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Foreign. 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. Fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver. The Lone Ranger. During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked rider of the plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. And for once, his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. It was only an hour before dawn. Tonto waited for the Lone Ranger outside the sheriff's house. The main street of Bennett City was deserted. Silver pawed the ground now and then, but otherwise there was no sound. At last, the front door opened and the Lone Ranger could be seen saying goodbye to the lawman a moment later. What you find out? The girl's message told the truth. Colonel Harcourt was here and he met three men. Girls say men belong to Black Arrow. She wasn't sure. Toto, you left it up to us to find out where Colonel. Now, the four of them left Bennett City yesterday. Where them go? The sheriff couldn't tell me. But they were sitting around a table in Lone Star Cafe for a long time. Rafe Burton owns the place and the sheriff's given me a note to him. We'll see if he can tell us what they were talking about. Where Burton lived. His cabin's on the edge of town. City boy. Get him up. Can you wait here? I think you'd better t. I won't be long. You have gun ready? You may be seeing that shoot first up after. I know. The sheriff sent me. Sheriff? What you with it? You may. Betty, don't raise that rifle. Command, the sheriff said. You know his handwriting. There's a note from him. Wait, old Ranger, read the rest of it. Ah, perhaps a little more life will help. Yeah. You know the colonel, of course. Oh, sure. Sure. Well, I'll tell you what it can come to on the inside. I sort of wondered why a fine old gent like the Colonel would have any truck with those homies. How old is he? Colonel? Oh, he must be close to 70. Retired, of course. He's got a big ranch about 50 miles to the south. Yes, I knew that. What were you going to say? Well, I thought it was sort of funny him keeping such company. When he called me over the table, he said, bring my French Wyoming a drink. When the Colonel brands anybody afraid, that's good enough for me. He said if you come all the way from Wyoming, you couldn't expect them to look like dudes. Of course not. Did you hear anything more? Well, he said there wasn't an army force within a hundred miles of him. They said there were renegade Indians all around and they were organizing a sort of volunteer militia. They were going to build a fort and they wanted the Colonel to take charge of it. Where did these men live? What about Fort Laramie and Fort Sandwich and Fort Bridger? I'm just telling you what I heard. Go on. Well, that's all. Except the Colonel seemed to like the idea. Then he's headed north with them? I don't know. They left town yesterday afternoon, didn't they? Well, I'm not sure. And if my cafe then the Colonel has arranged to the south, it doesn't seem likely he'd leave it without making some arrangements. Oh, he had a lot of his boys here, his foreman among them. If he wanted to give any orders, he could have done that easy. Did you hear him? Nope. I can't be. Every place at once ran. And all you can tell me is that the Colonel talked with these men and they wanted him to take charge of a fort. It may be enough. We'll find out which way the Colonel headed when he left town. We'll find out which way the three men headed. That may be all the information we need. The Lone Ranger in Tondo found it easy to pick up the Colonel's trail outside of town. And they also found evidence that three men were traveling with him. Their direction was north. The masked man of the Indian urged Silver and scouts their greatest speed. By daybreak they'd reached a wooden ridge and charged up the steep slope. Silver Bastard. Lloyd and him up Scout Leafy cover. At the of the ridge, a man took careful aim of the high powered rifle. For seconds he waited, motionless. Then he squeezed the trigger. I got him. I got the Lone Ranger. Two weeks later, Colonel Harcourt rode into the hills north of The Sweetwater river with Ben Watson, Corey Green and Jake Miller. When they reached the top of the hill, at the command of the river, Ben reined up his mouth and the others followed suit. Here she is, Colonel. We figure this is the place to build our fort. It's a good location. Build it strong enough and a garrison of 20 men could hold it. Against an army? You mean that? Against trained soldiers. Not just against Indians. If it's planned right. Well, we're leaving all that in your hands. How far away is your range? You can see mine from the top of the next hill. Coy's and Jake's a guest beyond. A few more farther north. But we won't have to bother them. Between us, we got enough men to build the fort and man it. What about your cattle? While the work's going on, we aren't running many head. We want to clean the Indians out of the country before we really stock up. You must be losing money, though. Why should you pay a big crew when there's no work for them? Building a fort is going to be their work. And making the country safe. We figure it's better to lose a little money now than a lot later on. That shows foresight. I agree with you, gentlemen. I'm happy that you've asked me to come up here. Without boasting. I believe my experience is equal of any army man west of the Mississippi. I shall train your men and direct the building of the fort to the best of my ability. I'm glad that you disregarded my years. This will be my last command. No doubt. But I welcome the task you've set before me. Glad you feel that way, Colonel. And you know what we're going to do? We're going to call the fort Old Harcourt. I am deeply honored, gentlemen. During the weeks that followed, the wild hills above the Sweetwater changed their character. Colonel Harcourt laid out the exact position of the stockade, the block house and the two towers. One of the east and one of the west. Then the men at the three ranches began the actual work of construction. The stockade was nearly completed. The foundations for the blockhouse and the towers had been laid. When a tall, broad shouldered stranger approached the colonel one morning. And. Larka? At your service, sir. I understand that you're in command here. If one can call it that. Strictly speaking, we have no regular military organization. What you intend to have, is that the idea? These men are all volunteers. When the fort is finished, I intend to make soldiers of them. Does the regular army know about your plan? I believe so. You? We believe so. I have no authority from the War Department, if that's what you mean. Not exactly. But six months ago, Mr. Watson wrote to Washington and asked that a fort be built on this hill. The army found it impossible to grant his request. Then what? At the same time, he was given full permission to take whatever steps he felt necessary for the defense of the country north of the Sweetwater. I see. Why are you so interested? Well, I'm not exactly an army man, Colonel, but I've had some experience with military matters. I was wondering if you couldn't use a personal aid. You say the colonel sent you? Yes, he did. They need these supplies in a week. He suggested the wagon start tomorrow. I'll attend to it. Oh, that's fine. Well, Jake, what do you think of that? I don't like it. Neither do I. Somehow we've got to get it across to the colonel that we're the only ones who accept the volunteers. Shy to our men. He won't get enough of them. No matter. Is that particular hombre I don't like looks? To be too honest. Maybe it's his horse I don't like. What are you talking about? It's a lot like that paint the engine was riding. What engine? What engine, do you suppose? The one that rodents. The masked man. You told me the Lone Ranger was dead. He is. We got nothing to worry about. I didn't say the engine was dead. He was behind the masked man, and he ducked into the trees after I shot. Ah, you just got a bad conscience, Jake. There's lots of paint horses in the west. Maybe so. I'm gonna watch that hombre, though. The first time he does anything wrong, it'll be the last time. When the men working on the fort rolled up in their blankets and went to sleep. That night, the colonel's new aide saddled his horse and rode out of camp. He followed the river to the east for several miles. Then he plunged into a forest of pines. At last, he reined up in a small clearing. Silver. Plenty glad to see you. I'm glad to see him. Too bad we can't work together, boy. You might be recognized. Them not know you are. No, Tono. You've done a fine job with my disguise. How you feel? Never better. It's not good. You ride much? You don't have to worry about me, kimosabe. Thanks to you, I don't feel the wound at all. What'd you find out? It's hard to say. The girl hadn't told us that Watson and Greene and Miller were members of the Black Arrow. It would be easy to believe they were the most public spirited citizens in Wyoming. What about men and work for them? There's nothing wrong with them, I'm sure of it. Watson hired most of his men down south in Texas. Miller's crew came from around Cheyenne. They're taking this job of building a fort as more of a lark than anything else. When it's finished, expect to go back to riding herd. Maybe so, maybe not. A whole lot of them may be fired and new men brought in. I don't either silver or scalp. That's right. Better wait for the campfire, huh? I be seen from here. You think somebody right after you? The ground soft. Someone might have followed my trail even if they kept out of sight. You listen. He's running away. I'm not yet close enough to see us. We don't know his horse wasn't close. That's plenty bad. But are you not go back to fort? I've got to. It's the only way we can keep track of what's going on. Well, better we rankled army bring soldiers. They're needed where they are. We can't bring them all the way out here until we're sure there's something wrong. Got the configuration. Kimosabi, see what you can find. I'll meet you here tomorrow night. You'll not come and come to know him, right? Me find you. If I don't come, you'll know I've been taken prisoner here. Scott, tomorrow at midnight. Morning, Colonel. I want an explanation from you. What about? Did you leave camp last night? Yes, I did. Did you meet an Indian? Well, there's nothing wrong with the meeting, Colonel. That was a friendly Indian. There are no friendly Indians around here. And anyone who has dealings with them is a renegade. But Colonel, I'm happy to say our guard house has been finished just in time for our first prisoner. Take him away, men. Yes, sir. Come on. 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. Sam. Now to continue our story. On the night of the day the Lone Ranger was locked up in the guard house. Jake Miller was summoned to Ben Watson's ranch. The two men drew their chairs up to a table in the living room. The breeze from the open window stirred the papers which had been placed there. Watch all this. Orders straight from the leader. They were delivered to Corey and he brought them over this afternoon. Well, we got a week to finish the fort and fire the cowboys. They're sending a force of 200 men. That's plenty. They'll have their own rifles and ammunition. But we have to bring in a reserve supply. We would, if the colonel hadn't thought of that already. Yeah, with a smart idea picking him. He knows his business. It'll be easy enough to get rid of the cowboys. Ben, that don't go for the colonel. Why not? You can't just tell him he's true. When he sets eyes on those 200 men they're sending us, he's going to ask a lot of questions. What of it? We might as well tell him everything. You mean that the fort is going to be used by the Black Arrow? Sure, you're local. He'll never live to repeat it, Jake. Oh, why should he? I can't think of any reason. We'll get rid of him. And we'll get rid of that army in the guard house. I think we can manage that before next week. All we have to do is convince the colonel he's a renegade and he'll be shot at sunrise with all the trimmings. I've convinced him of that already. You accused him, but you couldn't prove anything. We'll fix up the evidence. I'll leave it to you. Wouldn't surprise me at all if we got it. There he goes. He called the horse Silver. It's an engine. You can tell by the way he rides. I knew it. You knew what? Don't you see, Ben? I was wrong. I drilled an own ranger, but I didn't kill him. He's come up here with the engine. But instead of riding his own horse and wearing a mask, he's riding the paint and wearing a disguise. At Ambry, the guard house. We can't let him live, not even until morning. Come on. What's going on out there? Who's there? All right, team. Us hunting. I thought. I have to hit guard so he not make noise. How did you find out I was in here? Here bet Jake talk. A member of the black era. You're sure? We tell you later. We get you out now. We can't loosen the bars on this window. Let's call Silver over. He can break down the door. Maybe. Men hear that? There was no one inside the stockade but that guard. Even if they do hear it, we'll be away before they can catch us. Wait, wait. You'll need Scout. Better get him first. Where's Scout? In the corral, just a little way from the camp. And see Taco. You don't have to get that close. Call the scout and we'll jump the fence. Ah, Taco Harry. Good. Anyone see you or hear you? No need whistle scout, no call. They jumped the fence without anyone seeing him. Ah, it's pretty dark by corral. All right, Sylvia, it's time for you to go to work. Right down the door. That's fine, boy. Steady there. The Lone Ranger and Tonto raced away into the night. For a whole week nothing was seen near the fort. The work was nearly finished when Jake and Ben walked into the Colonel's quarters. On the following Saturday evening. Colonel. Gentlemen, we're on our way to the camp. Like you to join us. Oh, yes. Saturday night. You're paying off the men. We're paying them off for good. For good? I don't understand. We'll fire them, that's all. But why should you do that? That's our business. Surely you must have a reason. For myself, I've never met a more cheerful, hard working group of men. They're too cheerful. We want fighters, they can fight. I'll answer for that. We're paying them, Colonel. So it's our decision. We're letting these men go tonight. Our new cruise will be in tomorrow. Is there nothing I can say to change your mind? Nothing at all. Then if you don't mind, gentlemen, I prefer to let you handle your own business in your own way. I shall stay here. Suit yourself, Colonel. You heard me right. We hired you. Now we're firing you. You can line up and Jake will pay you off. Pack your war bags and get out. Mister. Colonel. I thought he was going to stay in his cabin. Men, I want you to know that I have nothing to do with this. As you look at that fort above us, you have a right to feel proud. You've done a fine job. As we part now, and there's nothing I can do to prevent it, I want to offer you my congratulations, my friendship, my regrets and my confidence that no matter who Mr. Watson or Mr. Green and Mr. Miller hire to take your place, they can never find worthier men. The cowboys broke camp and the next day the men who were to take their place rode into the fort. The Colonel was indignant at the force with which his prophecy had come true. He found Ben Watson and voiced his objection. I can't understand you, Mr. Watson. These men are criminals. It's written in their faces. Is that so? How do you expect me to make good soldiers of them? And how can you feel that your cattle is safe in their hands? I don't have much cattle. You will have True enough. And these are the boys who are going to arrange it. What's that? Rustlers, Colonel. The best in the country. You admit they're crooks? Why not? I'm one myself. If this is a joke, I don't find it funny. You remember that little speech you made last night? I do, and more than ever. You made the plans and the boys carried them out. Together you've built a fine fort. But now that it's finished, we don't need you any more than we need them. You've taken advantage of my experience to build a stronghold for the Black Arrow. The Black Arrow? What's that? Somehow I don't think you'll ever find out. I'm leaving at once, Mr. Watson. I should have gone last night. That's right. It would have been a lot safer. Fire. Fire on the left. Fire there. See the flames? Over the top. Get some buckets, Ben. Form a line of the river. Hurry up. Let it burn. Let it burn to the ground. That ain't your wish, Teddy. Don't ask me. Quick, Colonel. Let me help you into the saddle. Know your voice. No time do I give. Your life's in danger. I know that now. Not with you. Once away from the fort, Lone Ranger checked the speed of his mouth and explained the whole situation to the colonel. When they topped the rise and started down the far slope into a sheltered valley another surprise was waiting for him. Camp. Mask man, all those men, boys who helped you build the fort. They left. They were heading for Cheyenne, in Texas. Wherever they came from, Alan, I managed to stop them. They're waiting for you to take command of them again. If only there were more. If only we had those stores of ammunition in the fort. There may be a way to get them, Colonel. I don't see how. I'll tell you my plan. You're the commanding officer. It's up to you to decide whether we use it or not. Ben, I got bad news. What's the matter? Look what they just shot over the stockade. The note Narrow was stuck to it. When the guard got up to the parapet, he was out of range. Who was? What are you talking about? The engine. Read what it says. Addressed to me. Yeah, Calling on me to surrender the fort. Those cowboys didn't leave. They're camped in the valley just waiting for reinforcements and ammunition from my army. And the colonel's with him. That's his signature. This is a trick, Jake. If it was true, they wouldn't warn us about it. I aim to find out about that. Go ahead. Send out a Scouting party Right away. And if the cowboys and the colonel are still in the valley, we'll wipe them out. What's the answer? They just got back. It's true. They're all camped out there. I'm going after them, Ben. I'll take your time. We'll need all the men we have. I know that. I'll get them ready. Wait. Not before it's dark. You can charge right into their campfires. They won't hear you come in till the last minute. They won't have any chance to get ready. That's smart, Ben. That's the way we work it. So that night, the renegade army rained up on the ridge above the valley below them with the lights of many campfires. With a whispered conference. Follow me and hold your fire until you can shoot to kill. Pass the word along. Come on. Get up. Get up there. Get up. The outlaws swept down the slope when the circle of camp fires would reach. There's nobody here. Just the fires and some branches stuck in the ground to make shadows. And that's the engine. They've been warned, and they got away in time. We can't follow their trail tonight back to the fort. Get up there. Come on, get up. At that moment, back at the fort. Quiet down, men. Quiet. There's the only one we can find, Colonel. It's Ben Watts and himself. Good evening, Mr. Watts. Oh, your trick worked after all. You can thank the masked man for the idea. It won't do you any good. You're inside the fort, but you'll never be able to hold it. We got twice as many men as you have. But we're inside and they're outside. We have all the supplies and ammunition we need. We'll hold out as long as we have to. It doesn't have to be long, Colonel. What do you mean? I don't think Ben Watson wants to die. But suppose we find out. When the outlaws rode up to the stockade, the gates were open and the fort was quiet. Only the figure of Ben Watson could be seen in the parapet. Rain. Up there, Jake. I want every man to throw his rifle down the ground before he rides in here. You don't have to tell me what's happened. I know they were gone. They've been warned. Yeah. Some of your men are traitors. And I'm going to find out who they are. You'll have them walk through the gate one by one. I'll search them inside here. Did you say walk? Yeah. Leave their horses and their rifles outside. I'm going down below and you can start sending them in. One by one. Jake did as he was ordered. One by one, the outlaws walked through the gate. At last, they were all inside. But as Jake himself stepped through. What the. Make a move, Jake. You're covered. What's going on over there? This was another of the masked man's ideas. Mr. Miller. Colonel Harcourt. Yes. As your men walk through the gate, we've been sticking a gag in their mouth and tying them up. There they all are. I don't think they'll make any more trouble. Ben, you dirty double crosser. I may go to jail, but I won't die. You're yeller. I still got my shit. Don't, mister. Oh. Take that. Good work, Curly. Maybe you got the fort, but you won't hold it. We've been told that before, but we're turning it over to the United States Army. And they can hold it against any band of outlaws and cutthroats such as you represent. Just wait until the black alley. Shut off the loose talk, Colonel. Let go. You might as well take him away, boys. Come on. Where's the mask man? I don't know, sir. He was here a minute ago. He's gone. Just think, Curly. Every one of these men are prisoner and not a shot was fired. My last command. And thanks to the Lone Ranger, it's meant to victory and not discrete. It. Sam. It. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. 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 and Ron W. Who joined us recently. 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