Land Scrip | The Lone Ranger (01-15-40)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast – Episode Summary: "Land Scrip | The Lone Ranger"

Introduction

In the May 11, 2025 release of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines delves into the classic adventures of The Lone Ranger with the episode titled "Land Scrip | The Lone Ranger (01-15-40)". This episode is a meticulously restored rendition of the original 1940s radio drama, enhanced to deliver superior audio clarity and richness. As a tribute to iconic Westerns like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, this installment transports listeners to the untamed frontiers of the Wild West, featuring engaging storytelling and memorable performances by legendary radio actors.

Plot Overview

"Land Scrip" centers around Jack Webster, a rancher eager to prove himself and secure his family's future. Jack stumbles upon a collection of old, musty documents and a peculiar map written in Spanish on parchment, suggesting the existence of a mythical city of gold. Despite his wife Alice's reservations and warnings, Jack becomes obsessed with the prospect of discovering this hidden wealth, believing it could transform their lives and potentially earn him the favor of his Uncle Will, who oversees their ranch.

Encouraged by his comrade Rusty (Baldy), Jack decides to embark on a treacherous journey across the Rio Grande into a wild and barren territory outlined on the map. As Jack and Rusty navigate the unforgiving landscape, they encounter challenges that test their resilience and partnership. Simultaneously, the legendary Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto are dispatched to track Jack's movements, following clues that suggest Jack might be heading into danger or even abandoning his responsibilities.

The tension escalates when Jack and Rusty set up camp near Finger Mountain, only to realize they are not alone. Suspicious activity nearby hints at potential threats, leading to a confrontation that intertwines the fates of the outlaws and the Lone Ranger. The climax reveals that the map Jack possesses is a forgery, part of an elaborate scheme by a swindler who previously deceived Jack's Uncle Will. This revelation not only thwarts Jack's ambitions but also reinforces the Lone Ranger's role as a protector of justice and truth in the West.

Character Analysis

• Jack Webster: A determined rancher torn between duty and the allure of wealth. His discovery of the map ignites a thirst for adventure and prosperity, showcasing both his ambition and vulnerability.

• Alice Webster: Jack's pragmatic and concerned wife, who embodies the heart and emotional core of the narrative. She serves as Jack's moral compass, urging caution and reminding him of their responsibilities and familial bonds.

• Rusty (Baldy): Jack's loyal friend and confidant, whose skepticism and practicality balance Jack's adventurous spirit. Rusty's insights and experience in the wild play a crucial role in navigating the challenges they face.

• The Padre: A morally upright character who represents faith and community support. He attempts to intervene by contacting the Lone Ranger to prevent Jack from straying too far into perilous territory.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto: Icons of Western justice, they symbolize the relentless pursuit of law and order. Their involvement underscores the theme of accountability and the consequences of one's actions.

Key Moments and Discussions

1. Discovery of the Map [03:21 – 05:26]

   Jack Webster uncovers old documents and a Spanish map, sparking a debate with Alice about the legitimacy and purpose of the findings. Alice's persistence highlights the tension between ambition and prudence.

   Jack Webster [04:29]: “We better get started. The farther along we are before the sun gets high, the better.”

2. The Padre's Plea [09:17 – 10:03]

   Alice seeks help from the Padre to find Jack, revealing the depth of Jack's disappearance and the community's concern. The Padre decides to enlist the Lone Ranger, linking Jack's fate to the hero's protective mission.

   Alice [09:17]: “Aunt Carrie wants to come home. Uncle Will may even come back before the end of the month. And if they find Jack? Go.”

3. Confrontation at Finger Mountain [17:35 – 22:47]

   Tensions rise as Jack and Rusty near Finger Mountain, where they suspect other outlaws might be lurking. Their cautious approach leads to a deadly encounter orchestrated by the Lone Ranger, culminating in the revelation of the map's forgery.

   Lone Ranger [22:35]: “Anyone. Stone. Get him up. Come on, Silver. Pull up.”

4. Revelation and Resolution [25:02 – 26:28]

   The climax unveils that the map is a counterfeit, discrediting Jack's quest and demonstrating the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to justice. The interaction between Jack and Rusty emphasizes themes of loyalty, deception, and redemption.

   Baldy [26:27]: “A fella. I'm doggone proud. I met the Lone Ranger. All right, you hombres.”

Notable Quotes

• Jack Webster [04:29]: “We better get started. The farther along we are before the sun gets high, the better.”
  Timestamp: 04:29

• Alice Webster [04:26]: “Alice, can't you quit lecturing me?”
  Timestamp: 04:26

• Padre [05:53]: “Purest gold. Some set with gems of a size and brilliance unknown in Europe.”
  Timestamp: 05:53

• Lone Ranger [22:35]: “Anyone. Stone. Get him up. Come on, Silver. Pull up.”
  Timestamp: 22:35

• Baldy [26:27]: “A fella. I'm doggone proud. I met the Lone Ranger. All right, you hombres.”
  Timestamp: 26:27

Insights and Conclusions

"Land Scrip | The Lone Ranger" masterfully intertwines themes of ambition, loyalty, and justice within its Western narrative. The episode underscores the classic struggle between personal desires and communal responsibilities, embodied by Jack's quest for gold versus his duty to the ranch and his family. Alice represents the moral and emotional anchor, reminding listeners of the importance of integrity and familial bonds.

The introduction of the Lone Ranger serves as a pivotal element, reinforcing the archetype of the Western hero who safeguards the innocent and upholds the law. The revelation of the map as a forgery not only dispels Jack's misguided aspirations but also highlights the perils of deceit and greed. Additionally, the dynamic between Jack and Rusty showcases the complexities of trust and friendship in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.

Andrew Rines' adept narration and the enhanced audio quality elevate the storytelling experience, making the restored episode accessible and engaging for both longtime fans and new listeners. By preserving and revitalizing such classic dramas, the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast ensures that the rich heritage of Western storytelling continues to captivate audiences today.

Conclusion

"Land Scrip | The Lone Ranger" is a standout episode that exemplifies the enduring appeal of Western radio dramas. Through its compelling characters, intricate plot, and timeless themes, the episode pays homage to the golden age of radio while delivering a story that resonates with contemporary listeners. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the genre, this episode offers a captivating journey into the heart of the Wild West, enriched by the superior audio restoration provided by Old Time Radio Westerns.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger. 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. Just as no one could equal his strength and courage, there was no one who could match his knowledge of the country. He trailed outlaws from the hills of Wyoming to the mountains of old Mexico. Until finally, crime and criminals were driven from the frontier and the west was made safe for honest men and women. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Rusty]

Alone.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver. We're heading south for the Rio Grande, Harris. Silver away.

[Narrator]

Kneeling beside an old trunk, Jack Webster looked with curiosity at the musty documents it contained. He turned to his wife and gosh.

[Jack Webster]

Alice, what do you suppose Uncle Will was holding onto this stuff for?

[Baldy]

Look at these.

[Jack Webster]

Just about ready to fall apart when you touch them. Sure are dusty.

[Alice]

Jack. Put them back, huh?

[Baldy]

What for?

[Alice]

You know Uncle Will and Aunt Carrie would want us to see these.

[Jack Webster]

Shucks. They could have told us to stay out of here if they meant for us to, couldn't they? Besides, what difference does it make there in the East? They won't know nothing about it, you.

[Alice]

Know when they come back.

[Jack Webster]

That won't be for six months yet. Don't go to Barian trouble just the same.

[Alice]

I don't think it's right. How would you like people to go through your things when you weren't around?

[Jack Webster]

I got nothing to hide.

[Alice]

Aren't you supposed to be with the men?

[Jack Webster]

Well, they're just combing strays out in the Bottoms. I gave them their orders. Ain't nothing much for me to do.

[Alice]

Jack, listen to me, huh? This is our chance. Don't you realize it? Uncle Will likes the way you've managed the ranch. When he gets back, it could mean almost anything. He might even leave us the ranch someday. As close as any kin he's got. But if you're careless.

[Jack Webster]

Oh, Garnet. Alice, can't you quit lecturing me?

[Alice]

I can't forget how we'll live if Uncle Will doesn't keep you on afterwards.

[Jack Webster]

We'll get along. But I don't anyhow I'm gonna make good. So quit your fretting. I don't aim to neglect my job. Hey, wait a second.

[Alice]

What is it?

[Jack Webster]

Here's something funny. What do you make of them?

[Alice]

Isn't that a map?

[Jack Webster]

Uh huh. But these papers here. Queer lookin, ain't they?

[Alice]

What's his writin' Let me see here. This is Spanish.

[Jack Webster]

Yeah.

[Alice]

This isn't paper. It's parchment.

[Jack Webster]

Huh?

[Alice]

What's that it's made out of the skin of animals. Used to be. Used a lot. The padre shown me some.

[Jack Webster]

You think of the map goes to.

[Alice]

The writin' it's on parchment too.

[Jack Webster]

That's what I mean.

[Alice]

I imagine it does.

[Jack Webster]

I wonder what it's for. You think that Spanish writing tells?

[Alice]

Maybe.

[Jack Webster]

But here, give me those back. You know what I'm gonna do?

[Alice]

Get busy. I hope.

[Jack Webster]

Told you I wasn't needed today, didn't I? Nope. I'm saddled up and riding the town. Here, let's close this.

[Alice]

Aren't you gonna put those papers back?

[Jack Webster]

If I did, how would I ever find out what they say?

[Alice]

Jack, what on earth are you up to?

[Jack Webster]

The padre savvy Spanish, don't he?

[Alice]

Of course.

[Jack Webster]

But then he can read this. You mean if I don't find out what's wrote here, I'll bust. Oh, now come on, Alice. Get that frown off your face. You look just twice as pretty when you smile.

[Padre]

Purest gold. Some set with gems of a size and brilliance unknown in Europe. Indeed, so common is gold among these people. They hold it in no higher regard than we might the clay of our native countryside. Upon the map accompanying this, the true record of my travels, I have faithfully drawn the route which our party traversed in reaching this city of gold. The route which, if my life is spared, I hope to travel again, returning with wealth for the greater glory and power of Spain. A city of gold. Yes, my son.

[Jack Webster]

And that map tells just how to get there.

[Padre]

Wait. The man who wrote this may have returned and looted this place.

[Jack Webster]

Won't be hard to find out.

[Padre]

You mean to search for it?

[Rusty]

You bet I do.

[Padre]

You are making a mistake. You will be going into a wild and barren country. There will be much danger. You are young and strong, and youth and strength are greater treasures than all the gold that was ever dug from the earth.

[Jack Webster]

I should just forget this. Yes, Padre, you mean well, but I just couldn't do it. I don't know anybody else who could either. If I don't plow this doll, I'll go loco.

[Padre]

I'm sorry. I Told you what these papers contain.

[Jack Webster]

Maybe you are, Padre, but I ain't. I'm not letting any grass grow into my feet either. I'm hitting the trail tomor.

[Narrator]

Early the following morning, Jack tightened the straps of his pack saddle and.

[Jack Webster]

There. That'll hold a. Reckon you all set, Rusty?

[Baldy]

Anytime you are.

[Jack Webster]

We better get started. The farther along we are before the sun gets high, the better.

[Alice]

Yeah. Don't go.

[Jack Webster]

Don't you object to being rich, honey?

[Alice]

If you have to go, wait till your uncle gets back while somebody beats me to it.

[Jack Webster]

Don't be crazy.

[Alice]

If there is gold there and it's waited this long, it can wait another few months.

[Jack Webster]

Maybe. But if I found it'd been located just ahead of me, I'd kick myself clean into the ocean.

[Alice]

You're deserting your job.

[Jack Webster]

You know as much about running the ranch as I do, honey. And the men will take orders from you just as soon as they take mine.

[Alice]

But what'll uncle will say when he's.

[Jack Webster]

Told if we find what we're looking for? I won't give a hoot if we don't. Well, I don't reckon he'll blame me a heap when he knows the whole story.

[Alice]

Oh, Jack, I wish I could make you see you're doing the wrong thing.

[Jack Webster]

I'd see it if I was, but I ain't.

[Alice]

I'm afraid.

[Baldy]

Huh?

[Jack Webster]

Or what of?

[Alice]

You're going across the border. It's a terrible district where you're going. Outlaws, no towns, no one to help you if you're hurt.

[Jack Webster]

Since when ain't I been able to look out for myself? What's the matter with Rusty here?

[Lem]

I know, ma' am.

[Baldy]

There's no cause for you to worry while I'm alone. I look out for Jack like he was my own boy. And I know that part of the country like you know your kitchen. I been through that dozen times.

[Alice]

You will look after him, won't you, Rusty?

[Baldy]

Sure thing.

[Alice]

Then kiss me goodbye, Jack.

[Baldy]

There.

[Jack Webster]

Come on, Rusty.

[Baldy]

I'll lead the pack horse.

[Rusty]

Bye, ma' am.

[Jack Webster]

Bye, honey.

[Alice]

Goodbye.

[Jack Webster]

Goodbye.

[Rusty]

Get up there. Get along, fella. Get up there. Get up. Goodbye.

[Alice]

I just got this letter today. They're cutting the trip short. Aunt Carrie wants to come home. Uncle Will may even come back before the end of the month. And if they find Jack? Go.

[Padre]

You want him back?

[Alice]

Oh, yes.

[Padre]

How long has it been since your husband left?

[Alice]

He left the day after he spoke to Ewart. It's just a week now.

[Padre]

Then he's well beyond the border. It will not be Easy to find him.

[Alice]

You mean. You mean you can't help me?

[Padre]

Did I say that? I think I can.

[Alice]

Oh, if you only would.

[Padre]

There is one at the mission even now who will help you if I ask him. My child.

[Alice]

You mean go after Jack, bring him back?

[Padre]

Yes.

[Alice]

Who?

[Padre]

An Indian? He is my friend. And the friend of one who wears always the mask? I will speak to him.

[Alice]

You say he's the friend of a masked man?

[Padre]

Yes.

[Alice]

An outlaw?

[Padre]

No.

[Alice]

Then why does he wear a mask, this Indian?

[Padre]

His name is Tonto. And his friend, yes, is the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Get him up. Scout, did the padre tell why he wanted me in?

[Narrator]

He must have wanted me in a hurry. Well, you've taken the time to explain.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right. Well, it's not part of the mission now. Come on, old fellow. Hurry, boy. Hurry.

[Narrator]

Padre, you mean to say this fellow was actually fool enough to put his faith in a story like that?

[Padre]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I wonder. Padre, you haven't told me his name.

[Padre]

It is Jack Webster.

[Narrator]

Is he related to Will Webster?

[Padre]

Yes. You know him?

[Narrator]

I think I've got the answer to this.

[Padre]

What is it?

[Narrator]

But if he has to be back before the first of the month, then there's no time to be wasted. He's probably covered his trail. Well, as long as he believes he's going to find gold, he won't.

[Padre]

However, you sound most certain.

[Narrator]

I have reason to be. And, Padre.

[Padre]

Yes?

[Narrator]

I'll make you a promise. Jack won't return willingly. We'll bring him back by force.

[Padre]

I have faith in you, my friend.

[Narrator]

Come, Thunder.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him upscale, Silver away.

[Narrator]

In the meantime, Jack Webster and Rusty had crossed the Rio Grande and, following the route marked on their map, pushed on into a country that became wilder and more barren with each mile they covered. They paused only when necessary. And on the 10th day.

[Jack Webster]

Rusty, look at that mountain ahead of us there.

[Padre]

What about it?

[Jack Webster]

Don't you see the way it's shaped? Look at the peak. Just like a finger pointing up from a fist.

[Baldy]

By golly, it does look like a finger.

[Jack Webster]

Just the way that mountain was drawn on the map.

[Baldy]

You think it may be.

[Jack Webster]

I think we're getting doggone close to where that old city was. How far away would you say that mountain is?

[Baldy]

We can't get to it before another couple days.

[Jack Webster]

Then tonight we stopped only long enough for the horses to rest theirselves. We'll get there as fast as we can. It will pitch camp and look around. Right, Rusty? I used to laugh when fellas talked about getting a gold fever. But you Know right now I got a temperature of 110.

[Narrator]

Although the country was wild and barren, it was not as deserted as it appeared three days later.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, boy.

[Rusty]

Whoa. They. Whoa.

[Jack Webster]

Whoa there, Baldy.

[Rusty]

What's the matter, kid? Don't you know better to push a horse like that?

[Lem]

I had to get back fast. Baldy, I seen something you ought to know.

[Rusty]

Yeah? What was it?

[Lem]

Two fellas camped at Finger Mountain.

[Rusty]

N. You're crazy.

[Narrator]

I seen them, lamb.

[Rusty]

Well, if you did, they must been just passing through.

[Lem]

But the a had a look at the camp. They've been there at least one night already. And it looks as though they're set for a stay.

[Rusty]

Well, doggone.

[Narrator]

What do we do?

[Rusty]

Don't get you excited. This calls for a little cool thinking.

[Lem]

I bet it means trouble.

[Rusty]

Maybe not. What do you think? What do you think, Lem? Well, I don't know what the. Well, shucks, the. The kid's right.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Rusty]

Nobody's fool enough to come in here without a good reason for it. And what reason could those fellas have? Less than lawman was trying to pick up our trade. We're across the border. Yeah, well, we wouldn't be the first hombre followed south of the rail and took back. It ain't legal. Yeah. If you're hung, you're just as dead afterwards. Whether you're hung, legal or not.

[Lem]

They ain't gonna take me back for that killing.

[Rusty]

Ah, Keep your shirt on. Are you close enough to see if they were wearing badges? Couldn't.

[Lem]

But that wouldn't mean nothing. Anyhow, they don't have to wear them out in plain sight.

[Rusty]

And if they was out of their jurisdiction, they'd naturally hide them. I just can't figure the law thinking of this place. That's why I said to hide out here. But what if they did? Think of it. You forgetting something? Yeah. What? We came here cause we was on the dodge. Why couldn't these fellas have done the same? Don't you figure that's something to find out before we decided what to do? Find out how? Watch them without their knowing it. Get close enough to the camp to hear them talking. If we can see what they do and what they say, then make up our minds about them. And if they locate us for all we can.

[Baldy]

They won't.

[Rusty]

We'll move our stuff back in them caves. Be aware we hid out at first. Then we'll cover our sign here. Come on. It'd be a good idea to do that. The first thing. Wait a second. I want to know something first. Suppose we do like you say. Suppose we find out that they are lawmen. Then what? Then you've got a fool lotion. And I'm easy. You ain't. Ask me my question. All right, I will. Lawmen or not, if they ain't on the dodge, they're dangers. If they cut our sign and talk after they leave here, it could mean the rope. So what? So either they're outlaws like us, for they never leave here alive.

[Narrator]

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

Now to continue our story. The Lone Ranger and Tonto crossed the border and followed the trail left by Jack Webster and Rusty.

Look here. What do you make of this, Toto? Them camp here looks like an old camp. It plenty old. Then we can't delay. Doesn't that trail head south again? Then come on after them.

[Lone Ranger]

Hit them up. Scout Silver. Hi O Silver away.

[Narrator]

Nearly a week later, Jack and Rusty were returning to their camp after one of their daily excursions.

[Jack Webster]

Rusty, I'm plum tuckered out and that.

[Rusty]

Makes two of us.

[Jack Webster]

Climbing around rocks from morning till night takes more out of a fellow than you might figure on. How many days we been at it now? Pretty close to a week with nothing to show for it. You figure there's something wrong with our map?

[Baldy]

I don't know, Jack.

[Jack Webster]

We followed directions where camp right at the point was marked at the base of the mountain where the mastects had their city is supposed to be just two miles due south.

[Baldy]

Well, you got to remember that map was drawn a long time ago.

[Jack Webster]

What if it was? It's still easy to read.

[Baldy]

Well, that ain't what I meant. There's been plenty of changes in this part of the country in the last two or three hundred years. Landslides, earthquakes, things like that. Landmarks on the map could be all switched around, maybe even wiped out. Likely a landslide covered that town. We sure ain't found nothing to market. Oh, kind of discouraging, huh? Well, we can keep on exploring though.

[Jack Webster]

Yeah, but gosh, if we were off on our reckoning, that gold could be anywhere inside a hundred square miles. One hundred square miles of rocks and hills and canyons might take. Gosh, it could take us most of a lifetime to cover all that.

[Baldy]

Uh huh.

[Jack Webster]

I don't know what to do.

[Baldy]

Well, we can always go home. Yeah, but hey, you aim to ride right on past camp. Pull up.

[Jack Webster]

I wasn't even watching.

[Rusty]

Oh boy.

[Narrator]

Over there.

[Jack Webster]

I wonder if, say, them caves we've passed, you Think the map could have meant there?

[Baldy]

You mean it might have been caves they lived in? Sure could be at that. Won't want to have a look there tomorrow. Can't hurt. Sure.

[Jack Webster]

Why didn't we think of that before?

[Baldy]

I did, but I figured to save them to last.

[Jack Webster]

Rusty, you know, I think we've hit it.

[Narrator]

Maybe.

[Jack Webster]

And if we have.

[Baldy]

Yeah?

[Jack Webster]

We can cross the real worth fortunes and hold it. What?

[Baldy]

Wait.

[Jack Webster]

What's the matter?

[Baldy]

Nothing, I guess. Thought I seen that grass over there moving without a breeze. But it didn't hit nothing, so I guess it didn't.

[Jack Webster]

Rusty, I'd give anything if Alice was here. If she could see how you keep your eyes peeled, she wouldn't worry a minute.

[Rusty]

All right, kid, get back in here where you can't be seen from outside.

[Padre]

Yeah.

[Rusty]

It'S a lou.

[Jack Webster]

Let's have it, Baldy.

[Padre]

Thereafter.

[Lem]

Watch out. It's old lamb. I got close to their camp. I heard them talking after they rolled up and I nearly got shot.

[Rusty]

They seen you?

[Lem]

They didn't see me, but I must have stirred the grace. One of them noticed and started throwing lead. I tell you, it comes so close I could feel it part in my head.

[Rusty]

What'd you do?

[Lem]

What could I hug the ground and prayed.

[Rusty]

That's all they did investigate, eh?

[Lem]

I guess I fooled them when I didn't yell out or make a break for it. But I got away as quick as I could afterwards.

[Rusty]

You can bet they're alarming.

[Lem]

I didn't hear him say, but at the cinch they're on the prowl.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Rusty]

How do you know they said so?

[Lem]

They got some kind of a map and they spoke of these caves. Said maybe we'd been staying here.

[Rusty]

They mentioned our names?

[Baldy]

No.

[Lem]

But if they didn't mean us, who could they?

[Rusty]

What else did they say?

[Lem]

Well, they said if we was here, they'd go north. Worth a fortune.

[Rusty]

The reward catch.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Lem]

That's easy enough to figure. That's why I say they're on to us.

[Narrator]

They wasn't.

[Lem]

How were they savvy? There was a price on a hedge. And if they didn't mean us and they weren't talking since we've been here long enough to know there ain't nobody else around.

[Rusty]

But they had a map that fits. Baldy, have somebody that knows this district draw them a map so they wouldn't get lost in the spook of these caves. Eh?

[Lem]

They're coming here in the moon.

[Narrator]

Well, that settles it.

[Rusty]

We get them first. When?

[Jack Webster]

Tonight.

[Narrator]

But late in the afternoon of that Same day the Lone Ranger and Tonto were drawing close to Finger Mountain.

We must be getting close. Tanner, this mountain we're coming to is the one mentioned by the padre. Not right. I've got an idea. We'll find Jack and his friend made camp somewhere near it.

You stop.

What is it? Other here. Your other sign. Yes.

You look.

Horsemen, strangers, wild horses didn't make these prints. Neither did Indian ponies. The horses that made these were shod. There are three horse. Three, huh?

[Rusty]

Here.

[Narrator]

One.

[Rusty]

Here. Other here.

[Padre]

Third horse.

[Narrator]

These look like fresh tracks. See, Tunder? Look at this print. The sand still slipping back into place. That's right. Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

We follow him.

[Narrator]

No. They must be close enough so that we can overtake them anytime. First I think we'll back trail a bit and see where they came from. Ah. Follow me.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on. Get them up.

[Narrator]

That night, Jack and Rusty spread their blankets and went to sleep with nothing to warn them that their lives were in danger. But long before midnight, Rusty, with the instinct of a frontiersman, woke up suddenly. For a time he lay unmoving, listening and staring into the darkness. Finally, he reached out and touched the figure of his companion.

[Rusty]

What?

[Padre]

Jack.

[Baldy]

Quiet.

[Jack Webster]

Huh?

[Baldy]

Something's wrong.

[Narrator]

Wrong?

[Baldy]

Still a second. See if you can't hear anything.

[Jack Webster]

I don't hear nothing except them coyotes.

[Baldy]

Holland, you not now.

[Rusty]

Did you?

[Baldy]

I don't know.

[Jack Webster]

Huh?

[Baldy]

I must have heard something or I wouldn't have woke up. I tell you, Jack, I got a feeling there's something plenty wrong around here.

[Jack Webster]

You're imagining things.

[Baldy]

I ain't that kind.

[Jack Webster]

And the horses woke you? Like they got this stomping around.

[Baldy]

You don't wake up for noise as you used to. Ya'd know that by this time. Wait.

[Jack Webster]

What in blaze that I don't know.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, boss. Watch out. Hurry, old fella. Here. Into the sand. That fella. Up, will you get him.

[Rusty]

They got away.

[Lone Ranger]

Settle on the run. Molly. What happened?

[Rusty]

We got to catch him.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Rusty]

Back to the heart.

[Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Rusty]

Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Anyone. Stone. Get him up. Come on, Silver. Pull up. Who are you? Save your question, Master.

[Jack Webster]

Where are you taking us?

[Lone Ranger]

To safety. Hurry, Silver. Huh? Don't you realize those fellows are out to kill you?

[Jack Webster]

Our horses. Our stuff back at camp.

[Lone Ranger]

You can get that later.

[Jack Webster]

But we've got.

[Lone Ranger]

Why, it's. They should be out of their hearing circle. To the left.

[Rusty]

Hunter. Do it.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up. Scout down, old fellow. Hoons.

[Narrator]

The three outlaws followed the trail until at last Baldy raised his arm as a command to stop.

[Rusty]

No use. They're Gone? It's too dark to see them and they're too far to be heard.

[Baldy]

Now what?

[Rusty]

We'll have to bambooze.

[Lem]

You mean we'll have to find another hideout.

[Rusty]

Baldy, there's no choice. They know we're here. We can't stop them from reporting, so the quicker we make tracks, the better. Well, Paulie, where to this time? I don't know. There's plenty of places. Might even go back over the border. We can talk about that later. Come on back to the cage to pick up our duffel. All right, get up.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up, crow boy. Whoa, whoa.

[Rusty]

I don't unsettle. We won't even stay overnight.

[Lem]

You figure there's that much danger?

[Rusty]

I just don't believe in taking chances. Come on. We'll get our step outside. But listen. Don't argue, kid. If you expect to live long, you'll figure like Baldy does. Only you just take risks that ain't needed.

[Lem]

Seems like an awful doggone hurry.

[Rusty]

Blast these caves. Black on the inside of your hat. Can't see your head in front of your face. Then where'd you lay them candles?

[Baldy]

On the ledge?

[Rusty]

Here. I'll get them. You gotta have lights. Just a second. Got a match, kid?

[Lem]

Sure. Yeah.

[Rusty]

Thanks. There you are.

[Narrator]

I'll take that.

[Rusty]

Get them covered, Creech, or get blasted.

[Lone Ranger]

Out of your boots.

[Rusty]

You what?

[Lone Ranger]

Don't move.

[Rusty]

Molly lamb.

[Jack Webster]

These are the fellas we was chasing.

[Narrator]

You think we ain't gonna circle and waited for you? Hello. And I located these caves this afternoon. We knew this was the one place we'd never be expected.

[Rusty]

Shut that ugly mouse. Skunker, get it shut for you.

[Narrator]

Do you think you can get these fellas across the Rio to a Texas. Texas ranger station watches. There's a reward on each one of them. You and Rusty can collect. And I doubt that the law will care on which side of the border you captured them.

[Jack Webster]

Wait. Yes, I. Well, me and Rusty got other business here. I was almost forgetting. If we take these fellas, then maybe we won't be able to come back.

[Narrator]

I know your business here. Huh?

[Rusty]

You do?

[Narrator]

The padre sent me after you. Your wife asked him for help. Your uncle cut short his trip. And you've just time to reach the ranch before his arrival. Gosh, I hope you'll go willingly. But if you don't.

[Jack Webster]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

I'll keep the promise I made the padre. I'll drag you back if I must.

[Baldy]

Jack, I think it'd be sense to go.

[Narrator]

You should have had time to realize that when you came on this Trip. You left everything really worthwhile behind you. Your wife's waiting for you. And your work is also. Well, are you going, stranger?

[Jack Webster]

I reckon I will if you want the facts. I was tired of this a long while ago. I was just too stubborn to admit it.

[Narrator]

Good. Now I can tell you something.

[Jack Webster]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

You've got that map with you?

[Jack Webster]

Sure, but.

[Narrator]

Hand it here.

[Rusty]

Here it is.

[Narrator]

It's the same one.

[Baldy]

Huh?

[Jack Webster]

You've seen this before?

[Narrator]

It's a forgery.

[Jack Webster]

What?

[Baldy]

Say, how'd you know that?

[Narrator]

The swindler sold it to Jack's uncle three years ago. Tado and I trapped him. We saw this map at that time.

[Lem]

Well, I'll be hog tied.

[Narrator]

And Jack.

[Baldy]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

If your uncle is angry when he hears of this, you might remind them he once believed in this same forgery.

[Jack Webster]

You think I won't?

[Narrator]

And tell him the masked man who helped him then asks him to go easy with you. Now hold on.

[Baldy]

Take it easy, Jack.

[Jack Webster]

But I gotta thank him. He won't let you.

[Baldy]

He just now come to me. Who he is? I was working for your uncle that time. You heard him speak of. I never knew what he done. I reckon your uncle wasn't so proud of letting a swindler trick him.

[Jack Webster]

Then who is he?

[Baldy]

A fella. I'm doggone proud. I met the Lone Ranger. All right, you hombres.

[Rusty]

Start marching.

[Jack Webster]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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 the following ranch hand, 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 copyright under the Attribution non Commercial Share alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.