Joan of Clarksville | The Lone Ranger (03-10-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – “Joan of Clarksville” (03-10-41)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 1, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a digitally restored presentation of “Joan of Clarksville,” a classic Lone Ranger radio drama from March 10, 1941. The story unfolds in the post-railroad boomtown of Clarksville, where the courageous Joan Jones leads a fight against corruption and oppression after the murder of her father, the editor of the Clarion newspaper. With the help of her brother Johnny, their friends, and the iconic Lone Ranger and Tonto, Joan inspires the townspeople to reclaim justice from a ruthless mayor and his gang of outlaws.

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Key Discussion Points and Storyline Breakdown

1. Introducing Clarksville’s Plight

• [02:22–05:25]
  • The arrival of the railroad transforms Clarksville, attracting new faces but also increased lawlessness.
  • Joan Jones, strong-willed and unafraid, confronts Ben Forbes, the corrupt mayor, whom she accuses of orchestrating her father’s murder.

Notable quote:
Joan Jones: “You were afraid of my father then, so you ordered your men to kill him.” (05:36)

2. Commitment to the Clarion and Justice

• [06:58–07:35]
  • Despite the murder of their father and sabotage of their press, Joan and Johnny vow to keep the Clarion newspaper running as a symbol of opposition.
  • Joan rallies honest citizens to organize themselves in the face of intimidation.

3. The Call to Arms – Town Meeting in the Valley

• [08:12–10:29]
  • Bob Sherman calls a secret meeting of the town’s trustworthy men.
  • Joan electrifies the assembly by reading the final words of her father’s last, unpublished editorial, urging defiance against tyranny.

Notable quote:
Joan Jones:
“This was the heritage our fathers brought to the West—a heritage of freedom. Does the blood of the pioneers flow so thinly in our veins that we submit to tyranny? … Men of Clarksville, throw off the yoke of slavery…Give me liberty or give me death!” (08:37–09:34)

4. The Lone Ranger’s Guidance Toward Lawful Change

• [09:34–10:31]
  • The Lone Ranger, recognized for his sense of justice, counsels the townspeople to act within the law: organize a legitimate town meeting, hold elections for a new mayor and sheriff, and restore lawful order.

Notable quote:
The Lone Ranger: “You have a majority here…Elect a new mayor and a new sheriff. You can put an end to Forbes’ government tonight.” (10:17–10:26)

5. Ben Forbes Strikes Back

• [11:00–13:49]
  • Forbes, sensing the growing rebellion, plans violence: attack and burn the Clarion office, intimidate Joan and her allies, and solidify his grip.
  • Joan and Johnny print and protect a new edition of the Clarion, determined to expose Forbes' crimes to the public.

6. Night Attack and Resistance

• [15:27–17:44]
  • The Lone Ranger spies on Forbes’ plotting and narrowly escapes detection.
  • He and Tonto coordinate to save Johnny during the ensuing attack on the newspaper office.

7. Courage and Sacrifice

• [18:37–20:13]
  • Amid gunfire, the Lone Ranger orchestrates a daring rescue—saving Johnny and the printed papers.
  • Joan and Bob are captured and jailed, but the fight continues.

8. Strategic Planning for Uprising

• [22:43–24:41]
  • Joan, momentarily faltering, is reminded by her friends of the stakes; she regains her resolve.
  • The Lone Ranger devises a signal to rally the townspeople using Joan’s public speech and a staged gunshot.

Notable quote:
Joan Jones: “Let me talk it out…let me get rid of all my weakness so I can fight again. A girl has to do that, Bob. It’s hard for you to understand, but crying helps.” (22:46–23:01)

9. High Noon Showdown – Joan’s Defiant Speech

• [25:49–26:47]
  • At noon, with outlaws watching, Joan bravely addresses the men of Clarksville from an upstairs window, appealing to their sense of honor, family, and justice.

Notable quote:
Joan Jones:
“We look up to you as defenders of our homes…When it comes to the safety of harmless children, that’s different…They use their strength against women and children.” (25:49–26:47)

10. Final Confrontation and Victory

• [26:47–28:57]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto storm Forbes’ office, disarm him, and force a surrender.
  • The townspeople, inspired by Joan and the Lone Ranger, take back control; Forbes and his men are arrested, facing trial for murder.

Notable quote:
The Lone Ranger: “The law will deal with you. You and your men will face trial for the murder of Joan’s father. That’s it, men.” (27:54)

11. Resolution and The Lone Ranger’s Quiet Departure

• [28:29–29:48]
  • Restoration of law and order is celebrated.
  • Joan notes the Lone Ranger’s selfless habit of disappearing before thanks can be offered, cementing his legacy as a guardian of justice in the West.

Notable quote:
Joan Jones: “He’s gone before we had a chance to thank him…We will if we need him, Johnny. It’s one thing you can depend on…the Lone Ranger always stands by his friends.” (28:34–28:57)

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Memorable Quotes (with timestamps and attribution)

• "You were afraid of my father then, so you ordered your men to kill him.”
  — Joan Jones, (05:36)

• “This was the heritage our fathers brought to the West—a heritage of freedom…Give me liberty or give me death!”
  — Joan Jones reading her father’s editorial, (08:37–09:34)

• “Elect a new mayor and a new sheriff. You can put an end to Forbes’ government tonight.”
  — The Lone Ranger, (10:26)

• “Let me talk it out…let me get rid of all my weakness so I can fight again. A girl has to do that, Bob. It’s hard for you to understand, but crying helps.”
  — Joan Jones, (22:46–23:01)

• “We look up to you as defenders of our homes…They use their strength against women and children.”
  — Joan Jones, (25:49–26:47)

• “The law will deal with you. You and your men will face trial for the murder of Joan’s father.”
  — The Lone Ranger, (27:54)

• “He’s gone before we had a chance to thank him…It’s one thing you can depend on…the Lone Ranger always stands by his friends.”
  — Joan Jones, (28:34–28:57)

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Noteworthy Moments

• [08:37] Joan’s rousing reading of her father’s last words, urging townsfolk to reclaim their freedom.
• [10:17–10:26] The Lone Ranger’s masterful redirection of the townspeople to lawful action instead of vigilantism.
• [25:49–26:47] Joan’s courageous public speech galvanizes Clarksville’s citizens, setting the stage for justice.
• [28:34–28:57] The Lone Ranger’s quiet exit, leaving behind hope and renewed faith in justice.

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Summary

“Joan of Clarksville” delivers a powerful saga of courage, community, and justice restored. Joan’s resolve to finish her father’s work, aided by steadfast friends and the legendary Lone Ranger, exemplifies the enduring values of the frontier and the spirit of resistance against tyranny. The dynamic interplay of action, inspiration, and moral clarity—set against a dramatically restored audio backdrop—makes this episode a significant piece of both radio history and Western lore.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines (OTRWesterns Host)]

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[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high silver. The Lone Ring. In the early days of the western United States, the bands of outlaws that roamed the new territory grew so strong that they defied the local sheriffs. It was not until the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for justice that law and order was brought to the lawless frontier. His strength and courage was always on the side of right against might, and it was he, more than any other man who finally made possible the winning of the West. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Come out of the past Come the thundering hoof beats, the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. With the coming of the railroad. Clarksville had achieved its destiny. A sleepy village became a booming cattle market, but it still retained many of the characteristics of a small town. The station platform was crowded. Every night the train from the east was due. Cowboys and ranchers, gamblers and storekeepers mingled in the light of flares and lanterns. At last, the train steamed into the station. A girl of 18 elbowed her way to the crowd, toward the coaches and I'll clear the way for you, Ms. Jones.

[Joan Jones]

I don't want your help, Ben.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, whatever you say. I hear your brother's coming home from school.

[Joan Jones]

Yes, and I'm the only one to know. The first thing I had to tell Johnny is that you killed your father.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're talking to the mayor of Clarksville, Ms. Jones.

[Joan Jones]

I'm talking to a murderer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Every one of the men who broke into the office of the Clarion is in jail.

[Joan Jones]

When are you going to set them free?

[The Lone Ranger]

They'll be tried by a jury.

[Joan Jones]

Tried and set free. You can't afford to have him punished. They took your orders. You knew about that editorial card written you were afraid to let the people of Clarksville see the next edition of the Clarion. If one man could defy there might be others who follow his lead. You were afraid of my father then, so you ordered your men to kill him.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a lie.

[Joan Jones]

You're a coward, too. You wouldn't dare say that to a man. Joel. Get out of my way. Here I am, Johnny. Come on, sir. Where's dad? You're grown.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm grown up.

[Joan Jones]

I wish it were true. It is. Where's dad?

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't he come down to meet me?

[Joan Jones]

I. I've got a horse and buggy waiting. We'll pick up your trunk tomorrow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Something's wrong.

[Joan Jones]

There's nothing left. Riding, huh? I'll tell you. I don't want to do it here. Come on. And so we. We buried him yesterday morning. He was a brave man, John.

[The Lone Ranger]

He was a hero.

[Joan Jones]

You and I had to prove we were worthy to have. And go. Father, what can we do? We'll carry on with the Clarion. They ran our printer out of town. They broke up the big press. But they're still a small one. And you can sit tight?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Joan Jones]

There's an office up ahead. We boarded it up where the glass was built.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Joan Jones]

Hey.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a couple of men out in front.

[Joan Jones]

More of them coming. Get up there.

[The Lone Ranger]

A white Indian and a pink Joanie.

[Joan Jones]

It's a masked man and a ninja. I'll show them.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're gone. Look at that white horse travel. Oh, we can't catch him in this way.

[Joan Jones]

Get up there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, it's no use, Joan.

[Narrator]

Clean up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Aren't you gonna stop at the office? I want to see what they did.

[Joan Jones]

There's other business to attend to first. Where you going? We're heading for the valley outside of town.

[The Lone Ranger]

What for?

[Joan Jones]

Bob Sherman's calling a meeting for tonight. All the men in Troxel we can trust. He's going to talk to them. So am I. You too, if you want to. We've got to get them organized so they can fight back. Did you Aries. Ben Forbes has robbed every one of them, destroyed their property, made a farce of the law. It's time that honest men took the law in their own hands and put those trucks where they belong. Get up there.

[Narrator]

The valley was rimmed by three hills. On the far slope, Bob Sherman stood under the light of torches stuck in the pine trees. 200 men faced him. His voice rang out in the stillness of the night. Joan and Johnny left the buggy on the road and walked toward him. When Bob saw the girl, he stopped talking and called for her to carry on. The girl's white face was determined as she began to speak.

[Joan Jones]

Men, you heard what Bob had to say. I'm not going to make a speech myself. I only want to read you the last words my father wrote. The last paragraph of an editorial that was never printed. Go ahead. This was the heritage our fathers brought to the West. A heritage of freedom. Does the blood of the pioneers flow so thinly in our veins that we can submit to tyranny? He no longer worth the price the heroes of Valley Forge paid for it. Men of Clarksville, throw off the yoke of slavery. Rid the waist of Ben Forbes and his hired gunman. Answer with Patrick Henry to the threat of oppression. Give me liberty or give me death. My father died to bring you that message. What's your answer?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's the masked man and the injured. What do you want here?

[Narrator]

He's on a FOB that isn't true. Joan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Me here. I'll look at it.

[Narrator]

Hello, MacKenzie. We've met before.

[The Lone Ranger]

Aye, that we have. You listen to a man, every one of you. It's the Lone Ranger. That means you're on our side. You'll help us get rid of Forbes.

[Narrator]

If you do it in the right way. There's only one way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dinner. Talk too fast, lady. We let him tell us what the right way is.

[Narrator]

You all know, don't you, that Clarksville is supposed to be governed by a town meeting?

[The Lone Ranger]

That way, in the Old days. There's no been a town meeting for close to three years.

[Narrator]

But the law's never been changed.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's not even been an election.

[Narrator]

Well, you can have one right now. This meeting was called by a taxpayer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Or I pay taxes. We all do. Too many of them. And all the money goes to Lyne Forbes pocket.

[Narrator]

You have a majority here. A majority of all the taxpayers in the town.

[The Lone Ranger]

Aye, we have that.

[Narrator]

And elect a new mayor and a new sheriff. And you can put an end to Forbes government tonight.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you hear that?

[Joan Jones]

But it's worth nest, man.

[Narrator]

It's the first step.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, are we going to have any vigilantes?

[Narrator]

You'll have a sheriff and his posse. The law will be on your side.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Adios, mas man. A good idea.

[Joan Jones]

Yes, but there'll still be a fight. The law doesn't mean anything to Ben.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who's going to be sheriff? Bob Sherman's the man for the job. How about it, ladies? Hey, that means you're elected, laddie. How about Mac for mayor? Mayor mackenzie it is. I'm appointing every man here deputy.

[Narrator]

We'll ride back to town in order Forbes to clear out.

[Joan Jones]

What's that? Forbes? Miss man, they're charging down the hill.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take the COVID but hold your ground. Our men are running away. They're going for their horse. Hold your ground.

[Joan Jones]

No. You.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll stop them.

[Joan Jones]

Bob, you can't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Our men are no fighters.

[Joan Jones]

Bargain.

[The Lone Ranger]

You cannot blame them. This atop call. Is this a fire? Joan, Johnny, get down behind these rocks.

[Joan Jones]

I won't. That's men rot in this way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Gosh. We're the only ones in the ramp. Hold your fire, laddie. Twill gain us. Not for you to get killed. We'll stand aground and show them there's some who aren't afraid. Come look at them. Sight the two armies that are trying to do us out of our jobs. You heard what we did. Most of it. They're waiting just over the rim of the hill. And you know that from now on you're outlaws. Maybe so, but I can't see where it makes any difference. I still run this town and what I say goes. Look around you, Bob. You've got an old man and a boy and a girl to back your play. I got a hundred men and 200 guns. If you're calling for a showdown, we aim to oblige.

[Joan Jones]

You're the kind that needs the odds with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not complaining, Mr. Jones. Give me 50 men and I'll wipe you. Those jackrabbits are Just hightail out of here. They're honestly citizens. They're not hired gunmen.

[Joan Jones]

They'll learn to fight, and sooner than you expect. I'll see to that, Ben.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'd better stay home where you belong, Ms. Jones.

[Joan Jones]

I belong in the office of the Clarion. You killed my father, but you haven't killed the paper. And we won't stop fighting until you're driven out of town.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're asking for trouble.

[Joan Jones]

We don't have to ask for it with you around. The Clarion's due to come out day after tomorrow. It'll be published on time and I'm going to deliver your copy myself. Your name will be in it in ink as black as your.

[Narrator]

The following night, Joan and Johnny and Bob Sherman were in the office of the Clarion. Johnny was running off the last few copies of the one page edition of the paper. Bob stood guard at the door while Joan held one of the still damp pages up to the lamp. The only light in the office.

[The Lone Ranger]

There it is.

[Joan Jones]

Paul's editorial. And the whole story of what happened last night.

[The Lone Ranger]

It sure ought to make everybody that ran away ashamed of themselves.

[Joan Jones]

Hopes to. So can you see the golden slipper, Bob?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Joan Jones]

Are there any of Ben's men hanging around?

[Narrator]

A few.

[Joan Jones]

But they're just standing there watching the office.

[Narrator]

It's hard to tell.

[Joan Jones]

They know what we are doing, even if they can't see those lights. I told them what we were going to do.

[The Lone Ranger]

They haven't made a move.

[Joan Jones]

Maybe they won't. Ben laughed at me last night.

[Narrator]

He won't be laughing tomorrow.

[Joan Jones]

I wonder. After all, I read the editorial to the men we counted on. And then they ran away.

[The Lone Ranger]

There. That's the last one.

[Joan Jones]

A thousand copies. Good work, Johnny. I'll wash your hands and face. There's nothing to do now but lock up and go home.

[Narrator]

Not me.

[Joan Jones]

What? No, ma'.

[Narrator]

Am.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm gonna stay here all night. You think I'm gonna let them break in here and steal the papers?

[Joan Jones]

I don't think they'll even try.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm not gonna take any chances. And besides, I'm the printer. A printer always sleeps in the shop.

[Joan Jones]

What do you think, Bob?

[Narrator]

I'll stay here, too. I'll take you home and then come back. Swell.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a couple of cots upstairs.

[Joan Jones]

All right. I'm so tired, I can't argue about anything.

[Narrator]

Ready?

[Joan Jones]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

I'm gonna go out the back way.

[Joan Jones]

Remember, Johnny, wash your face and hands.

[The Lone Ranger]

I will. I promise.

[Joan Jones]

Lock the door.

[Narrator]

Good night.

[The Lone Ranger]

I sure will. Nobody's Going to get in here tonight.

[Narrator]

There goes Bob and Jones. Hunter left the boy in the office. Him stay there. May plan to stay the night. We'll have to stand guard. That's right. It's possible that Ben won't act until tomorrow. But we can't take any chances. One thing is certain. Jones defied Ben and he won't let her get away with it. Not if he can help it. It's up to us to see that he can't help it. See those cottonwoods in back of the bank? I don't see. Take Silver and scout down there. What you do. Ben's office is on the second floor of the Golden Slipper. There's an outside stairway that leads from the ground up to it. I'm going to get as close as I can to the office and find out what he's planning to do. Tanto, not like that. It's a warm night. His windows will be open. I may be able to hear a lot. It's plenty dangerous. There may not be any guards in back of the cafe. Tanto meet you here. Yes, but if I'm not back and they try to break into the office. Get the boy out. Oh, adios, kimosabe. They've gone, Ben. Sure. Light's gone out. All right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pick out about a half a dozen men. Get over there and clean the place up.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Wait.

[The Lone Ranger]

The paper's been printed. Bring me one pile, the rest in the middle of the street and set fire to them. Tell the boys to start shooting. Wake up the town.

[Narrator]

Why not set fire to the building? Not a bad idea.

[The Lone Ranger]

Give him a real bonfire. Go to it. That paper's like blasting powder. And the girl's defuse to set it off.

[Narrator]

If we could only get rid of her. Just say the word. Not yet. Hey, what's the matter?

[The Lone Ranger]

Take it easy, boss.

[Narrator]

I saw a face at the window just then. A man with a mask. The same one we saw last night, maybe. I'll get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

He got out the lamp. Where's that door? I got it. There's a mask rat outside. Everybody after him. Don't let him get away.

[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. Now to continue our story. When the Lone Ranger was discovered outside the Golden Slipper Cafe. He shut out the lamp in Forbes office. And then slipped away into the darkness before the outlaw's men had swarmed out of the cafe after him. A moment later, he'd reached Tonto's side at the rear of the Clarion office. What happened, Kimosabe? They saw me, but I got away. Outlaw, come here. Yes. We've got to save the boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Johnny. Unbar the door.

[Joan Jones]

Who's there? Is that you, Bob?

[Narrator]

There, boy. Upstairs.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get down here. Unbar the door, Johnny.

[Joan Jones]

Hurry. Sure thing.

[Narrator]

I want to get inside. I'll hold them off until you and the boy have made your escape. You come with us. No. Tell as soon as the firing starts the town will wake up. I want the honest men around here to think that Johnny's holding off that gang by himself. Maybe all they need to make them stand up and fight. And what happened to you?

[The Lone Ranger]

What's the matter?

[Narrator]

Go with Tada, Johnny. He'll see that you get home safely.

[The Lone Ranger]

But I don't want to go home.

[Narrator]

Barbara's men are planning to burn down the building.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then I'll stay here and fight them all.

[Narrator]

You leave that to me.

[Joan Jones]

But what about the papers?

[The Lone Ranger]

They're all printed. I can't leave them here.

[Narrator]

Take them with you. Otto will have help you inside. We've got to move fast. When they were unable to find the Lone Ranger, Forbes called his men together and started down the street to the newspaper office.

[The Lone Ranger]

That must have been the same masked man we saw in the valley last night. Yeah. He told him to elect a new mayor and a new sheriff. I'd hate to tell you what I'm thinking, boss. You don't have to. I saw that white horse too.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll get him. He heard what we planned to do to the office. That's it, just ahead. I got a hunch that he's inside there right now.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Watch yourselves now, men. Hold it. Get your shooting irons ready. I got a hunch the masked man is inside that building. We're going to surround it.

[Narrator]

Then what?

[The Lone Ranger]

You brought those torches along already to light? We'll smoke them out. If gunfire won't do it, those torches will.

[Narrator]

Oh, Johnny.

[The Lone Ranger]

Almost got there that time. He's coming close, but he hasn't hit anybody yet. Let him have it.

[Narrator]

Johnny.

[Joan Jones]

Johnny.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here comes a girl in Sherman calling for the kid. He must be in there too.

[Narrator]

Coming over here.

[The Lone Ranger]

I could pick her off. Bar.

[Narrator]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't shoot a woman in cold blood. How about Sherman? I got other plans for him. Slip away. Get a few more of the boys and bring them back here.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

When you see your chance, grab Sherman from behind and take him to jail. I got you.

[Joan Jones]

Tell your men to stop shooting. Then you can do whatever you want to the Office. But Johnny's in there. It's only Johnny he destroyed. You want to murder him.

[The Lone Ranger]

If Johnny's in there, he isn't alone. It isn't Johnny that's doing the shooting. Look, up there on the second floor.

[Joan Jones]

Who is it?

[Narrator]

It must be.

[The Lone Ranger]

It is, Joan. It's the lone Ranger. That's what I thought. He's raking the street with bullets.

[Joan Jones]

But Johnny.

[The Lone Ranger]

Light your torches, men. Watch for your chance and throw them in those open windows upstairs.

[Joan Jones]

You're going to get fired the place.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, you torture covered. Forbes. Tell your men to drop those torches and drop their guns. Get him, slick.

[Joan Jones]

The ghost.

[Narrator]

That's it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Drag him around his back and carry him to the jail. There's a cage boat. You lock him up. I'm staying here.

[Joan Jones]

Let go of here, you dirty killers.

[The Lone Ranger]

Grab the little wild cat. Lock her in. Leave somebody to guard the jail. That takes care of them. Hey, the fire's catching hold. Yeah. Where's the masked man? The last time I saw him, he was upstairs. Hey, who's that? An engine riding down the street leading a white horse. There's the masked man.

[Joan Jones]

Where?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just caught a glimpse of him.

[Joan Jones]

That window.

[The Lone Ranger]

There he is again. Ah, you didn't get him. He's getting ready to jump. Good. We got him surrounded, boss. That white horse, he's gonna jump onto its back. He can't make it. He'll break his neck. Look, he did make it. He's getting away. Shoot the killer.

[Narrator]

Him here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bring him out t him now that.

[Narrator]

You t. Hurry up, Johnny.

[The Lone Ranger]

The mess man. I never thought you'd get away.

[Narrator]

We haven't yet. Where are the newspapers?

[The Lone Ranger]

Hunto have him in saddlebag.

[Narrator]

You're riding with us, Johnny.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm going to ride, sir. Let me help you.

[Joan Jones]

Come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Scout, Did t tell you that sis and Bob weren't there when we got the heard the shooting and went back to the office? Ben's gang took them prisoner.

[Joan Jones]

Where are they now?

[The Lone Ranger]

Under se men drag him to jail.

[Narrator]

We'll get them out, but we can't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Do it right away. Well, there they are now. That's Fen is getting behind her. Come on there, boy. Children's scout cannot run them. We're going to have to lose them outside of town and then circle back. Maybe better we wait for tomorrow.

[Narrator]

No, t. Her only chance is to.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get Joan and Bob out of jail tonight. We leave in ceremony. Oh, gosh, we might as well give up. I saw the fire. You office must be burned to the ground.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid so.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's it Put of fighting. If the paper's gone, you can rebuild the office. Not with Fortune Town. Don't forget we still have those last papers you printed. Yeah, but what about. And it's going to be your job to see that everybody in Clarksville has a copy.

[Joan Jones]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

I'll tell you later.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now we lose them.

[Narrator]

Yes, T. They're giving up the chase.

[The Lone Ranger]

And go back to cafe.

[Narrator]

And they won't leave it again. Another hour and we head for the jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get them up, Scout. I'll still be away. Oh, don't, Joan, I. I'm ashamed of.

[Joan Jones]

Myself, but I can't help it. I almost wish that Paul had been different. If he'd have given in to Ben, there wouldn't have been any trouble. We'd have had to take his orders. But what of it? We'd have been saved.

[Narrator]

That doesn't sound like you.

[Joan Jones]

I won't be like this tomorrow. Just let me talk it out. Let me get rid of all my weakness so I can fight again. A girl has to do that. Bob, it's hard for you to understand, but crying helps.

[Narrator]

Go ahead.

[Joan Jones]

No, I'm through. I'm ready to be strong. I'm ready to remember that we killed them.

[The Lone Ranger]

We aren't sure.

[Joan Jones]

First Pa, then Johnny. There's only the two of us left and we're in jail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Max Reed.

[Joan Jones]

They got the madman, too.

[Narrator]

Me? No.

[The Lone Ranger]

There he is.

[Joan Jones]

What? Joan?

[The Lone Ranger]

Miss Johnny with him.

[Narrator]

You first, Miss Jones.

[Joan Jones]

Johnny. Oh, Johnny. You're safe.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cut out the mush.

[Narrator]

John.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did you get past the guard?

[Narrator]

They only left one man, Thomas, holding him outside.

[The Lone Ranger]

Better get to work.

[Joan Jones]

What does he mean?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, we saved all the papers. I'm going to deliver them tonight.

[Joan Jones]

You can't show yourself on the street.

[Narrator]

All the Forbes men are in the Golden Slipper. He won't go near it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll see you when the shooting starts.

[Joan Jones]

What do you mean by that?

[Narrator]

I've read the paper, Joan. You've done a fine job. Now to put some fight in your deputies.

[Joan Jones]

Bob, I've given up hope.

[Narrator]

But we aren't going to depend on the paper alone. No, Bob. You and Mackenzie must see that all of your men are on the street tomorrow at noon. That's easy. MacKenzie's story just across the street from the golden slipper. At exactly 12 o', clock, Joan will show herself from one of the upstairs windows. She'll talk to your men.

[Joan Jones]

What will I say?

[Narrator]

You'll urge them to fight for the rights. You'll ask them to bring law and order back to Clarksville?

[The Lone Ranger]

Those outlaws will be just across the street from her.

[Narrator]

They won't dare shoot at her. But she will be shot at.

[Joan Jones]

What?

[Narrator]

I'm going to do it myself.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you're not. Joan's out of this.

[Joan Jones]

Be quiet, Bob. Don't you understand? The bullet may come close, but it won't hit me. I'm not afraid.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I've heard about your shooting, masked man. But do you have to come close?

[Narrator]

I'll only fire in the air.

[Joan Jones]

You men won't know that, Bob. You won't tell them. Let them think. Bob's men have shot at me. Shot at a woman.

[Narrator]

The shot will be a signal.

[The Lone Ranger]

Signal for the attack.

[Narrator]

You and Mackenzie will lead it. I'm the shepherd.

[The Lone Ranger]

Clarksville, honey.

[Narrator]

My job.

[Joan Jones]

No, but just don't worry.

[Narrator]

Miss Joan. Tano and I have a plan. If it works, the fight won't last long.

[Joan Jones]

You. You mean that?

[Narrator]

And when it's over, Clarksville will be safe for honest men and women. At 11 o' clock the next day, one store after another closed its doors and windows were boarded up. Most of the cafe owners followed the example of the storekeepers. The main street became crowded. Everywhere the one page edition of the Clarion could be seen. At first, the outlaws walked the length of the street, eager to provoke an outburst, snarling at the quiet men who were content to watch them. But then, as the hours passed, the street became more crowded. They retired to the porch of the Golden Slipper. A few of them appeared on the balcony above. Altogether, a hundred hired gunman, wary and ready. Bob and Mackenzie stood side by side. Time after time, the young sheriff looked at his watch. The minutes passed slowly, but at last, 12 o', clock, a window opened across from the Golden Slipper. Joan stood in full view. She raised her hand. A hush descended on the crowd.

[Joan Jones]

Men, I've talked to you before. It didn't do much good. But now I'm going to try again. I'm talking as a woman for your wives and sweethearts. In a way, they're all standing here beside me. We. We look up to you as the defenders of our homes. We hate fighting. All we want is peace and security. But when it comes to the safety of harmless children, that's different. Johnny, come here. You all know my brother Ben Forbes and his men thought he was inside the Clarion office when they burned it down last night. He's only a boy. But they didn't care. They threw me in jail last night. They're not men. They're cowards. They use their strength against Women and children. Hurry.

[Narrator]

Teller. Forbes isn't with his men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Must be in his office at the back. I am afraid he has caused to.

[Narrator]

Be up the stairs. Him fight though. We'll have to break down the door.

[The Lone Ranger]

Him shoot through door.

[Narrator]

We'll try it once. Then stand to one side. Here we are now.

[Joan Jones]

Six.

[Narrator]

You'll have to reload.

[Joan Jones]

Come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

You got me. My guns empty.

[Narrator]

We'll settle this without our guns.

[The Lone Ranger]

That suits me. I've been wanting to get a crack at you. Stand up. Look at me again. I'm start to see these trees. Stand up. On your feet. Don't get me.

[Narrator]

March down the hall toward the balcony.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't make me go out there. I haven't got a gun. Now kill me. You're going to stop that voice. Nobody can stop it now. Keep moving. No. It's murder.

[Narrator]

Outside.

[The Lone Ranger]

Please pass the. Anything you want me to do? Don't make me go out there.

[Narrator]

Will you call your man off?

[The Lone Ranger]

Will you tell him to surrender to the sheriff. He won't do it. Outside.

[Joan Jones]

Don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll make them hurry up. Slicker.

[Joan Jones]

Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

That you, boss? Tell the boys to throw down their guns and surrender to the sheriff. What? Those are my orders. Do it now. They got me. You heard them in. Hold on your guns. We have given up. Sherman.

[Narrator]

You saved your life. I can't answer for how long. The law will deal with you. You and your men will face trial for the murder of Joan's father. That's it, man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get them all inside. Let's hope the walls of the jail can stand it.

[Narrator]

They won't have to for long.

[The Lone Ranger]

Aye. Forbes will hang. And so will his ringleaders. Hey, You've done a good job for your first attempt as a sheriff, laddie.

[Narrator]

Don't blame me.

[Joan Jones]

Blow your nose. Johnny.

[Narrator]

Won't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Won't do any good.

[Joan Jones]

What are you sniffing about? It's all over. We've won.

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I just said goodbye to the mess.

[Narrator]

Man.

[Joan Jones]

He's gone before we had a chance to thank him.

[The Lone Ranger]

He. That's his way, lass. Maybe we'll. We'll never see him again. We will if we need him. Johnny. It's one thing you can depend on in this undependable country that they call the West. The Lone Ranger always stands by his friends. I see over.

[Joan Jones]

Sam. It's.

[Narrator]

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

[Joan Jones]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (OTRWesterns 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 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. 707-986-8739. 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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.