Mesa Manhunt | The Lone Ranger (09-12-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Mesa Manhunt | The Lone Ranger (09-12-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: November 19, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the digitally restored 1952 broadcast of "Mesa Manhunt," an action-packed installment of The Lone Ranger. Set in the rugged Western frontier, the story centers on notorious outlaw Blaze Broderick’s daring escape, his quest for revenge, and a perilous manhunt across Big Tree Mesa. With vivid soundscapes and spirited performances, the episode revives classic themes of justice, cunning, and loyalty as the Lone Ranger and Tonto pursue fugitives in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. The Prisoner Transfer and Broderick’s Escape

[04:02 – 06:54]

• Blaze Broderick is being transported to prison, guarded closely due to his reputation and past gang leadership.
• Conversation builds tension, hinting Broderick still has connections and schemes in motion.
• Quote:
  “You may as well know it right now, Deputy, I'm not gonna rot in any jail.” — Broderick ([04:16])
• Ambushed by Broderick's gang, the deputies are killed or incapacitated, and Broderick regains his freedom.
• Broderick vows to take revenge on the Lone Ranger, declaring:
  “Before I do anything else, I'm going to even the score... We're going to the hideout shack on Big Tree Mesa. We'll head south after we've killed the Lone Ranger.” ([06:29])

2. The Aftermath: Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

[06:54 – 09:38]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto track the stagecoach, discovering the aftermath of the ambush.
• A gravely injured deputy relays critical information before dying: the outlaws are hiding at “Big Tree Mesa.”
• Concerned the coming rain might wash away all tracks, the Lone Ranger sends Tonto to alert Sheriff Clay while he pursues the gang.

3. Organizing the Manhunt

[09:51 – 12:26]

• Sheriff Clay coordinates a massive search, dividing the mesa into zones for seven different posses.
• The community joins forces, determined to bring the killers to justice.
• Quote:
  “I'd trust this man (Tonto) with my life.” — Sheriff Clay ([10:24])
• Plans are made for a thorough, multi-day search:
  “Tell your men to meet here at 4 in the morning. Bring food for at least two days.” ([11:42])

4. Tonto Captured: Setting the Trap

[13:39 – 14:40]

• While searching alone, Tonto stumbles upon the outlaws’ shack and is swiftly captured.
• Broderick recognizes Tonto and decides to use him as bait in a trap for the Lone Ranger.
• Quote:
  “We’ll use him to bait a trap for the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([14:16])

5. The Lone Ranger in Disguise

[15:04 – 17:59]

• The Lone Ranger is nearly mistaken for an outlaw and arrested by another posse; the misunderstanding is resolved by Sheriff Clay.
• Fearing more mistaken identity, the Lone Ranger dons an effective disguise as an Indian, cleverly altering his appearance with makeup and props.

6. Outlaws’ Trap and Tonto’s Resourcefulness

[18:45 – 25:04]

• The outlaws attempt to use Tonto’s horse, Scout, to lure the Lone Ranger.
• The disguised Lone Ranger is brought before Broderick, who mistakes him for an Indian.
• In a tense ruse, the Lone Ranger secures a knife for Tonto under the guise of “killing” him.
  Memorable Moment:
  “Tonto, I'll leave the knife with you. Free yourself and follow us.” — Lone Ranger, whispered while pretending to stab Tonto ([24:51])
• Tonto later escapes, setting up the conclusion of the manhunt.

7. The Final Showdown

[25:56 – 28:17]

• The disguised Lone Ranger leads Broderick and his gang toward Sheriff Clay’s advancing posse.
• Sensing the posse’s approach, the Lone Ranger orchestrates chaos, allowing the lawmen to ambush the outlaws.
  “Silver!” — The iconic command as the Lone Ranger makes his move ([26:33])
• A furious gunfight ensues; Broderick is wounded, one gang member killed, and others captured.
• Broderick curses the “double-crossing Indian,” oblivious he was outwitted by the Lone Ranger in disguise.
• Quote:
  “That fake redskin fooled us. I never suspected he was the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([28:18])

8. Resolution

[28:00 – 30:10]

• Sheriff Clay and his posse secure the outlaws for justice.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto reunite, having once again triumphed through quick wit, courage, and teamwork.
• The episode closes with classic signatures and credits, marking another victory for law and order in the Old West.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Broderick’s defiance:
  “I'm not gonna rot in any jail.” ([04:16])

• Sheriff Clay’s trust:
  “I'd trust this man with my life.” ([10:24])

• Tonto as bait:
  “We’ll use him to bait a trap for the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([14:16])

• Quick thinking:
  “Tonto, I'll leave the knife with you. Free yourself and follow us.” — Lone Ranger ([24:51])

• Showdown command:
  “Silver!” — Lone Ranger ([26:33])

• Outlaw’s realization:
  “That fake redskin fooled us. I never suspected he was the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([28:18])

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Timestamped Segment Highlights

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 04:02-06:54| Broderick’s escape and vow of vengeance | | 09:51-12:26| Sheriff Clay rallies posses and town for the manhunt | | 14:06-14:40| Tonto is captured and the trap is laid | | 17:59-18:45| Lone Ranger disguises himself as an Indian | | 24:51-25:04| Lone Ranger covertly provides Tonto with escape knife | | 26:33-28:18| Final trap is sprung; Broderick and his gang are taken| | 28:00-30:10| Justice restored; Lone Ranger and Tonto prevail |

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Tone and Style

True to the golden age of radio, the episode blends suspenseful storytelling, vivid sound design, and clear-cut morality. The Lone Ranger and Tonto work seamlessly, embodying courage, cleverness, and loyalty. The villains’ bravado is matched by their hubris and ultimate downfall. Period dialogue and authentic audio effects immerse listeners in the untamed frontier, honoring the classic Western tradition.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Show

"Mesa Manhunt" is a gripping Lone Ranger adventure brimming with suspenseful twists—a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio drama. The episode’s heart lies in the interplay of wits between the legendary masked hero and a cunning outlaw, brought to life through spirited performances and meticulous sound restoration. Even for newcomers, the story stands as an accessible, archetypal Western showdown, illustrating why The Lone Ranger’s tales remain beloved decades later.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Broderick]

You need a week to catch up in a snowy cabin.

[Narrator]

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[Broderick]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Tonto]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Broderick]

Could you be more specific?

[Tonto]

When it's cravinient. Okay. Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at am pm.

[Broderick]

I'm sit a pattern here.

[Tonto]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave, which is anything from am, pm. What more could you want?

[Narrator]

Stop by AMPM where the snacks and.

[Tonto]

Drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravinience. Am, PM Too much. Good stuff.

[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.

[Tonto]

Course.

[Narrator]

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

[Tonto]

Sam, It's.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.

[Broderick]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Oh, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Say, O Silver.

[Tonto]

Away.

[Narrator]

Blaze. Broderick was on his way to the territorial prison to spend the rest of his life paying for a few years of banditry. Sheriff Clay of Calhoun county had chartered a special stagecoach for the trip. Two reliable deputies accompanied the prisoner. One rode beside the driver and gripped a shotgun as he watched the trail. The other was inside the stage with Broderick handcuffed to his left wrist.

[Broderick]

A few miles more, Broderick, then the gates will close behind you. You'll be able to see the prison as soon as we get clear these trees. I can hardly wait. You know, I never could figure why a man like you turns the crime. You're a smart man. Thanks. I mean it, Broderick. You're smart and you're a natural born leader. That's proved by the way you run your gang. You and the sheriff are mighty rankle. Because I wouldn't tell where you could find my pal. Well, find them. Sooner or later, every crook makes a mistake. Why, even you, Broderick. Smart as you are, you made a mistake. No, I did. You left tracks that the Lone Ranger and Todd, who could follow. Yeah, those two. And I'll make them regret it. Oh, you're talking through your hat. I am, huh? You'll see. You may as well know it right now, Deputy, I'm not gonna rot in any jail.

[Narrator]

The trees close to the trail on both sides became alive with gunfire. The first shots were concentrated on the guard and driver. The deputy inside the coach leaned out the window and brought up his coat. But before he could use it, a bullet drilled his chest. He slumped, unconscious. Four men rode into view, two from each side of the trail.

[Broderick]

Good work, boys.

[Narrator]

Two men seized the reins of the frightened stagecoach team.

[Broderick]

How about that Loman, boss? You got him, Sky? What about the driver or the other law torch? Yeah, we got them both. Is there a key to the hand, coach? Right hand pocket of this deputy's coach. I'll get it. I knew you boys would handle things.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Broderick]

Here's the key. I'm surprised the sheriff didn't expect something like this. He thinks we're in mad by this time. How'd you work that, Pete stole a horse and left tracks for the sheriff to follow to our camp. In camp, the sheriff found signs of a getaway. Also enough to be sure to bend the camp of Broad Race men. The bracelets are off.

[Tonto]

All right.

[Narrator]

Bring the boss's horse, Pete.

[Broderick]

We're all set to travel. Right. All right. Now we have at the border, eh, boss? No. No. Well, we're not safe around here. Not while at Lone Rangers in this part of the country. That mask man cost me 50. $50,000?

[Tonto]

Well, yes, but more.

[Broderick]

On top of which, I had to spend some time in jail. Before I do anything else, I'm going to even the score. Here's your horse, Broderick. We're heading south now. We're going to the hideout shack on Big Tree Mesa. We'll head south after we've killed the Lone Rang.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle were on a hilltop that overlooked the entrance through the territorial prison. They had been watching for the arrival of the notorious outlaw. When the StageCoach was nearly two hours overdue. The masked man said there couldn't have.

[Broderick]

Been this much delay in leaving Calhoun. We'll not wait any longer, Toto. We go south now, look for Broderick's gang? No, not yet. Before we leave, I want to be sure Blaze Broderick is behind bars and a territorial prison. That is over. Easy. Where we go, we'll follow the stage trail. May have been a breakdown or worse. Easy, big fellow. Easy, fellow.

[Tonto]

Monsoon.

[Narrator]

Soon after starting along the trail, the masked man and his Indian companion entered a woods. Presently they saw the halted stagecoach. The team was in harness and tied to a convenient tree. The guard and driver lay on the floor of the driver's seat.

[Broderick]

Examine those two, Taro. I'll look inside.

[Narrator]

The door of the stage was open. One man was inside. At first, the Lone Ranger thought he was dead, then detected a faint pulse and saw the lawman's eyelids flutter. There was a low moan.

[Broderick]

How that Ma' am Kimasabi badly hurt Taro. What about the others? Both dead. Here. Canteen. Here, drink this. How did Broderick escape? Gang. His men ambushed. Broderick's men? How many of them?

[Tonto]

I think four men. Hideout.

[Broderick]

What about a hideout? Hideout.

[Tonto]

Shaq. Big tree. Mesa.

[Broderick]

Steady, steady.

[Tonto]

Take it easy.

[Broderick]

We'll take you home. I.

[Narrator]

The deputy went limp, as though the mighty effort to pass on the last few words had taken all of his remaining strength. The Lone Ranger made simple tests and learned that the lawman was dead. Then he turned to Toto.

[Broderick]

I think he tried to tell us that Broderick and his four pals intend to hide in a shack on Big Dream Mesa. Mesa plenty big. Yes, and it's covered with timber. Those killers will be hard to find unless they've left tracks. Tracks no good. Tomorrow, rain come tonight, wash them out. I'm going to start right now and try to trail them. Tie your horse behind the stage and drive the team back to town. Toto, Sheriff Clay will take charge of the stagecoach and the dead men. Tell him what the deputy said. Ah, me savvy. There's a place ahead where the trail is wide enough to turn the stage around. Me?

[Tonto]

No.

[Broderick]

You might have a hard time finding me on the mesa, so you might as well stay with the sheriff and ride with his posse.

[Tonto]

Easy.

[Broderick]

Steady, big fellow.

[Narrator]

In Calhoun, Sheriff Clay listened grimly to Tonto's report. He called the coroner to take charge of the bodies and turned the stage and team over to the freight agent. Then he summoned six of the town's leading citizens to his office and asked Tonto to repeat his story. When the Indian was through, the lawman.

[Tonto]

Said, I'm convinced that the four who ambushed the stage are the same men who led a posse on a wild goose chase. Toward the border. Sheriff, how do you know it's not another wild goose chased a Big Tree mesa? You heard what the deputy said with his dying bread. We heard. With that Indian claims he said Todo wouldn't tell us anything but the truth. How do you know you can trust him? Take my word for it, gents. I'd trust this man with my life.

[Broderick]

Well, that's good enough for me. Yeah, me too.

[Tonto]

Two good lawmen and a stage driver lie dead at the hands of those crooks. Broderick and his pals must hang. You're right. We're with you, Sheriff. You want us to ride to Big Tree Mesa as your posse? I want more than that. The base is too big for one posse to cover. I want seven separate posses to search the woods. I'll head one. Each of you men line up a half a dozen friends to make a posse of your own. I'll square you in as special deputies. Then we'll meet here tonight to make the final plan. Right, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Seven groups of men were organized that afternoon while the Lone Ranger followed the tracks of five horsemen to the flat tree covered mesa. That night, the rain began. As darkness gathered, the masked man made a lean to for a shelter. While in town, the six special deputies met in the sheriff's office with Sheriff Clay and Tottle rain beat against the windows.

[Tonto]

Well, gents, I reckon everyone's here. I lined up seven men to ride with me.

[Broderick]

I got six.

[Tonto]

Did you others get your groups organized?

[Broderick]

Yep, I did.

[Tonto]

I want to start this manhunt on the mesa as soon as it's light. Tell your men to meet here at 4 in the morning. Tell them to bring food for at least two days.

[Broderick]

Two days?

[Tonto]

Yes. If we don't find those crooks tomorrow, we'll camp on the mesa and continue the search next day.

[Broderick]

This rain will probably wash out any tracks.

[Tonto]

We'll not count on finding tracks. There's a map of the mesa spread out of my desk. Get around it.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Tonto]

Now, I'll assign each group to cover a certain area. The areas are marked out so they overlap. We're going to cover every square foot of Big Tree measure.

[Narrator]

By morning, the rain had stopped. A rising sun found the manhunters searching through the woods on the mesa in seven separate groups. Tonto rode with a group led by Sheriff Clay. Presently, the Indian said we leave now, Sheriff.

[Broderick]

Ride lone. Why? Tondo or may want to find Lone Ranger. Him alone on mesa.

[Tonto]

Well, how do you know where to look for him?

[Broderick]

I may ride to far end of Mesa. Maybe Find track. Maybe Scout find Silver.

[Tonto]

Your horse is smart. His instinct might help. Go ahead, Tonto, and good luck to you. Get him up to count. Straight out, boys. Keep in. A straight line about 10 yards apart.

[Narrator]

Had started at the south end of the mesa. The sheriff's men moved back and forth combing the woods from the eastern to the western cliff, then back again. But Tottle traveled in a straight line heading north. Easy, Scott.

[Broderick]

Easy, fellow.

[Narrator]

Unknowingly, he passed within a quarter of a mile of the Lone Ranger who was riding in the opposite direction in the dense woods. Neither was aware of the nearness of the other. Two hours of riding brought the Indian close to the north end of the mesa. Unexpectedly, he came into a clearing and saw a small shack.

[Broderick]

Oh, scout.

[Tonto]

Oh, fella. Oh.

[Narrator]

A sharp command came from the nearby trees.

[Broderick]

Hold that, redskin. You're covered. Dismount and keep your hands high. Easy, Scout. Easy, fella. And he got. Hands up. Keep him covered. Scar left of you. Take his gun. Yeah, I got it, boss. You others keep watching for anyone else who might come this way. I wanna. Well see who this is. Tonto. The Lone Ranger's pal. Sure enough.

[Tonto]

Remember me?

[Broderick]

Todo you, Broderick. You should remember me. You helped your masked friend capture me. Where's he? Me not talk. He must be somewhere around. Boss. Did you come here by accident, or did you trail us? Me not talk. All right, suit yourself. Take him into the shack, boys. Tie him and gag him. We'll use him to bait a trap for the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger rode through the woods about eight miles away. He didn't know that men had started at the south end of the mesa methodically to comb the woods for the outlaws. Suddenly, he heard a shout. The posse of seven men, led by Stevens charged forward with guns drawn.

[Tonto]

Get him up, mister.

[Broderick]

Wash your hands. You're covered.

[Tonto]

Make a fast move with blast. He must be one of the killers.

[Broderick]

Just a minute. Are you a sheriff's posse?

[Tonto]

That's right. We're looking for your boss. Where's Broderick?

[Broderick]

I'm not one of the gang. I'm on your side of the law. Tell that to the judge.

[Tonto]

Take his guns.

[Broderick]

Oh, get him. Get up. Keep your hands high. Mister, listen to me.

[Tonto]

Take a breath.

[Broderick]

I have his guns. What about that mask?

[Tonto]

Take it all.

[Narrator]

The 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.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. The Lone Ranger, riding south through the woods was captured by one of the Posses searching FOR Blaze Broderick, the masked man, was disarmed and the special deputy in charge repeated his command.

[Tonto]

Take off that mask.

[Broderick]

I'll wait. The sheriff will tell you I'm not an outlaw.

[Tonto]

What's going on there?

[Broderick]

The sheriff.

[Tonto]

Who've got Stevens? Hi, Sheriff Stevens. Bill Allyer. What's the idea of holding guns on that man? His masked sheriff.

[Broderick]

He must be an outlaw.

[Tonto]

He's probably one of Broderick's gang. For the love of Pete. He's the man who captured Broderick three weeks ago and turned him over to me. He's a Lone Ranger.

[Broderick]

What?

[Tonto]

Give him back his guns.

[Broderick]

Well, here you are, mister. I'm sorry. That's all right.

[Tonto]

A good thing I heard the commotion and left my own group to investigate.

[Broderick]

Is Tyler with your group?

[Tonto]

No, he came here to the mesa with us. But he left a couple hours ago to look for you. He rode north.

[Broderick]

I came from the north, Sheriff. We must have passed each other in the woods.

[Tonto]

Well, that'd be easy to do. The trees and brush are mighty thick in places.

[Broderick]

I'll go back and look for him.

[Tonto]

Be careful. You might run into some more of our men. And the next time one of them might shoot you before you have a chance to talk.

[Broderick]

I'll be careful. Montreal.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rode until he was well away from the posse. Then he drew rein, dismounted and opened a saddlebag. Rather than risk being again mistaken for an outlaw, he changed his appearance by skillful use of disguise. A stain darkened his complexion and hollow plugs in his nostrils made his nose look flat and wide. Other tricks and materials gave him the appearance of an Indian. He drew a buckskin jacket and trousers over his own clothes and covered his head with a battered old black hat. Then he was ready to go on. At the outlaws hideout, Broderick watched while Tottle was gagged and tied to a chair.

[Broderick]

That'll hold him scarred. It should. Boss, you said you were going to use the Indian as bait for the Lone Ranger. Come outside and untie his pate horse. I'll show you what I meant. Leave the door open. I'll untie the horse, loop the reins around the saddle pommel so they won't catch on underbrush. That's what I'm doing now. Give the horse a slap, send him away. Come on.

[Tonto]

Get up there.

[Broderick]

Come on. He'll find the Lone Ranger and bring him here. So that's the plan. We'll wait in ambush. When the masked man shows up, we'll shoot him.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger wearing A disguise was riding north at a slow gait and watching for trail blazes that Tonto might have made. Presently, he heard a horse approaching. He drew rein and waited. Silver was tense and alert. His ears were cocked forward. Then the oncoming horse came into view.

[Broderick]

Scout, where's Totto? What's happened to him?

[Narrator]

The questions were involuntary. Even as he asked them, the Lone Ranger was examining the saddle and gear on the back of the paint horse.

[Broderick]

No blood stains to indicate injury.

[Narrator]

He noticed the reins fastened loosely to the saddle pommel.

[Broderick]

You weren't tied to anything, Scout. I left it. Ground hitch. No message fastened to your saddle. Go on, Scout. Find tunnel.

[Narrator]

Scout tossed his mane, whinnied and set out over his own back trail. The Lone Ranger followed.

[Broderick]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

In Roderick's hideout shack, Toto sat tied to a chair and gagged. Broderick and two of his men were outside, concealed in the underbrush at the edge of the clearing. Scarlet and Lefty were tired, cramped and short tempered from long waiting. But Broderick seemed to feel no discomfort. Thoughts of killing the Lone Ranger blanked out all else. His eyes burned with murder lust. Finally, Lefty spoke.

[Broderick]

Boss, the two boys inside the shack are better shots than we are. How'd it be if we change places with them? I want them to keep an eye on Toddo so he doesn't loosen the gag enough to sound a warning. But we could watch him. You're here. You stay here.

[Tonto]

All right? All right, boss.

[Broderick]

Whatever you say. Lone Ranger. His last day on earth. After I'm square with him, we'll head for the border.

[Narrator]

I think I hear a horse.

[Broderick]

So do I. I hear it. Shut up. Let me listen.

[Narrator]

Broderick's knuckles were white as he gripped a rifle hard. His lips moved soundlessly and his eyes had the look of a madman. His voice was husky with emotion when he spoke.

[Broderick]

Two horses must be scouting Silver.

[Narrator]

He's got to be scouting.

[Broderick]

Silver and the Lone Ranger close.

[Tonto]

Be quiet.

[Narrator]

A moment later, Scout came into the clearing and stopped the paint.

[Broderick]

He came back just as I knew he would.

[Tonto]

The other horse is nearly here.

[Broderick]

I'm ready for the Lone Ranger. Ready for him. I caught a glimpse of the horse.

[Narrator]

It's white.

[Broderick]

Shoot before I do and I'll kill you.

[Tonto]

Boss, you shoot first.

[Narrator]

When Silver entered the clearing, Broderick's great expectations collapsed. There was no masked man in the saddle. Instead, the rider had the appearance of an Indian.

[Broderick]

Get your hands up. Take his guns and drag him off that horse. Come on, Scar. You men in the shack. Come out here. Bring her up to tie this Indian down. You comrade. Where'd you get that horse?

[Narrator]

For a moment, the Lone Ranger made no reply. He had seen Toto through the open door of the shack. He quickly realized that he had ridden into a trap. He knew that his life and Toto's hung by a slender thread. In his favor was the fact that Broderick mistook him for an Indian. Suddenly, Broderick brought his left hand around in a hard slap.

[Broderick]

Answer me. Where'd you get that horse? You not lawmen?

[Tonto]

No, we're not lawmen.

[Broderick]

Me no, you. You big feller. Big medicine. You Broderick. What are you laughing at? Me glad you here. You not make trouble when Indian borrow horse. You only make trouble for good. Indians like man tied inside house. You know who that Indian is?

[Tonto]

Ugh.

[Broderick]

Him taughtle boy.

[Tonto]

Should I tie his hands? No, no, no.

[Broderick]

Wait. Engine. You said you borrowed the horse. Also boots, guns, pants. And see under buckskin plenty fine shirt. Did the man you borrowed them from wear a mask? That's right. Did you kill him? No, Me not kill. Where is he? Little while ago. Him back that way on trail. How did you get away? With this horse, guns and clothes, it's easy rob man who tied. Did you leave the masked man tied? You think me get away? If him not tied, you're gonna take us to him. Me not know. I say you are. If you don't, we'll make you wish you had run into Lawma. Now wait. Me come long way. Follow paint horse, look for Tonto. You came here looking for Tonto, that right? Why me got something for him. Hey, what knife?

[Tonto]

He had it in his boot.

[Broderick]

Why didn't you search him for weapons? Well, I did, but I didn't see that knife. Me go into shack, fix Tonto. Then me take you on back trail, show you Lone Ranger. You mean you want to kill the Lone Ranger's pal? Meo? Tono plenty. We don't need Tano any longer, boss. Why not let him do the killing? Let me go to Shaq. Then me lead you on back trail. Me promise show you Lone Ranger alive. Him plenty alive. All right, go ahead. But make it fast. Need not take long.

[Narrator]

Roderick and his four followers watched the man they thought to be an outlaw Indian enter the shack. His hand holding the knife went up, then down behind Tonto's back. They couldn't hear the whispered speech fall to the floor.

[Broderick]

Tonto, I'll leave the knife with you.

[Narrator]

Free yourself and follow us. Tonto understood and obeyed. He slumped sideways, tipping the chair off balance and crashed to the floor behind his back, his fingers clutched. Outside, the outlaws heard the chair and body fall.

[Broderick]

He did it. Well, that takes care of Tono. And I'll take care of the Lone Ranger. Now me keep promise. We ride back trail. Me show you Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, unarmed and resembling an Indian, led the way south through the woods with Roderick riding close behind. The four members of the gang followed their leader in a single file. Tottle, who had freed himself with a Lone Ranger's knife, remained far back so the steps of his horse scout could not be heard by the killers. The Lone Ranger knew that the sheriff's men, who had started their search at the south end of the mesa, were slowly working north. They were somewhere ahead. He listened intently for the faintest sound of hoops or voices, and he had never been more alert. Presently, he heard the crack of a dry twig breaking. Continuing his role of an Indian, he called.

[Broderick]

Hey, stop here. I think I heard a horse's hoofs. If there's a horse on this mesa, there must be someone riding it. Injun, would you be leading us into a trap? Me promise show you Lone Ranger. We go. Be quiet. Let me listen.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger knew that the showdown was at hand. His own exceptionally keen ears caught the sound of several horses in the woods ahead. At any instant, the killers, too, would hear them. He touched Silver with his knee. The smart stallion responded by moving closer to Broderick.

[Broderick]

Hold that horse still.

[Narrator]

Then from ahead came the sound that removed all doubt.

[Broderick]

Do you hear that?

[Tonto]

A horse.

[Broderick]

A trap.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger acted now.

[Broderick]

Silver.

[Narrator]

Silver lunged hard. Broderick was thrown off balance as his horse was bumped.

[Broderick]

One, two. There.

[Narrator]

Guns barked. But the Lone Ranger, with a head start of split seconds, had turned the nimble footed Silver to one side and out of sight. In dense underbrush. He heard Broderick shout, blind and unreasoning with rage at the double cross, Broderick forgot the danger of Lawman ahead and spurred his horse in pursuit with his men following. The lawman had heard the shooting and hurried to investigate. They saw the Lone Ranger and thought he was an Indian. But then they saw Broderick and his gang. There was no mistake about the identity of those men.

[Tonto]

The killage. Let him have it.

[Narrator]

The sheriff's men came from several directions. Broderick was hit in the shoulder and spilled from his horse. Scar was killed. Lefty leaped from the saddle and tried to run. He fell with a bullet in the leg. The other two killers, brushed by lead.

[Tonto]

Threw up their hands that does it, boys. We got him here. Tie em all and bends the wounded. This time, Broderick, you'll hang and your.

[Broderick]

Pals will hang with you. That double crosshaired Indian. He led me into a trap.

[Tonto]

Hey, Sheriff, where did the Indian go? I lost track of him during the shooting. What, on the white horse?

[Broderick]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

The last I saw him, he disappeared behind some brushwood.

[Broderick]

Looking for someone, Sheriff?

[Tonto]

The bash man. Where you been?

[Broderick]

You the Lone Ranger? Easy City, big fella. Hello, Broderick. I'll take these guns beside Scar's body. They're mine. Excuse me, dear.

[Tonto]

Where you been, Sheriff?

[Broderick]

When I saw that you had the situation in hand, I rode in with a brush to wipe brown stain from my face and remove the rest of my disguise.

[Tonto]

Sure, that's it, eh? Who's that?

[Broderick]

That's Toddo. He followed us here. I'll go to meet him. Easy steady, big fellow.

[Tonto]

Come.

[Broderick]

That Indian, that. That fake redskin fooled us. I never suspected he was the Lone Rang.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell, Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Tonto]

Foreign.

[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 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.

[Tonto]

Sam.