Mesa Mountain | The Lone Ranger (05-30-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Mesa Mountain | The Lone Ranger (05-30-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: July 8, 2025

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Introduction to the Adventure

Old Time Radio Westerns transports listeners to the heart of the Wild West with this classic episode of The Lone Ranger, digitally restored for enhanced audio clarity. Host Andrew Rines sets the stage, emphasizing the meticulous restoration that brings vivid sounds of the frontier to life (01:09).

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Returning to Mesa Mountain

The episode opens with the iconic introduction of The Lone Ranger and his faithful horse, Silver. As Silver gallops with "the speed of light," listeners are immediately immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the Wild West (01:36-03:41).

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A Troubled Past Unveiled

The narrative centers around a pivotal event from the past—the Battle of Mesa Mountain. The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive at Chief War Cloud's village, where they engage in a conversation about former hostilities and the quest for peace.

Colonel Anderson reflects on the changes since the battle, highlighting the transformation from conflict to harmony:

"Now soldier friend." (05:21)

Tonto introduces the mystery of an old pistol found by an Indian boy, tying it back to Captain Cars Lake, a soldier wrongfully accused of murder during the battle (05:58-06:34).

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Family Ties and Conflicts

Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's teenage nephew, encounters Jim Carslake and his mother at Valley Bend. A tense exchange unfolds as Jim's friend, Jake Peaton, accuses Dan's father of murder—a charge Dan vehemently denies.

"If the Indians hadn't shot him, the law would have hung him for murder." (08:10)
"I'll never believe my dad did anything wrong, no matter what Jake Peavey says." (10:49)

Mrs. Karslake defends her late husband, asserting his innocence despite the court-martial verdict (09:56-10:21). This personal conflict fuels Dan's determination to uncover the truth.

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Unraveling the Mystery

Back at the camp, Colonel Anderson and Tonto delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Captain Cars Lake's alleged murder. They discover that the mysterious pistol, tied with rawhide and linked to a rock, suggests foul play or a deliberate setup to frame the captain (12:22-12:31).

Tonto uncovers that Lieutenant Vincent had a serious heart ailment, necessitating frequent injections, which were suspiciously absent from his possessions at the time of his death (22:01-22:23). This revelation points to a possible motive for Vincent to frame Captain Cars Lake to secure his inheritance.

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Demonstrating the Theory

In a pivotal scene, Colonel Anderson reenacts the night of Vincent's death using the recovered pistol. This demonstration reveals that the shot believed to be fired from a side window actually originated from within the room, aligning with Vincent's actions and implicating him in a potential suicide to frame the captain (24:11-25:52).

"Steady. Dance. No one has been hurt." (24:54-25:01)
"This is Karslake's gun." (26:21)

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Exoneration and Honor Restored

With conclusive evidence, Tonto and Colonel Anderson arrange for Captain Cars Lake to be posthumously exonerated. On Saturday, during the annual visit to Cars Lake's grave, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan Reed present the cleared records and decorations to his widow and son.

"His commission and decorations have been restored." (28:04)
"He doesn't die. He becomes one of the immortals." (29:13)

The episode culminates in a heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers, reinforcing themes of justice, honor, and the enduring legacy of those who serve.

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Conclusion and Reflections

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully intertwines personal vendettas with broader themes of justice and redemption. Through meticulous storytelling and enhanced audio restoration, listeners experience a gripping tale of courage and truth in the untamed frontier.

Notable Quotes:

• Colonel Anderson (06:18): "Carr's Lake."
• Mrs. Karslake (09:56): "A finer, more honest man than your father never lived."
• Tonto (22:17): "He must have disposed of his medicine in the needle before his death."
• Colonel Anderson (29:13): "When a man serves his country as your father did, he doesn't die. He becomes one of the immortals."

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Final Thoughts

Hosted by Andrew Rines, this episode not only entertains but also honors the complexities of history, the pursuit of truth, and the bonds of family and friendship. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Mesa Mountain offers a compelling journey into the heart of the Wild West.

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For more episodes and to support the restoration efforts, visit otrwesterns.com and join the community of ranch hands today.

Transcript

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[Tonto]

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.

[Dan Reed]

Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty Hio. Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Advertiser]

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[Colonel Anderson]

For.

[The Lone Ranger]

This faithful Indian companion. Tato, the daring and resourceful mask 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. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Dan Reed]

Come on, Silver, let's go Big Poe.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger and Toto were in the village of Chief War Cloud in the valley south of Lookout Mountain. While Toto visited with others in the peaceful settlement, the masked man sat Cross legged on the ground in the wigwam of the chief himself.

[Colonel Anderson]

All white men are very happy that you're living in peace. Chief War Cloud.

[Tonto]

Days of war all gone. You make peace for Indian and soldier you make good peace.

[Colonel Anderson]

It lasts. You change a lot in the years since the battle of Mesa Mountain.

[Tonto]

That's many years ago.

[Colonel Anderson]

At that time you were determined to make war until the last soldier had been killed.

[Tonto]

Soldier enemy of Indian then. Now soldier friend.

[Colonel Anderson]

What is it, Tonto?

[Tonto]

Missy boy on bank of stream. Him catch strange fish and hook an old pistol. You remember Indian war on Mesa Mountain when we scout for soldiers.

[Colonel Anderson]

War Cloud and I were just talking about those days, Tonto. But what is the war to do with this old pistol?

[Tonto]

That time pistol lost. Now it found it's same one. You see. Name cut and handle. Name C A R S name Carr's Lake.

[Colonel Anderson]

Carr's Lake.

[Tonto]

Ah, you remember Captain Cars Lake.

[Colonel Anderson]

Cars Lake. Yes, I do. He was court martialed on a murder charge Right after his trial. He was killed in the battle on Mesa Mountain.

[Tonto]

I wonder why this rawhide is tied.

[Colonel Anderson]

To the trigger guard.

[Tonto]

When Indian fish gun from water rawhide plenty long but it break. Here are the peace rock.

[Colonel Anderson]

Time to end. It's strange that Karslake's gun turns up at this time.

[Tonto]

Why it's strange.

[Colonel Anderson]

Karslake's wife and son are due for their annual visit to his grave on Mesa Mountain. They'll probably arrive in Valley Bend about the same time as Dan Reed.

[Tonto]

Maybe we're glad to have old gun on Captain Karslake.

[Colonel Anderson]

This is a murder gun. The one that couldn't be found at the time of Karslake's trial. I what matter? I just had an idea, Tonto. I want to think about it.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger and Toto soon left War Cloud's village and moved to the vicinity of Valley Bend where they made camp. During the next two days, the masked man spent a lot of time examining the old cars lake pistol and recalling details of a murder and court marshal.

[Dan Reed]

Get up. Come on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan Reed, the masked man's teenage nephew, had completed a school year and was on the westbound stage for Valley Bend. He had become acquainted with a 14 year old boy named Jim Carslake and Jim's mother who were also passengers.

[Dan Reed]

Are you going to see friends in Valley Bend, Dan? Yes, Jim. The best friends I have. How about you? Mom and I are going there to visit father's grave or. I'm sorry about you father. Mom and I come here every year on his birthday. Is he buried in Valley Bend?

[Colonel Anderson]

No.

[Dan Reed]

His grave's on Mesa Mountain with the other soldiers. Oh, then your father was a soldier. Sure was. And he was a mighty good one. He was a captain, wasn't he, Mom?

[Mrs. Karslake]

Yes, Jimmy, he was.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, girly, we're here already. The trip seemed shorter than a year ago. And there's the hotel.

[Tonto]

I'll open the door.

[Dan Reed]

There's Jake Peaton. I remember him. Jimmy, take this bag. I'll take it, Mrs. Carslake. Thank you, Danny. Hey, Jake. Hello, Jake. Remember me? Oh, hello, Karsley. Golly, Jake, you're growing more than I have since a year ago. How are you? Who wants to know, huh? Well, golly. Are you sorting for something? Put your hand down, Cars. Lake. I'm not shaking hands with you. Your father was a murderer. He was not. Oh, no? If I were you, Kars Lake, I wouldn't boast about being the son of a captain. And I wouldn't be decorating a grave. My dad was a captain. Yeah. Yeah. If the Indians hadn't shot him, the law would have hung him for murder. Ask him off. I'm not right. Ask him off. Boy, you hit me, will you? I'll see what I like. Jimmy. Jimmy, stop it. Break it off. Come on. Cut it out, Jake. Stop it. Stop it. Do you hear me? You hang on to that one. That's good enough. I'll hold. Jim. Let me go. Will you stop at Jake. Calm down. Take it easy. He hit me first thing about my dad that way.

[Tonto]

You ought to be ashamed, taking on.

[Dan Reed]

A boy smaller than you are. He hit me first, I tell you. Call my dad a murderer. Ask him off. It isn't true. Take you shut up. Oh, now, Bam. Mooser. I'll turn your hide. All right, I'm going. The car's. Lake needn't think he can brag and boast about his PA while I'm around. I'll get the rest of your bags, Mrs. Carl. Thank you. Sorry I had to grab you so hard. That's all right, Dean. I shouldn't get some mad. When Jake told lies about my dad, I. Mommy. He did lie, didn't he? Jimmy?

[Mrs. Karslake]

A finer, more honest man than your father never lived. We must never doubt him, no matter what we hear.

[Dan Reed]

What did Jake Peavey mean?

[Mrs. Karslake]

I'll tell you about it when we get into the hotel.

[Dan Reed]

Tell me now. Wasn't Dad a captain?

[Mrs. Karslake]

Yes, dear, and a fine soldier. But he had an enemy, Another officer. The other officer was killed on Mesa Mountain. And your father was charged with the murder.

[Dan Reed]

But he wasn't Guilty?

[Mrs. Karslake]

I'll never believe he was guilty in spite of the verdict of the court martial.

[Dan Reed]

Court martial?

[Mrs. Karslake]

Jimmy, you're old enough to face the truth as I have faced it. The court sentenced your father to death before the firing squad. He was being held when the Indians attacked the camp on Mesa Mountain. He fought with the others, and bravely. I'm sure he was killed by Indians, like many other brave soldiers. But unlike the others, he was not buried with military honors.

[Dan Reed]

I'll never believe my dad did anything wrong, no matter what Jake Peevey says.

[The Lone Ranger]

Gilly's face was pale, but his head was was high. As he took his mother's arm and entered the hotel. Dan Reed found Toto waiting with his horse, Victor, at the livery stable. As he told about the fight, a strange expression came to Toto's face. The Indian said, when we reach camp.

[Tonto]

Dan, you tell Lone Ranger what happened. Him know plenty about Captain Car's Lake. Him know plenty about murder.

[The Lone Ranger]

In camp. When Dan had repeated the story about Jimmy and Jake Peavey, the masked man.

[Colonel Anderson]

Said, I'm terribly sorry for Jim and his mother.

[Dan Reed]

Do you know them, sir?

[Colonel Anderson]

No, Dan. But I've heard of their annual trips to Karslake's grave. And I knew Captain Cars Lake. So did Totto.

[Tonto]

Ah, and him fine soldier.

[Dan Reed]

How did you know them?

[Colonel Anderson]

Years ago, Dan, Toto and I were serving as scouts for Colonel Anderson.

[Dan Reed]

Colonel Anderson?

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes. His regiment fought the Indians on Mesa Mountain.

[Tonto]

That battle where Captain Karslake killed.

[Dan Reed]

I see.

[Colonel Anderson]

He was being held a prisoner under sentence of death when the Indians attacked. He fought with the others by dying in battle. He escaped the firing squad, but he couldn't escape his disgrace. I'll show you something. Here. This was Captain Karslake's pistol.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, golly.

[Mrs. Karslake]

Where did you get this?

[Colonel Anderson]

For years it lay on the bottom of a stream. An Indian boy found it a few days ago.

[Dan Reed]

Why is this rawhide tied to the trigger guard?

[Tonto]

Sir?

[Colonel Anderson]

I don't untie it, then. That rawhide is very important.

[Tonto]

It is.

[Colonel Anderson]

I hope it may clear the name of a good soldier.

[Dan Reed]

You mean Captain Karslake?

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes, Dan.

[Tonto]

Kimasabe.

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes.

[Tonto]

Tell Dan about shooting when Karslake was blamed for murder.

[Colonel Anderson]

Would you like to hear the story, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

Oh, I sure would.

[Tonto]

Me picks food while you talk.

[Colonel Anderson]

Well, Dan, as I told you, Tant and I were scouting for Colonel Anderson. I rode beside the Colonel during the long, slow trip up the eastern slope to the top of Mesa Mountain. He was talking about the lookout post that had been established on the flat top of the mountain.

[Tonto]

The station is a two room building. It's about 20 by 40ft.

[Colonel Anderson]

Can it be seen from the valley?

[Tonto]

Yes, of course. It's at the very edge of the high bluff. It was built so men could watch the entire valley.

[Colonel Anderson]

That's why Warcloud and his men are planning to attack.

[Tonto]

There may be confirmation of your report that Indians are assembling. When we reach the lookout, how many.

[Colonel Anderson]

Men are on duty at the post?

[Tonto]

Two, Captain Cars Lake and Lieutenant Vincent.

[Colonel Anderson]

Cars Lake and Vinson had been bitter enemies since before joining the army. The Colonel had put them together on the assignment and they hoped that the trouble between them would be ironed out in the hope they'd become friends. We reached the top of the mountain and pitched camp on a flat plateau. A lookout post stood at the very edge of a perpendicular drop into the valley. Colonel Anderson used one room of the building as his office. Cotto and I were with him after dark when he summoned Captain Carslake. The Captain opened the door and saluted. Yes, sir.

[Tonto]

Captain Karsnake, your reports of Indian activity in the valley are very complete. Thank you, sir. They confirm the reports of our scouts. But I sent for you, however, because I wish to ask about another matter.

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes, sir.

[Tonto]

I have of course been aware of the enmity between you and Lieutenant Vincent. But I hope the past two weeks have made you more friendly.

[Colonel Anderson]

Colonel Anderson, I'd like to speak to you alone about Lieutenant Vincent.

[Tonto]

I trust Tonto and the masked man with the security of the entire regiment. What you have to say about Lieutenant Vincent, Walter?

[Colonel Anderson]

He's not well?

[Tonto]

No.

[Colonel Anderson]

No, sir. Though we've had little to say to each other in the two weeks we've been here, I've had a chance to observe him closely.

[Tonto]

He hasn't complained of Ellis?

[Colonel Anderson]

Probably not. But during the time we've been here, he's kept apart from me as much as possible. In spite of that, I saw him on several occasions taking some kind of treatment with a hypodermic needle.

[Tonto]

I should investigate Colonel Anderson, sir. Oh, yes. Lieutenant Benson. I. I thought you were alone, sir.

[Colonel Anderson]

I didn't know Captain Carslake was here. I was just about to leave.

[Tonto]

Thank you for your report, Captain. Carl, I believe.

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes, sir.

[Tonto]

I'm glad you're here, Lieutenant Vincent. I'd like to talk to him.

[Dan Reed]

May I ask, sir, what Captain Cars.

[Colonel Anderson]

Lake has been saying about me?

[Tonto]

Why do you think he's been saying anything?

[Dan Reed]

I'll tell you why, sir.

[Colonel Anderson]

We've been bitter enemies for years.

[Dan Reed]

The Captain finally threatened me.

[Colonel Anderson]

Said he'd find a Way to have.

[Dan Reed]

Me drummed out of the army.

[Tonto]

I don't like that kind of talk.

[Dan Reed]

There's something in the next room that.

[Tonto]

I'd like to show you.

[Colonel Anderson]

With your permission, sir. I'll get it.

[Tonto]

Go right ahead. There's a candle lighted in there.

[Colonel Anderson]

I'll not be long.

[Tonto]

Plenty strange. What's that, Tadu? Oh, me only think out loud. I see. Well, your mask friend is a good judge of men. What do you think of those two, sir?

[Colonel Anderson]

Carr's Lake makes a better impression. On the other hand, Colonel Todd and I leaped to our feet and rushed to the door. The candle flame was dancing in the slight breeze that came through the open windows. By its light we saw Vincent lying on the floor in the room. There was a strong smell of burnt gunpowder. Toto dropped to his knees beside the lieutenant while I brought a lamp from the colonel's office. As I placed the lamp on the table, Tato rose to his feet. Him.

[Tonto]

Then we all heard him named Karslake. Captain Karslake is a murderer.

[Colonel Anderson]

The curtain.

[The Lone Ranger]

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.

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[Dan Reed]

Ram.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now to continue. The Lone Ranger, Dan Reed and Toto were in camp. The masked man was telling his teenage nephew about an incident that had taken place several years before on Mesa Mountain.

[Colonel Anderson]

We had heard Vincent mention Cars Lake's name just before the gunshot, so of course Cars Lake was suspected. He said he was between the building and the tents when he heard the shot, but it was a dark night and no one saw him, so his alibi was unconfirmed. To make it worse, Vincent was killed by a small caliber gun and Karslake was the only man in the regiment known to have such A weapon.

[Dan Reed]

What did Captain Karslake say?

[Colonel Anderson]

He said anyone might have used his gun. That argument was disproved when we learned that Karslake's boots fitted the only footprints in the mud outside one of the windows.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, golly.

[Colonel Anderson]

Then Karslake argued that Vincent might have framed him. He might have taken his own life in such a way that the Captain would be blamed. But no one could believe that Vincent couldn't shoot himself through the head and then dispose of the gun. Furthermore, why should Vincent take his own life?

[Dan Reed]

Well, the gun wasn't found, sir.

[Colonel Anderson]

No, Dan, not until now, when the Indian fished it out of the stream. You know the rest. Soon after the court martial, the Indians attacked. It was a hard fight. Carr's Lake. Even though a convicted man fought with the others and was killed.

[Dan Reed]

What about that rawhide tied to the gun?

[Colonel Anderson]

That dam throws a new light on Vincent's death. That's why I want to talk to Colonel Anderson.

[The Lone Ranger]

On the plateau, many trees had been felled and used for barracks and a kitchen. At one side a row of corners crosses marked the burial ground of soldiers who had died heroically. And there were other changes since the last time the Lone Ranger and Tato had been on the top of Mesa Mountain. But the original two room building still stood at the edge of the bluff. And the Colonel still used one of the two rooms for his office. An aide escorted the Lone Ranger, Tato and Dan Reed into the Commandant's headquarters.

[Dan Reed]

Colonel Anderson, the Sergeant of the guard. Turn these three men over to me. Sir, the masked man insist that he.

[Tonto]

This is a wonderful surprise.

[Colonel Anderson]

It's good to see you again, Colonel Anderson.

[Tonto]

And you, Toto.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, you know these men, sir?

[Tonto]

Indeed I do. You may go. Orderly.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Anderson]

Colonel Anderson, this is a friend of ours, Dan Reed. How do you do, Colonel?

[Tonto]

Sit down. Sit down all day.

[Colonel Anderson]

Thank you.

[Tonto]

It's been a long time since we were together.

[Colonel Anderson]

I wondered if you'd remember Toto and me.

[Tonto]

Remember you? Indeed, sir. I've heard much about your activities since the time you helped bring about a lasting peace with War Cloud's people.

[Colonel Anderson]

Colonel, do you remember the murder trial of Captain Cars Lake?

[Tonto]

Yes. In fact I'm reminded of it every year about this time. Karslake's widow and son come here annually on Karslake's birthday to visit his grave.

[Colonel Anderson]

Mrs. Karslake and Jimmy are in Valley Bend right now.

[Tonto]

We Speaking of Carswig, I learned something interesting a few months ago.

[Colonel Anderson]

You did?

[Tonto]

While in Washington, I met a Dr. Brady. Somehow the conversation turned to Lt. Vincent. I learned that Brady had taken care of Vincent, that Vincent had a very serious heart ailment. He had to take frequent injections to keep going.

[Colonel Anderson]

Did he use a hypodermic needle?

[Tonto]

I see that you remember what Charles Lee tester bag.

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes. Also, I remember that no medicine was found in Vincent's possessions.

[Tonto]

He must have disposed of his medicine in the needle before his death.

[Colonel Anderson]

In which case, he may have planned to die.

[Tonto]

Well, after talking to Dr. Brady, I checked further into the past of Lieutenant Vincent. I learned because of the ill will between him and Carsley. Oh, the two were distantly related, second or third cousins, I believe. An uncle died and left the cars lake some property that Vincent wanted. Vincent tried to get the property and the methods he used were not above reproach. That was the cause of the enmity.

[Colonel Anderson]

If Vincent knew his life was a matter of only weeks, isn't it possible that he might have arranged what appeared.

[Tonto]

To be a murder to frame his bitter enemy? But of course, the evidence. Karslake's footprints.

[Colonel Anderson]

Vincent might have taken the boots while Karslake slept, left the prints the night before we reached the post. He might also have taken Karslake's gun.

[Tonto]

But he could hardly have shot himself through the head and disposed of the gun.

[Colonel Anderson]

That wouldn't have been difficult.

[Tonto]

It would have been impossible.

[Colonel Anderson]

I'd like the chance to show how Vincent might have taken his own life, then disposed of the gun.

[Tonto]

Can you?

[Dan Reed]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Anderson]

May I borrow your gun?

[Tonto]

Yes.

[Dan Reed]

Take it.

[Colonel Anderson]

I'll need a few minutes to prepare things in the next room.

[Tonto]

While you're doing that, I'll bring in Majors Hawks and Sneed. They both sat on the court martial. They'd be interested in what you do.

[The Lone Ranger]

While Toto and Dan Reed waited in the office, the Lone Ranger made a few preparations in the inner room where Vincent had died. Presently, the colonel returned with two majors, both of whom greeted the masked man warmly.

[Colonel Anderson]

Well, howdy. Howdy, Major. How are you?

[Tonto]

Are you ready to give your demonstration, sir?

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes, Colonel Anderson, you loan me your gun. Now, let's pretend that it's Karslake's weapon. And I am Lieutenant Vincent. On the night of the shooting, Vincent was in this room with you.

[Tonto]

I remember that very well.

[Colonel Anderson]

He told you he wanted to get something from the inner room. You told him there was a candle lighted in there.

[Tonto]

Yes, that's right.

[Colonel Anderson]

I'll go into the other room just as Vincent did. I'll not be long.

[Tonto]

I'll not be long. Well, that's exactly what Vincent said.

[Colonel Anderson]

According to the Record of the trial.

[Tonto]

Vincent shouted at Carl just before the gunshot.

[Dan Reed]

No, no, don't do.

[Tonto]

Oh, golly.

[Colonel Anderson]

Shot.

[Tonto]

Come on. We'll see what it means.

[Dan Reed]

Tano Dano. He's on the floor. He's shot.

[Colonel Anderson]

Steady. Dance.

[Tonto]

Steady.

[Colonel Anderson]

No one has been hurt.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, golly.

[Colonel Anderson]

Colonel Anderson, isn't this where Vincent lay?

[Tonto]

Yes, right under the back window.

[Colonel Anderson]

Get up. We thought the bullet that killed Vincent was fired from the side window. We were wrong. The shot was fired in this room. You heard me fire a moment ago. Yes. I used your gun, Colonel. Justice Vincent used the cars like weapon.

[Tonto]

But where is the gun?

[Colonel Anderson]

It's gone. The same place cars, lakes went. And I give you my word, I didn't touch it after pulling the trigger.

[Tonto]

Here.

[Colonel Anderson]

I don't see it. A length of rawhide was tied to the trigger guard. The cord went out that rear window. The other end was tied to a rock which dangled over the cliff.

[Tonto]

Now, I understand. When the dead fingers released the gun, the weight of the rock pulled it through the window. It fell into the stream at the base of the cliff.

[Colonel Anderson]

Yes. I'll find your gun and return it later.

[Tonto]

I don't mind the loss of the weapon. You've met an important point, sir. Vincent might very well have taken his own life.

[Colonel Anderson]

An interesting theory. It is more than a theory, Major. It's a fact. Toto, show the officers the cars like gun. Ah. That weapon with the rawhide and rock tied to the trigger guard has been in the stream all these years. Spring floods washed it downstream to War Cloud Village. It was found only a few days ago.

[Tonto]

This is Karsley's gun.

[Colonel Anderson]

And he was not guilty of murder. Is it too late to clear his name?

[Tonto]

He appealed the decision of the court martial, but the appeal was never acted on. Because of his death in battle.

[Dan Reed]

Cars Lake must be exonerated.

[Colonel Anderson]

His wife and son will be here Saturday.

[Tonto]

We now have a telegraph wire to Washington. We can and shall get busy right away.

[The Lone Ranger]

On Saturday, a carriage and driver from the livery stable brought Jimmy and his mother to the top of Mesa Mountain. Dan Weed was waiting when the team halted.

[Dan Reed]

It's Dan. Hello, Dan. Hello, Jim. How you doing, Mrs. Carsley?

[Mrs. Karslake]

Why, Dan, I didn't expect to see you.

[Dan Reed]

My friends and I have been waiting for you. Golly, Jim, you're in for a big surprise. A bugle, Mom. Look at the men and horses and all the flags.

[The Lone Ranger]

While Jimmy and his mother watched, the soldiers mounted their horses and lined up in formation. Every man and horse was spick and span. Brass buttons were polished till they sparkled like gems in the bright sunlight. Regimental colors waved beside the stars and stripes. Then Colonel Anderson approached with a masked man. They dismounted.

[Tonto]

I'm GLAD you're here, Mrs. Garage. And you, Jim. This masked man is a friend of the regiment and a friend of your husband.

[Colonel Anderson]

How do you do, Mrs. Karslake? And Jimmy.

[Dan Reed]

He's the friend I told you about, Jim. How do you do, sir?

[Tonto]

How do you do, Mrs. Karslake? You've been here a number of times?

[Mrs. Karslake]

Yes, Colonel Anderson, where my husband was born, it has long been a custom to place flowers on the graves of the beloved dead.

[Tonto]

In the early spring, it's a custom to be preserved. Mrs. Karslake, I have a number of things to tell you. First, the case of Captain Karslake has been reviewed. Your husband has been completely cleared of the charges.

[Dan Reed]

Cleared? You mean.

[Tonto]

His commission and decorations have been restored. Today I am authorized to present to you the decoration he won for bravery and courage beyond the call of duty. As for the custom of decorating graves, in this year of 1868, our Commander in Chief, General John Logan, has issued an order designating the 30th of May as a day for decorating the grave of every American soldier.

[Mrs. Karslake]

Dan's birthday.

[Tonto]

While you place the flowers you brought on the captain's grave, I shall place their own flag. And on every soldier's grave throughout this land, she'll likewise be pleased. Our flank.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, Ma. I thought everyone had forgotten him. He's been dead so long.

[Colonel Anderson]

Jimmy, when a man serves his country as your father did, he doesn't die. He becomes one of the immortals. As memories of your father are treasured in your heart, so is his name and record preserved in the archives of our nation. In a moment, the bugler will sound Taps. That is not to honor the dead. It is to honor the immortals.

[Tonto]

Because you see, old soldiers never die. Sa.

[Advertiser]

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[Dan Reed]

Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. A 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 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. 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Advertiser]

You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com kidsandfamily just go to Indeed.com kidsandfamily right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.