Can you see the son up there? She's almost gone. Me see it. Well, we figured out how that mask one of yours is going to fight. Me may not know. Well, that's too bad. It appears, Murdoch. I wonder. Well, doggone. I have to do the shoot myself. You'll be the first to get it. Oh, I'm ready, Murdoch. Well, see it fast. Sends Mosquito on. You let horse live. Me teach horse to let you ride them? Nope. There's only one thing I want that's not a schema, Murdoch. The men have got something. They're coming here and they're mighty excited. I got his. Hey, boss, look at what they got. It's the mask man. You come here. Ty. Kimosabe. You got wounded. How bad? It's not bad. Otto. What have they done to you? To me? All right. But. Fellow ready to shoot. Silver. Silver, old fella. Thank goodness you're alive. There now. Steady. Steady, boy. Where'd you get this critter? It's the head of the island. He was trying to make sure, but the current caught him and the gray mustang he was aboard and washed him right to the island. Reckon he sure was surprised to find out where he was landing. This is better than I hope for. Well, now that you've got me, Murdoch, what are you going to do about it? Hold on. This man's no fool. Thanks. What do you mean? Turkey knows a Rio as well as anybody alive. He'd know what the current would do. How about that? You're doing the guessing. It never tried to cross me washed up here. Unless you wanted that to happen. Murdoch is right. The Lone Ranger know that he could cross upstream where it's shallow? What about it? Well, what about it? You wanted to come here, didn't you? I was anxious to know about Tottle and our horses. Murdoch, if you'd harmed my friends, you'd pay for it with your life. So that's why he come here. How'd you figure on getting away again? I've got nothing to say. Where'd you come before dark when you could have come after dark with a better chance of not being seen? I didn't think you'd sleep without a guard, so it didn't matter when I came. There's something up your sleeve and I'm going to know what it is. How are you going to find out? Dad. Get away. Peter. You ready? Yep. If you'd been a few minutes later, you'd have found two dead horses here. What's that not right? Him ready to shoot Scout shoot Silver. Why you. What. What have those animals done to you? Throwed him on his face, for one thing. I'm sorry, boss. Maybe you'd sooner see your horses shot than tell what your plans are. Then again, maybe not. Let's see. Cock that gun, please. Why'd you come here? To see Toto. You're planning to trap me. I didn't say I was. Never mind beating around the bush. I want straight answers and I want a proto. What's your scheme? Him shoot Silver. Shoot Scout. All right, Murdoch. Put that gun away. You win. Keep that gun ready, Pete. And if he slows up in his talk, I'll give you the word to fire and shoot the white horse first. The plan, Murdoch, is to stampede you from this island. Do what? Stampede. What's he mean? Well, some ranchers are planning to drive cattle into the river. The cattle will be caught with a current and washed to this island. Same as you was, eh? Yes. And your friends figured to come behind the critters and start shooting at them to stampede them. The. The plan was to drive your men from the island. They sure got to hand it to you. Were playing a course. Yes, I helped make it. I told you, Pete. I told you you'd have something slick in mind. But now we know what it is, we'll be ready. How about us letting the critters land? Well, we thought you wouldn't shoot good beef. You'd be glad to see it coming here. Slick. Downright slick. Now we'll turn the tables. We'll turn the tables aplenty. What about these horses? Lean for the tab bin rope. The Lone Ranger. Hey. So we'll let cattle comes. We'll open fire when it gets ashore and turn it right back into the water. It'll stampede right back at the men who are falling behind it. Boss, I hear something. Get the roof around that tree. Let's get to a heavy island. Round up all the boys. All right. Come on, boys. And bring your car. Yeah, that'll hold you. Aren't you gonna take off my mask? Plenty of time for that. I want to be in on the fun. We'll see you by and by now scheme all go wrong? Not yet. Tunnel here. I'll have these ropes cut in no time. You got knife? The better knife up my sleeve there. I'll cut you a roof. What about Mask? What if they did unmask you? I disguise myself beneath the mask. Just in case. There you are. Now get your horse here, Scout. I don't Know what I'd have done if I shot these horses? Steady, boy. We'll be traveling in a minute. Hello. Those aren't Texas tears that are coming here. No, no. They're from Don Raphael. They're bred for the bull ring. Oh, them plenty danger. They're killers, man. Kill killers, every one of them. And they will stampede away from gunfire. What them do? Wait and you will see. Murdock's gang is due for the surprise of a lifetime. Now they're shooting. Trying to turn the bulls back. Right about now they have a lot of mad bulls ahead of this island. As the first bulls scrambled ashore, the outlaw band began firing. Much to their dismay, the bulls lowered huge shaggy heads and charged. Who got them? Stop them. They're coming for us. They don't turn back. What? They're fighting. Killing, man. Hundreds of fighting bulls made sure there was a black mass of them. The water still coming. Murdoch turned and ran. Get away from him. Save your lives. The rest of his men raised with him. They leaped their horses. The retreat became a route. Hello. It's work. Those bulls charged toward, not away from men who frighten them. Listen to the asl come. They never live on island. Now come on, get on. Scout me ready. Big fell silver riding ahead of the outlaws. The Lone Ranger and Tonto reached the foot of the island and plunged into the river. 100 yards behind them. Herd off and his gang had no choice. Fight the water. Get the water. We'll be trapped if we don't watch either one take a chance for the be. Murdoch went to Texas. Pete and many others followed him. Others of the gang headed for the other shore. The shore of the Republic of Mexico. It didn't matter. Lawmen were both places waiting with grins on their faces and loaded guns in their hands as the killers came out of the water. Take the guns, man, and put ropes on them. The Lone Ranger worked it out just right. Look over there in Mexico. All right, all right. Listen. I'd sooner take a chance you'll stand the trial. But I was born. And it didn't matter whether you come here or Mexico. Don Raphael. His men would hang you just as quick as we will. Now it's all clear. And to think the Lone Ranger planted this way. I reckon one lone Ranger against two score crooks like you is downright unfair odds. But he had one arm hindered by a wound in the shoulder. So that should have evened it up a little. Boy's a lone Ranger. Done this one one handed.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

Sam. 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 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.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger Storyteller]

It.