Legal Precedent | The Lone Ranger (04-28-50)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Legal Precedent" | The Lone Ranger

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Episode Title: Legal Precedent | The Lone Ranger
Release Date: January 28, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents a meticulously restored classic episode of "The Lone Ranger" titled "Legal Precedent." This episode transports listeners to the tumultuous days of the Wild West, where the expansion of the railroad sparks conflict, and the legendary Lone Ranger steps in to uphold justice and peace.

Main Plot

Family Tensions and the Railroad Conflict

The story unfolds with Jim Wilson returning home from college in the East, eager to embrace the burgeoning railroad industry. His father, Jeff Wilson, an old freighter and one of the pioneering freighting company founders, vehemently opposes the railroad's expansion, fearing it will bankrupt their family business.

In a heated exchange at the railhead camp, Jeff confronts Jim:

Jeff Wilson ([04:55]): "No matter what you say, they're gonna change my mind one little bit. Took this job without my leave. You don't pack up your Dutch front door and come home."

Jim counters by highlighting the inevitability of the railroad's dominance:

Jim Wilson ([05:13]): "You're just being stubborn."

This familial discord sets the stage for the central conflict: traditional freighters versus the unstoppable march of the railroad.

Introduction of Mr. Carney and Rising Tensions

Mr. Carney, the head engineer of the railroad, acknowledges Jeff's past contributions but emphasizes the necessity of progress:

Mr. Carney ([05:18]): "We don't want the railroad, and we won't stop at nothing to keep it from getting built."

Jeff remains steadfast, threatening to rally others against the railroad:

Jeff Wilson ([07:26]): "We'll Fetch you to the last ditch."

As tensions escalate, Tonto brings news to the Lone Ranger about potential sabotage targeting the railroad.

The Lone Ranger Enters the Fray

Suspicious activities around the railhead lead to the involvement of the Lone Ranger and Tonto. They uncover that Bat Gowan, an outlaw leader, is orchestrating sabotage to derail the railroad's progress. Bat Gowan approaches Mr. Carney with a plan to slow down track construction in exchange for lucrative contracts:

Bat Gowan ([10:08]): "Pull up some rails, burn supplies. Maybe. What's the idea?"

Mr. Carney considers the proposal but remains wary of Bat's true intentions.

Sabotage and Investigation

Despite precautions, Jim discovers torn tracks, prompting him to take matters into his own hands. His investigation reveals that the sabotage is part of Bat Gowan's scheme to undermine the railroad and take over Mr. Carney's position.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto delve deeper, partnering with Mr. Carney to expose the real culprits behind the sabotage. Their pursuit leads to confrontations with Bat Gowan's men, culminating in a dramatic showdown where the Lone Ranger thwarts the outlaws' plans.

Resolution and Reconciliation

In the aftermath, Jeff Wilson witnesses the truth about Bat Gowan's deception. Realizing the railroad's significance and the integrity of the Lone Ranger, Jeff apologizes to Jim:

Jeff Wilson ([27:10]): "Guess what I've done, Jim good."

He acknowledges the necessity of progress and supports the railroad, leading to a heartwarming reconciliation between father and son.

Key Themes and Insights

• Progress vs. Tradition: The episode vividly portrays the conflict between advancing technology (the railroad) and traditional livelihoods (freighting). It highlights the challenges communities face when adapting to inevitable change.

• Family and Reconciliation: The strained relationship between Jim and Jeff underscores the personal struggles that accompany broader societal shifts. Their eventual reconciliation emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to change for familial harmony.

• Justice and Integrity: The Lone Ranger embodies justice, stepping in to uncover the truth and protect the innocent. His unwavering commitment to righteousness serves as a beacon in tumultuous times.

Notable Quotes

• Jeff Wilson ([04:55]): "No matter what you say, they're gonna change my mind one little bit."

• Jim Wilson ([05:13]): "You're just being stubborn."

• Mr. Carney ([05:18]): "We don't want the railroad, and we won't stop at nothing to keep it from getting built."

• Bat Gowan ([10:08]): "Pull up some rails, burn supplies. Maybe. What's the idea?"

• Jeff Wilson ([27:10]): "Guess what I've done, Jim good."

• Jim Wilson ([27:50]): "Thanks, Pa. It makes me feel fine."

These quotes encapsulate the core conflicts and character developments that drive the narrative forward.

Conclusion

"Legal Precedent" is a masterful episode that blends familial drama, industrial conflict, and classic Western heroism. Through the preserved voices and high-quality audio restoration, listeners are immersed in a story that remains relevant in its portrayal of change, resilience, and the enduring fight for justice. The Lone Ranger's intervention not only resolves the immediate conflict but also bridges generational divides, offering a timeless message of unity and progress.

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This summary captures the essence of the episode "Legal Precedent" from the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, providing an engaging overview for listeners new and old.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode 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 Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Andrew Rines]

It.

[Narrator]

Companion tottle, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Old scout, old fella.

[Narrator]

Tuttle recognized both the young and the old man who were having an argument on the edge of the railhead camp. One was Jim Wilson, just returned from college in the east, and the other was his father, Jeff, an old timer, one of the first freighters in the country. A crowd started to gather around the two men. Tottle dismounted and walked closer so that he could hear what was being well.

[Jeff Wilson]

No matter what you say, they're gonna change my mind one little bit. Took this job without my leave. You don't pack up your dutch front door and come home. You're no sort of mind. You hear that? I'm through with you for good. But no but either your company Ain't now. Make up your mind about it.

[Mr. Carney]

What's going on here?

[Jim Wilson]

Nothing, Mr. Connie.

[Jeff Wilson]

Nothing, eh? Ain't you got no gratitude for the way I brung you up and sent you to school? Don't it mean nothing to you that I slaved all my life to build up a business so I could turn it over to you?

[Jim Wilson]

But that's just the point. Now that the railroad's here, you can't make any money freighting my wagon.

[Jeff Wilson]

Who says the railroad's here?

[Mr. Carney]

Your eyes ought to tell you that.

[Jeff Wilson]

Listen, you.

[Jim Wilson]

Ah, this is Mr. Carney, the head engineer.

[Jeff Wilson]

Oh, Mr. Carney, the head engineer. Well, Mr. Carney, head engineer, let me tell you this. Peters was plenty good for the folks that opened up this country. Nobody that ever depended on me for food and supplies was ever disappointed they carried them through in spite of engines and outlaws and blizzards and cloud works.

[Mr. Carney]

I know you did, Mr. Wilson.

[Jeff Wilson]

Don't you Mr. Me.

[Mr. Carney]

All right, Jeff, then. I've heard about you, and I think.

[Narrator]

You did some great work in the old days.

[Mr. Carney]

But times have changed. Freighters aren't fast enough nowadays.

[Jeff Wilson]

They get there when they're expected. That's all anybody can ask.

[Mr. Carney]

You'll find out that you're wrong.

[Jim Wilson]

You're just being stubborn.

[Narrator]

Ho.

[Jeff Wilson]

Stubborn. Is that your last word to me, son?

[Mr. Carney]

Jeff, why did you let your son.

[Narrator]

Go east and study to be an engineer if you didn't want him to.

[Mr. Carney]

Use what he learned?

[Jeff Wilson]

I didn't know he was learning to build railroads. He told me he was studying to be a surveyor. George Washington was a severe. That suited me fine. There's plenty of surveying he can do without messing around the railroad.

[Jim Wilson]

Oh, you're just sore because the railroad means the end of the freighting business.

[Jeff Wilson]

Yes.

[Jim Wilson]

Why don't you look at things straight?

[Jeff Wilson]

All right, I'm looking at you straight, son. Are you coming home with me or not?

[Jim Wilson]

I'm not a kid. You can't order me around.

[Jeff Wilson]

You staying here?

[Jim Wilson]

I sure am. And if you stick to freighting, then it's up to me to earn money for the two of us. The railroad's here to stay, and I'm staying with it.

[Jeff Wilson]

We'll see about that. You ain't one yet, Kearney. Steady that. Let me tell you this. There's a lot of folks around these parts feel the same way I do. We don't want the railroad, and we won't stop at nothing to keep it from getting it built.

[Jim Wilson]

You don't mean that, Pa.

[Jeff Wilson]

Plain English and gospel truth. We'll Fetch you to the last ditch. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Toto listened to the railroad men's talk for a few minutes and then returned to scout. He mounted and rode into the wooded hills that lined the railroad right of way. Just at dusk he reached the Lone Rangers camp. There he told the masked man everything he had heard.

[Tonto]

Jeff good friend of yours, Kimasabe. He must remember time you catch outlaws that hold up freight wagons.

[Mr. Carney]

That was before Jim went east.

[Tonto]

Maybe you talk to him.

[Mr. Carney]

I can't believe that Jeff meant what he said.

[Tonto]

All railroad men think he mean it.

[Mr. Carney]

He wouldn't destroy property or endanger anyone's life implenty. Mad. He couldn't be mad enough for that. So what about his trouble Kearney's been having with his chief assistant?

[Tonto]

Well, tomter not find out anything. Me see feller though.

[Mr. Carney]

A Warner.

[Tonto]

Ah, him in crowd that listen to Jeff.

[Mr. Carney]

Well, we know from the experience that up had with him he isn't to be trusted. I.

[Tonto]

What do you think?

[Mr. Carney]

He might try to take advantage of Jeff's threat to make some more trouble on his own.

[Tonto]

And then Jeff get blamed. Yes.

[Mr. Carney]

I wonder if Warner has any friends in Carlton.

[Tonto]

In talk with feller called Fat Gowan there. Bat looked like outlaw to Tonto.

[Mr. Carney]

I'm sure that all the railroaders are loyal to Kearney. And Warner would need outside help if he were to try anything. You had better keep an eye on Gowan.

[Tonto]

How to do that.

[Mr. Carney]

I'll ride down the Carlton with you and wait for you outside the town. All right, let's go easy for that.

[Narrator]

Warner rolled into Carlton that night at midnight. He hitched his horse in front of a palace hot and then walked down the street to the Silver Rail Cafe. Bat Gowan was lounging near the door.

[Bat Gowan]

I want to have a talk with you, Bat.

[Jeff Wilson]

Sure.

[Bat Gowan]

Come on inside. We'll have a drink. Oh, too many people. This is better. Nobody around but that Indian lying against the building. Oh, he's asleep now. What's on your mind? We had a little excitement out at the camp today, Bat. Oh yeah? Another row with Connie? Oh, nothing like that. An old coot named Jeff Wilson who runs a freighting company got sore. Told Carney he was going to wreck the railroad. Oh yeah? Well, thanks for the tip. Maybe he can use some help. I'll look him up. No, you won't. Why not? Sounds like a job me and the boys could handle. He didn't mean it. He was sore. Too bad. I don't think so. The chance I've been waiting for. I'm ready to do business with you. Beth? Yeah. How many men have you got in town? Half a dozen. There's more camped out a ways. I can get as many as you need. What's the job? Slow down a track land to a mile a day. Think you can do it?

[Mr. Carney]

Maybe.

[Bat Gowan]

Pull up some rails, Burn supplies. Maybe. What's the idea? If Carney doesn't lay at least five miles of track every day, he'll be fired. I'll step up. I'll get his job. Fine. Now what do I get out of it? You go into business, Pat.

[Mr. Carney]

Business?

[Bat Gowan]

You get the contract to supply the road with beef. There'll be no questions about where it comes from. And you get top prices now and then. We can manage your mix up on the card. You might get paid double or triple. Uh huh. By the time the railroad's finished, you'll be a rich man. Yeah, yeah. Sounds good. But I can't wait all that time to cash in. I got expenses. How much will you need? 500 to get started?

[Jim Wilson]

Yeah.

[Bat Gowan]

Got it right here.

[Jeff Wilson]

You what?

[Bat Gowan]

I'll count it out. Where'd you get $500? You told me once it wasn't healthy to ask questions out in this country. There's your expense money. Put your boys to work tomorrow night.

[Narrator]

Tuttle reported to the Lone Ranger and together they rode back to their camp.

[Mr. Carney]

That's men are going to work tomorrow night. Ah, the miles of track they could tear out. They may burn the tide that had been piled along the grating. That has enough men. They might even raid the construction camp. What you do tell sheriff he doesn't know me. He has enough trouble keeping order in Carlton. Up to the railroad to protect their property.

[Tonto]

You go to Kearney.

[Mr. Carney]

Warner would deny everything. It's only your word against his, Jeff.

[Tonto]

Only fellow you know around here.

[Mr. Carney]

You're not suggesting that I send him to Kearney, are you?

[Tonto]

Oh no, no. That's not good.

[Mr. Carney]

Doubt if he'd go. The only thing we can do is to patrol the right of way ourselves. Totto catch bats men red handed.

[Jeff Wilson]

Ah.

[Mr. Carney]

Once over got a much toug.

[Narrator]

The following night young Jim Wilson was unable to sleep and decided to ride over to his father's spread which was north of the railroad between the construction camp and Carlton. He followed the tracks for the first few miles to the east. And just as he was about to swing away from them.

[Mr. Carney]

Oh. Oh boy.

[Narrator]

He drew rein and dismounted. A short stretch of track had been ripped up.

[Jim Wilson]

This is pulled work. Must have got some of the old times to help. Tires are still in Place, though. Take long to lay the rails again. Paul be arrested sure as shooting. Let's.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Jim Wilson]

I could get these tracks back in place before morning. I need some sledgehammer and some spikes. Get them, come back here and yeah, tomorrow Paul and I'll have a showdown. Steady, boy. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Tottle had spent the day in town watching Bat while the Lone Ranger stayed close to the camp, keeping an eye on Warner. At 12 o'clock that same night, they met outside Carlton and rode west along the trail that paralleled the tracks.

[Mr. Carney]

You're sure Bat still in the cafe when you left town?

[Tonto]

Him still there all day. Men come and talk to him.

[Mr. Carney]

Outlaws?

[Tonto]

Ah, them look plenty bad.

[Mr. Carney]

But there's no sign of any damage so far. We're only a few miles from the camp.

[Tonto]

You listen, Kimasabi.

[Mr. Carney]

Yes, I hear it from around the bend.

[Tonto]

Maybe. Outlaw tear up crack.

[Mr. Carney]

Sounds more like someone driving spikes.

[Tonto]

Montul, get him up south. They're only one man.

[Mr. Carney]

He isn't tearing up the tracks, he's repairing them. Oh.

[Tonto]

Fellas see us run for horse, try.

[Mr. Carney]

Get way going for his rifle. We'll have to stop that. Up with your hands. Keep away from that rifle or I'll come closer.

[Tonto]

Imasabe this Jim Wilson.

[Bat Gowan]

Yeah.

[Jeff Wilson]

And if Pa hired you to do.

[Jim Wilson]

This job, you can tell him, but.

[Mr. Carney]

Easy, Silver. Easy, huh?

[Jim Wilson]

Is that you called your horse?

[Mr. Carney]

His name is Silver.

[Jim Wilson]

What's your handle?

[Jeff Wilson]

Indian.

[Tonto]

Me called Tonko.

[Jim Wilson]

You must be the masked man Paul used to talk so much about.

[Mr. Carney]

Your father and I are old friends.

[Jim Wilson]

But you couldn't do a thing like this, not even for a friend.

[Mr. Carney]

We didn't. And neither did your father. He threatened to.

[Jim Wilson]

Wants to stop us building the railroad.

[Mr. Carney]

We both know that. When your father loses his temper, he says a lot more than he means.

[Jim Wilson]

That's what I've been hoping. But who else could have torn up these tracks?

[Mr. Carney]

Do you trust Warner? Warner?

[Jim Wilson]

I guess so. He's Carney's assistant.

[Mr. Carney]

He wants to be more than that. He wants Carney's job.

[Jim Wilson]

I don't understand.

[Mr. Carney]

All right, I'll explain. Your father's threat gave him an opportunity he's been looking for. He hired a band of outlaws to slow up the work on the railroad. He hopes that Carney will be fired as a result.

[Jeff Wilson]

Have any proof of that?

[Mr. Carney]

Not yet.

[Jim Wilson]

I can't accuse one of anything, can I?

[Mr. Carney]

No, Jim, you can go to Carney and tell him what you found here. You blame Pa. Perhaps at first. Tell him to place guards all along the line. Let him capture A few of the men who are really responsible. Your father will be in the clear.

[Tonto]

He must not be. You look up on Ridge, their men wear bandana on face.

[Jim Wilson]

The outlaws you've been talking about.

[Mr. Carney]

That gown's men. The men who tore up this track. The men who have been hired to wreck the railroad. It's up to you to warn Carney. It's up to him to capture them. All right, get mounted. Light them. Open fire. Get going, Jim. We'll cover you feet up there.

[Tonto]

Outlaws come after us now, give them.

[Mr. Carney]

Another volley from here. Keep shooting as you ride till the.

[Narrator]

Curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. The Lone Ranger and Tato led their pursuit straight toward the railhead camp. But the outlaws rained up a mile away from it, wheeled their mouths and rode off into the southern hills. The masked man and the Indian took cover on the wooded ridge to the north of the tracks. And meanwhile, Jim dismounted beside the coach that served Carney as an office and living quarters.

[Mr. Carney]

Oh.

[Jim Wilson]

Oh, boy.

[Mr. Carney]

Whoa.

[Narrator]

The chief engineer stepped out onto the rear platform.

[Mr. Carney]

Who's that?

[Jim Wilson]

Jim Wilson.

[Mr. Carney]

What's up? I thought I heard you.

[Jim Wilson]

You sure did. There's a band of outlaws to the east. They tore up some of the tracks.

[Mr. Carney]

Outlaws?

[Narrator]

You mean freighters?

[Jim Wilson]

No, sir. They were shooting at me. Paul in his hands wouldn't do that.

[Bat Gowan]

What's the matter, Chief?

[Narrator]

Jim says outlaws.

[Mr. Carney]

I think it's freighters.

[Narrator]

They've been tearing up the tracks.

[Bat Gowan]

Let's get after them. We can find them easy enough. Jeff Wilson spread. It's to the north, pretty close to Cobb.

[Mr. Carney]

No, Paul wasn't one of them.

[Narrator]

He's behind this. How many horses are there in the corral, Warner?

[Bat Gowan]

About 20.

[Narrator]

They'll pick out 20 men in order to ride and handle a gun right away. No, wait.

[Mr. Carney]

I'll get the men together. You write into count and get the sheriff. We want the law on our side.

[Bat Gowan]

That's a good idea.

[Narrator]

You're all wrong. Paul didn't have anything to do with. Get going, Water.

[Mr. Carney]

We'll meet you just outside of Compton.

[Jim Wilson]

Mr. Carney, will you.

[Narrator]

I understand how you feel about this, Jim. You don't want your father to be arrested. Well, you don't have to be in on it.

[Mr. Carney]

I'm leaving you in charge of the camp until we get back.

[Bat Gowan]

I'm on my way, chief.

[Mr. Carney]

All right, hurry. Roll out of your blankets, man. Roll out.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tot been watching the camp and When Warner headed for Carlton, Tuttle went after him. Fifteen minutes later, Carney and his men followed in the direction of town. The MO ranger recognized Jim standing at the edge of the camp and called to him.

[Mr. Carney]

Jim.

[Narrator]

The young engineer came running toward him.

[Jim Wilson]

It hasn't worked out right at all.

[Mr. Carney]

Why not?

[Jim Wilson]

Carney thinks it's pawn his friends who tore up the tracks. Nothing I could say would change his mind.

[Mr. Carney]

Where's he going?

[Jim Wilson]

To town. He said Warner had to pick up the sheriff from there. They're riding north to Pa's place. They're going to arrest him.

[Mr. Carney]

But didn't you tell him the men.

[Jim Wilson]

Who tore up the tracks were outlaws? Sure, but I didn't accuse Warren of being in on it. I didn't think it'd do any good.

[Mr. Carney]

Why didn't you go with Carney?

[Jim Wilson]

He wanted to keep me out of it. He left me in charge of the camp.

[Mr. Carney]

How many men have you got?

[Jim Wilson]

There's 20 or 30 left.

[Mr. Carney]

Can you arm them?

[Jim Wilson]

Why? There may still be a few rifles left around.

[Mr. Carney]

Break them out. Give them to your best shots.

[Jim Wilson]

You figure we're going to be attacked?

[Mr. Carney]

It wouldn't surprise me a bit. Easy, Bigfoot.

[Jim Wilson]

Where are you going?

[Mr. Carney]

To find Totto, warn your father and prove to Carney that he's made a big mistake.

[Narrator]

Since Warner had been sent to get the sheriff, it seemed reasonable that he would take the opportunity to contact Bat. The Lone Ranger followed the ridge trail, and Silver's great speed allowed him to overtake and pass Carney's posse. When he reached the town, he took the back streets to the rear entrance of the Silver rail. He found Scott there, and he dismounted to wait for Toto in the shadows. A few minutes later, Toto left the cafe by the rear door.

[Mr. Carney]

Here was Hobby. Ah.

[Tonto]

Oh, me glad to see you. Warner come here and talk with Bat. He hear part of what them say. Well, Warner come here to get sheriff. Then meet Carney and men outside town, go to Jeff's place and arrest him.

[Mr. Carney]

I know about that. What else did he say?

[Tonto]

Well, him tell Bat there are not many men in camp. It good time to attack camp. Burn coach where Carney have office burn supplies.

[Mr. Carney]

I had an idea they might try something like this.

[Tonto]

What we do first?

[Mr. Carney]

We'll ride to Jeff's place. We can get there ahead of the posse men.

[Tonto]

What then?

[Mr. Carney]

We'll lead the posse back to the camp.

[Tonto]

Will them not follow us, Kimasabi?

[Mr. Carney]

They will if they think we're trying to get away from them. Easy set of keys.

[Jeff Wilson]

Easy, Scott.

[Mr. Carney]

Easy Fella.

[Narrator]

Half an hour later, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle pulled up in front of Jeff's ranch.

[Mr. Carney]

Get a horse saddle for him. Open up, Jeff.

[Jeff Wilson]

That's the idea of Robin.

[Narrator]

A man out of his.

[Jeff Wilson]

Hey, let me get a look at you.

[Mr. Carney]

Don't you remember me? Jeff?

[Jeff Wilson]

That's a mess, man. What are you doing here?

[Mr. Carney]

Listen, a band of outlaws tore up some of the tracks east of camp tonight.

[Jeff Wilson]

They did, eh? Well, that's good news. More power to them.

[Mr. Carney]

The sheriff and Carney and a posse of railroaders are on their way here but for arrest. You. Carney thinks you're the one who led the outlaws. Rather, he believes that it was you and your friends who tore up the tracks. After the way you talked the other day, he may be able to persuade the sheriff he's right.

[Jeff Wilson]

Well, just let him try to arrest me. They lay a hand on me and I'll fill them full of lead.

[Mr. Carney]

You're one man against 20.

[Jeff Wilson]

You'll fight with me, won't you?

[Mr. Carney]

Not that way, Jeff.

[Jeff Wilson]

You don't think I tore up the tracks, do you?

[Mr. Carney]

No, not that.

[Jeff Wilson]

It ain't a good idea.

[Mr. Carney]

You'll change your mind about that after I've had a talk with you.

[Jeff Wilson]

It'll take more than a talk to change my mind about anything. Especially the railroad. You ought to know me better than that, mister. I got a reputation for being ornery and I'm proud of it.

[Mr. Carney]

I think your son's life means more to you than your reputation.

[Jeff Wilson]

Hey, what's Jim got to do with this? I'll say. Come now, Kim.

[Tonto]

Must I?

[Jeff Wilson]

What about Jim?

[Mr. Carney]

His life's in danger. The best way for you to save it is to ride with Tono and me. Come along.

[Bat Gowan]

There they go. That's Jeff on the black sheriff.

[Mr. Carney]

You're right. Who are the two men with him?

[Bat Gowan]

Must be friends of his. Could be they heard me talking to the sheriff in town and rode ahead to warn him.

[Jeff Wilson]

Come on, we'll catch him.

[Mr. Carney]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

After his talk with Warner, Bat Gowan had ridden south to the outlaws hideout in the hills. And from there he led his men onto the construction camp half a mile away. He stopped to give them their final instructions.

[Bat Gowan]

We use engine tactics, make a big circle around the camp and keep moving so they don't have much in the way of a target. You wait for word for me before you close in. That big hombre that rides white horse still in camp. What big hombre?

[Mr. Carney]

I don't know.

[Bat Gowan]

One of the railroaders, I guess.

[Jeff Wilson]

We told you we chased him and.

[Bat Gowan]

Young Wilson and an Indian back to camp earlier tonight. Is he wearing a mask?

[Jeff Wilson]

Mask?

[Bat Gowan]

It couldn't be. The man I mean. Whoever he is, he sure can't shoot. We better pick him off before we try to close in. He'll take your orders from me. Now let's go.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, Toto and Jeff Wilson allowed the posse to keep them in sight as they cut a southwest diagonal through the hills. At last they took the ridge above the camp.

[Jeff Wilson]

Here. You guess who's right here taking the camp?

[Mr. Carney]

It wasn't a guess. Otto heard Warner give the order.

[Jeff Wilson]

They'll come on. Let's give Jimmy a hand.

[Mr. Carney]

Get things straightened out with the sheriff and Carney first.

[Jeff Wilson]

Wait here for them. Wait. There'll just be a lot of blood there. What's the good of that?

[Mr. Carney]

You won't have to wait long. No.

[Tonto]

Here come posse now.

[Mr. Carney]

Raise your hand.

[Jeff Wilson]

Jeff, leave a check this.

[Mr. Carney]

All right? We got him, Sheriff.

[Jim Wilson]

Look at the two men with him.

[Narrator]

Masked man and an Indian.

[Mr. Carney]

You're under arrest, Jeff.

[Jeff Wilson]

Not too fast, ladge. You heard me talk about this masked man. He calls his horse Silver. Those are silver bullets in his cottage bag.

[Bat Gowan]

Silver.

[Mr. Carney]

Well, I'll be a long horn maverick.

[Jeff Wilson]

You'll be worse than that. You'll be all kinds of a fool if you don't listen to him.

[Narrator]

What's all that shooting?

[Mr. Carney]

Your camp's being attacked, Carney. Not by Jeff's friends. By oslo's who are working for Warner. For Warner? Yes. Warner. Where is he?

[Bat Gowan]

He was riding alongside me.

[Jeff Wilson]

They've let him get away.

[Tonto]

Taunt off him. Him right down slope over there.

[Mr. Carney]

All right, I'll go after him. Why not try to surround the outlaw, Sheriff? You have enough men, right?

[Narrator]

You're taking orders for this.

[Mr. Carney]

I'll hoot.

[Bat Gowan]

Better leave everything to me, Connie.

[Jeff Wilson]

I'll handle this roundup.

[Mr. Carney]

Consider me. All right. The rest of your.

[Narrator]

At the foot of the ridge, Warner was holding a hurried conference with.

[Bat Gowan]

That seems up we're doing all right. Oh, the sheriff and Carney and the posi will be coming over that ridge shortly. That isn't all we've been chasing, Jeff. There was a masked man and an Indian with him. A mess man. I caught a good look at his face in the moonlight. We're up against the Lone Ranger and let's hightail it out of here.

[Jeff Wilson]

What for?

[Bat Gowan]

I'm going to ride in a cab. The men will hold their fire when they see it's me. I'm going to get Connie's cash box. Five minutes.

[Mr. Carney]

All right.

[Bat Gowan]

Go to it.

[Jeff Wilson]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

Jim Wilson leaped to his feet as he saw Warner ride up.

[Mr. Carney]

Oh.

[Jim Wilson]

What are you doing back here? Where's Connie?

[Bat Gowan]

Find out soon enough.

[Jim Wilson]

Hey, where you going? What are you gonna do in that car?

[Bat Gowan]

Take your hands off me.

[Narrator]

Warner brought the barrel of his gun down on the side of Jim's head. The young engineers slumped to the ground. Warner ran up the steps of the car and entered it enough before the safe quickly worked the combination, swung the door open and reached for the cash box. As his fingers closed on it, a hand of steel gripped him by the shoulder and jerked him to his feet.

[Mr. Carney]

Come here.

[Bat Gowan]

A mask, man.

[Narrator]

Warner swung the heavy cash box at the Lone Ranger's head. He moved his head just enough to avoid the blow, and then he crashed a solid right to Warner's jaw. Warner sank to the floor.

[Mr. Carney]

The sheriff won't have any trouble finding you here, Warner. Adios.

[Narrator]

Bat and his men waited too long for Warner. The sheriff and the railroaders cut off their escape, and after a sharp gunfight, they surrendered. When Jim Wilson opened his eyes, he found that he was lying on the canvas cot in his own tent.

[Jeff Wilson]

Rest easy, son. You got a nasty crack on the head.

[Jim Wilson]

Oh, I'm all right.

[Jeff Wilson]

It's my fault. I'm sorry. You got such a stubborn old man.

[Mr. Carney]

You've got nothing to apologize for, Jeff.

[Jeff Wilson]

Yes, I have, Connie.

[Mr. Carney]

I'm the one who made the mistake.

[Jeff Wilson]

I gave you plenty of reason for it.

[Jim Wilson]

Poor that. That sounds like you changed your mind about the railroad.

[Jeff Wilson]

Guess what I've done, Jim Good.

[Jim Wilson]

But. But why?

[Jeff Wilson]

How come a friend who rides the white horse? Remember what I said the other day about not minding if you were a surveyor like George Washington? Yeah, the masked man had an answer for that one. He said times change and people got to change with him. He said the railroad means a lot to the whole country. And if George Washington was alive today and was your age, he'd be doing just the kind of work you were doing. Well, she made me think he's right, and I'm proud of him.

[Jim Wilson]

Thanks, Pa. It makes me feel fine.

[Jeff Wilson]

Makes me feel some better myself.

[Narrator]

Where's your mysterious mask friend?

[Mr. Carney]

Jeff, you promised you'd tell me all about him.

[Jeff Wilson]

Well, Conan, he's another fellow like George was. Loves his country and likes to help the folks who share his feelings. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of a Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[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.

[Mr. Carney]

It.