
Original Air Date: May 17, 1950Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Roundup ...
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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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and the hearty Hio Silver. The Lone Ranger with a faithful Indian companion hustle. 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. The Lone Ranger and his 14 year old nephew Dan Reed stood beside the furnace river. Several miles below them, the Mudok irrigation dam. A new project was in operation backing up the flood Poland river until it formed a long lake. The masked man had drawn one of his six guns. He was saying, and it's time you learned something about marksmanship. Are you really going to let me shoot that gun? Yes. But first I want to fix it in your mind that no gun is a plaything. The deadly weapon which must always be handled with care. I know how careful you are, sir. Now, never draw a gun unless you're prepared to use it. Never point at anything you wouldn't want to shoot. Never shoot unless you have no other choice. Alice, take the gun. Gosh, but it's heavy. What shall I shoot at? There are a lot of logs in the river. So many in fact that I wonder where they come from. Fire at that one out there. I'll have to use both hands to cock it. One of the arms companies is now putting out a self cocking gun. It's called a double action 38. Pull on the trigger, throws back the hammer and trips it. There, I've got it cocked. Are you ready already? Here goes. Oh, I Shot way over it. The barrel kicked up. I'm gonna shoot again. That was better, but you still missed it by a yard. Don't make your trigger finger do all the work. Use your whole hand and squeeze both butt and trigger. I'll try again. I hit it. I hit it. I saw the bark fly. That was good, Dan. You're letting fast. The time will come when you'll feel that a gum is part of your hand. The log's gone now, but there comes a small chuck. It's only a few feet out. I'll try for it. Oh, wait. Don't shoot them. Put that hammer down. Gently now. It's down. What's wrong, sir? That's not a piece of wood, it's a canteen. I was waiting after it. Can you reach it? Yes, I've got it. It's almost new. Where do you suppose it's loaded from? I have no idea. But there's something inside. Here. Listen. Maybe there's some gold nuggets in it. Let your imagination run away with you, Dan. There, I've got the cap off. Now I'll pour out whatever's inside. What are those things? Those pebbles like we're standing on? I wonder. Yes, there's something else in it. A rolled paper. Somebody wanted this canteen found and opened. The pebbles were intended to arouse the finder's curiosity. I'll bet that paper is a messy. We'll know in a moment. The paper is wet and I don't want to damage it. There's some writing on it. It's smudged, but I'll try to read it. If this letter is ever found, it is the wish of a dying man that be delivered to Mrs. Ellen Norwood in Modoc City. My dear wife and darling daughter. Are you going to read the rest? I would like to, but the writing may disappear or the paper fall apart. We should know the contents. That's what I think, sir. The letter goes on. Jim Stark and I were ambushed 27 May on the furnace river near Squaw Creek. Jim was killed. I was shot in the back and left for dead. When I came to, I was paralyzed from the waist down. The horses are gone. I can't live much longer. Tell the sheriff that. Tell him what? That's the end of the letter. Either the writer couldn't go on or the writing has faded out. You suppose there's a chance of finding the man alive must be presumed dead. The 27th was three weeks ago. No badly wounded man can live that long without food, shelter or medical attention. Going back to camp. I see Taho waiting for us. Grump ready? I haven't time to eat now, Toto. Here, Silver. Where you go, Kim Sabi to Modoc City to deliver a letter. Dan will explain. Steady, Silver. Yee. That evening, two ranchers leaned against an isolated hitch rack in Modoc City. They were Tim Higgins and Leif Hayes, both from the lower valley of the furnace river. Keeping a sharp watch around them, they talked in low voices. Hayes was saying, tim, I wish you hadn't a plug nor wooden stock. Me pulling the trigger on them doesn't let you out. You were there helping me roll logs into the river to erect their irrigation dam. I was there again today and the bodies are gone. What of it? The high water probably carry them off and they'll turn up sooner or later. We should have buried them. Wasn't time for that with engines always prowling around those parts. Suppose those fellas are found and it comes out that they were drilled with.38 caliber slugs. That new double action gun of yours is the only.38 around and everybody knows it. The sheriff's too dumb to think about the size of the bullets. Yeah, well, he's not too dumb to know that you and I and all the other ranchers in the lower valley had it in for Norwood because he was superintendent of the irrigation dam. And for stock because he was Norwood's helper. Why shouldn't we have had it in for them? Unless we get rid of that confounded dam, the lower valley will be full of ditches and two bit homesteaders in a few months. They'll be growing onions where we're running longhorns. Now the dam is still standing. All those logs we sent drifting down against it never hurt it a bit. I figured if they'd plug the spillways and that the whole thing would give way or wash out during high water. You better figure out now a way of keeping us from being charged with murder. You better figure right. I hear Norwood woman. It's best in the sheriff to look for him in Stark. Maybe the engines will get the blame. Wait a minute. You're a friend of the sheriff's. Why don't you start him thinking about redskins? I'll go and talk to him right now. See you later, ladies. A few minutes later, Higgins was in the jail office with sheriff Ben Robbins. There was a thoughtful look on the grizzled lawman's face as he said, you are the first fellow who's complained about the Indians in a long spur. I tell you, they rustled at least 50 head of cattle from a herd I had running on the high rain. Well, I'll give me a percy and have a look around. Chief Long Lance's village agent. I can be looking for Dick Norwood and Jim Stark along the way. Norwood and sky. There. There's Mrs. Norwood now. Howdy, ma'am. This here is Tim Higgins. How do you do? How do you do? Have you heard from your husband yet? I just received a message from him. Oh, I'm right glad to hear, laddie. Sheriff, you don't understand. He. He stands here. Take this chair. Ma'am, you're kind of beside yourself. Thank you, Charles. Look here. How can he be dead if you've got word from him? It's kind of smudge, but I can read it, see? Tim, may pour the lady some water. Sure, sure. Here you are. Thank you. Sheriff, you look mighty puzzled. What's in that letter? It appears like no wooden stork got bushwhacked up by Squ Creek. But no wood lives long enough to write a few ladders. I don't see how. What? How the leather got here. It floated down the river in my husband's canteen. Did he say who shot him? Nope. But I reckon he knew who did. The letter breaks off right where he was going to tell. That's too bad. Mammy, you feel up to answering some questions? How come your husband and Stark went up the river when it's their business to look after the dam? They wanted to find out why so many logs drifted down against the dam. Did he suspicion that somebody put them in the river to wreck it? I don't know. Jim, do you know anything about it? What, are you accusing me? No, no. But you valley ranchers fought hard against that dam dean dirt. We did our fight in court, and when we got lit, we gave up, even though it meant losing our holdings. Who else would want to smash the dam? What about the Indians? It backed water up on their land and made them move their village. Come to think of it, Injuns have been known to smash bridges by floating logs against them in flood time. The sheriff. My husband liked the Indians, and they liked him.
Andrew Rines
Why?
Narrator
They called him Big Beaver because of the danger. The Injun never drew breath it like a white man. What's more, the bushwhacking took place right near Long Lance's village. Yep. Yep. Tim's right, Mrs. Norwood. Everything points to the engines. Now, who was it brought him this here at canteen? Why, a man who wore a mask. A mask? And he had the nerve to come right into town. He appeared at my home just after dark. He was very sympathetic and promised to help see that justice is done. He did, eh? Where'd he go? I don't know. But what difference does it make? He certainly didn't kill Dick and Jim. I reckon that I want the killers caught. We'll get them tomorrow morning. I'll call in every fellow around who can ride and shoot. Then we'll go after the engines. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger had stood outside the window of the jail office listening to all that was said. As Mrs. Norwood left, he hurried to a nearby alley where he had left Silver mounted and rode hard to camp. There he reported what he had heard to Toto and Dan. Toto shook his head. Indians not kill them men. Kimasabi nor would never live to write letter if Indians shouldn't. Mrs. Norwood said he was friendly with Long Lance and his people. Looked like Higgins Feller trying to cover up for cattlemen. You bear watching. We have no time for that now. Long Lance and his whole tribe are in danger. Why you say that? The sheriff is a good man, but he won't be able to control the kind of mob he plans to lead against the Indians. We don't want American civilization disgraced by another Sand Creek massacre. And what we do? We'll go to Long Lance's village and have a talk with him. On the way, we'll look for the scene of the shooting. May I go with you? No, Dan. I want you to go to Modoc City and stay at the hotel. Yes, sir. Hollow will call for you later. Be ready. Keep us up easy. Steady, Big fellow. How do you stand? It was late the next morning when the masked man and topple reached the vicinity of Long Lance's village. They rode slowly, examining the banks of the river for a considerable distance. Then through rain. I know there's nothing around here that tells what's happening. Even the bodies are gone. Ah, and mean. Not savvy that the killers may have returned and disposed of them. Here. Indian trail. It's plenty used. I could lead to village. All right, we'll follow it. Munson, we're going to muck. 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. It now to continue. The trail soon took the Lone Ranger and Tahoe into a valley where the village stood. As they neared the large circle of teepees from the east, knowing that the entrance would open toward the rising sun, Tahoe's eyes narrowed. Something wrong here, Kimasabi Nobody around village has been warned of our approach. I'm teepee all down. That's not good. One is opening. The chief and a medicine man are coming out in ceremonial dress. Too late to leave. We'll make the peace sign and act as though we hadn't noticed anything unusual. We better stick host to horses. We shall pull up and we'll dismount. Salute the chief in his own town. Carlo city boy now. Tell him we friends him off. A double handshake with crossed arms. Not like that. The highest Indian honor. It would be dangerous to refuse it. Give the medicine man your hand and I'll give mine to the chief. As the forearms crossed and the four hands met, the Lone Ranger and Toto felt the fingers of Long Lance and the medicine man tightened into wrestlers holes. Before they could break the grips, the chief yelled an order. Out of the teepees warmed scores of warriors. The masked man and T went down under a tangle of bronze bodies, losing their weapons to clawing hands. They fought desperately but were soon exhausted in the struggle. Panting from the unequal fight, the Lone Ranger and Tato were pulled to their feet and firmly held while Long Lance spoke. You know what he said? Him tell men, take your mask off. There's not much I can do about it. Indians who were reaching for the mask were halted by a sudden cry from the nearest teepee. The Lone Ranger and Tahoe turned in that direction and saw a white man approaching with uneven steps. He was haggard and unshaven. He wore only a breech cloth and a potus of leaves was attached to his back. I am here. One Indian ran to meet him, threw his blanket over the white man's shoulders and steadied his steps. Look. You savvy that man? He's white. Big Beaver. Oh, Chief Column brother. Big Beaver. That's the name the Indians gave Dick Norwood. Wound and back. Is your name Norwood? Yes. But how is it that you know my name? Why are you wearing a mask? Don't let my mask disturb you. I know your name because I found your letter in the canteen. You did? Yes. We came here hoping to learn something of your fate in Detectus. Chief Longlands thought you were the ones who shot me. We didn't. That's what I told the chief. What did you do with the letter you found in the canteen? I took it to your wife. Poor Ella. She and my little daughter. Oh. How did you happen to be here? In as few words as possible, the superintendent of the irrigation dam explained that he had been lying in the teepee. Half conscious for weeks and had just found the strength and clarity of mind to get out. Yes, he went on. Chief Longlands found me the day after I was shot. Also. Poor Stark. He buried Stark under a pile of rocks and brought me here. You were fortunate. Somehow the Indians got this bullet out of my back and relieved the pressure that had paralyzed me. As you see, they hung the bullet around my neck at the medicine charm. That was fired from a.38. I've seen a man who carried such a gun in an open holster. Did you see who shot you? No. But there were two of them. Jim and I had found the footprints on the riverbank where they'd rolled logs into the water. Of course, they were cattle men who wanted to destroy the dam. The Indians are being blamed for the shooting. Unless we can do something to forestall it, this village will be raided by a mob of civilians. You know what that means. I know, I know. Can't the village be moved? The trail could be easily followed. You tell the chief. He wouldn't believe me. All right. Yuga formoshi tami charlo Madeba bano unade kimasi. He asks what he should do. Tell him I want him to go to Modoc City with me. He may have to surrender himself as a hostage until we find the real killers. Yugas manikte olu kidu kanaka muni Pero calling for a tony in a jet bowl. He doesn't expect to return. Norwood, do you think you're able to ride? Yes, if I take it easy. The chief and I will ride fast. Follow us to the town jail. My friend Tuller will ride with you. Very well. Now, if I may have that bullock. Certainly. Here it is. Thanks. Easy Bullet. Long Lance is ready to ride. They are chanting his death zone. Okay. As the Lone Ranger and Chief Long Lance, all differences of creed and color forgotten in the comradeship of the brave, reached out of the village. Modoc City swarmed with armed and excited men. In the jail office, where Higgins and Hayes shared the company of some of the more level headed citizens, the worried sheriff paced the floor. He was saying, diggins, you took me into this. How can I? Call it all you can, Sheriff. I wouldn't want to turn that local crowd on. Even a pack of rules. Listen to. You've got to let them shoot up the Indians or they'll shoot up the town. Maybe that would be better. Several hours later, the jail began to fill with refugees from the gun crazy mob. Mrs. Norwood was there with her baby, as were several other mothers, shivering half breeds and Mexican. Mexican. Sought safety in the cells. From the street came yells for the sheriff. The old lawman chewed the ends of his horseshoe mustache and groaned. What am I gonna do? Higgins? Guess what you plan to do. And you better do it mighty quick. I'm Dan re. Some of your volunteers are gathering around the hotel. They say they're going to march on the Indians without you. Hey, can't help it, sir. All I can do is protect the folks in here. You'd better stay. I think I'll mose you up to the hotel myself. Come on, Lane. Oh, just a second. It seems like the mob is quieted down suddenly. Look out the window. Hey. By the stars of tickets. It's a mask man. And he's got an engine. Chief, that's Long Lance himself. This man is covering the hooligans with two sitch guns. They're giving him a wide pack. He's bringing the chief here. Maybe that'll hold him up a while. Or maybe he'll get lynched. Sheriff, the chief is here as a hostage for the protection of his people. I'm protecting him. Who might you be? That's not important. Well, whoever you are, you sure did me a favor by bringing them in. Not as I can see. How you knew about the fix I'm in or how you got him to come. You brought the trouble on yourself. Yes, maybe so. I figure that the chief knows who the killers are. I aim to make him tear. He doesn't understand English. Ralph got over it tonight. Everybody's closing in on the table. Hey, that bullet whips are windy. You've got to let them have the red skin. They'll kill us all if you don't. I'll talk to them. Here comes that mask man. Keep your hands frozen and listen to me. There are women and children in the jail. You can't use them to shield that red skinned bombing. We're coming in. Then you'll do it. Over my body and empty guns. Stand back, Rappire. Push him, fellas. He can't shoot all of it. Quit pushing back here. I don't want to be first. Hand over the chief. We'll wipe out his billy men. The killers aren't Indians. They are men you all know and would be willing to give a fair trial. He blunt will answer the witness against him. Another witness is on the way here within an hour or so. I promise you the surprise of your lives. Just wait. Maybe there's something in what he said. Let's wait and see. All right, masked man. We'll give you an hour to deliver your surprise or the redskins? One hour in one hour. Hey, just what did you mean by saying everybody knew they're killers? Just that I'm getting out of here to before the mob gets hostile again. Come on, Le. Stay where you are, Sheriff. Who's running this jail? You or him? Well, it appears like he's doing a pretty good job. You'll hear about this next election day. As four minutes dragged on toward an hour, the mob again grew restive. Again there were threats. Then the back door opened. Framed against the gathering trees shadows was the cadaverous figure of a man who had come back from the dead. He advanced slowly, followed by tottle. The shadow's jaw sagged. Tim Higgins eyes turned glassy. Leaf Hayes was the first to speak and his voice was a hoarse whisper. No. Then Norwood's wife threw herself into his arms. She was sobbing. Tim, I told you, he hasn't even looked at it. The man who wounded Dick Norwood and killed Jim Stark are in this office. Guard the door. Yes, you will. One of them is Tim Higgins. Why? You can't prove it. Ask Norwood if he can identify me. He can't. But I have something that can. It has no voice, but it speaks louder than words. There's nothing written on it, but it bears your name. What are you talking about? I'll tell you in a minute. J. What kind of a gun do you carry? Me? Well, I got a Colt Nanny model, the same as everyone else around here. Is there anyone here with a new Colt? The kind that takes a self exploding cartridge? Any of you know of anyone who has a new model? Colt.38 caliber? Now hold on. Wait. Wait a minute. I own a new gun and it's a.38 just like you said. But that's no proof that I shot Dick Norwood. Here's a bullet that was taken from Dick Norwood. Fire. There's only one gun in town that fires this kind of bullet. Higgins. Gun. Higgins. I'm taking your gun. You'll take a bullet. My arm against the stroke in it will heal before you hang. You can't hang me. Tim did all the shooting. I'll talk. I'll tell everything go down on account of that irrigation dam. Yes, I know. I know too, that other ranchers share in your guilt to some degree. You cattlemen believe that you own the West. But it doesn't belong to any group. It belongs to the people of the United States. Your fate should be a warning to those who put themselves above the law and oppose progress with a gun. Why was it that Higgins didn't hit you when he fired first that then continues your talent Moon off Robin Shah Long Lan say heart heavy cut him try kill us. Tell the great chief that he is a brave man and that we bear him no ill will. Give him this for his medicine bag. Here Long Lance Yuma Lago Paul Mo stand. Come on, Dick. The mask man and his friends are going. Sheriff, who is the maskman? Well, I couldn't have rightly said until I saw him give Chief Long Lance his silver bullet. Now I know he's a lone ranger. 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 the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. 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 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.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: “Message in a Canteen” | The Lone Ranger (05-17-50) Summary
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: February 4, 2025
In the February 2025 episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes immerses listeners in the classic adventure “Message in a Canteen” from The Lone Ranger series, originally broadcast on May 17, 1950. This episode showcases the enduring allure of the Wild West through meticulously restored audio, enhancing every nuanced sound to transport audiences back to the golden age of radio drama.
Setting the Scene:
The episode opens with The Lone Ranger and his 14-year-old nephew, Dan Reed, stationed beside Furnace River, just miles upstream from the Mudok irrigation dam. The Lone Ranger instructs Dan on the principles of marksmanship, emphasizing the gravity of handling firearms responsibly. Their serene training session is abruptly interrupted when Dan discovers a mysterious canteen embedded among the river logs.
Discovery of the Canteen:
Upon examining the canteen, Dan unearths a rolled, water-damaged letter revealing the dire fate of Jim Stark and Dick Norwood. The letter details an ambush and hints at foul play, suggesting that the assassins were likely ranchers opposed to irrigation projects threatening their livelihood. The Lone Ranger and Dan realize the implications: the attackers are covering up their involvement to frame local Native American tribes.
Rising Tensions in Modoc City:
Upon returning to Modoc City, tensions escalate as ranchers Tim Higgins and Leif Hayes conspire to maintain the dam, fearing it will disrupt their cattle operations. They pressure Sheriff Ben Robbins to manipulate evidence and blame the Native Americans for the recent cattle rustling and the ambush. Their rhetoric fuels a growing mob intent on seeking vengeance against Chief Long Lance’s tribe.
The Lone Ranger’s Intervention:
Aware of the impending violence, The Lone Ranger decides to take proactive measures. Accompanied by Toto and the trusty Silver, he heads to Chief Long Lance’s village to mediate peace and uncover the truth. Through strategic dialogue and unwavering resolve, The Lone Ranger uncovers that the true culprits are the rival ranchers aiming to eliminate opposition to the dam project.
Climactic Resolution:
As the mob gathers, Sheriff Robbins grapples with maintaining order. The Lone Ranger confronts the mob, revealing the true identities of the assassins—Higgins and Hayes—and ensuring Chief Long Lance and his tribe are protected. A tense showdown ensues in the jail, where Higgins is finally unmasked and brought to justice, restoring peace to Modoc City and vindicating the Native Americans.
The Lone Ranger on Gun Responsibility ([01:35]):
“Never draw a gun unless you're prepared to use it. Never point at anything you wouldn't want to shoot. Never shoot unless you have no other choice.”
Dan Reed on Marksmanship ([04:10]):
“There are a lot of logs in the river. So many in fact that I wonder where they come from.”
Tim Higgins Manipulating Sheriff Robbins ([08:25]):
“Unless we get rid of that confounded dam, the lower valley will be full of ditches and two-bit homesteaders in a few months.”
Lone Ranger’s Declaration ([21:50]):
“Your fate should be a warning to those who put themselves above the law and oppose progress with a gun.”
Sheriff Robbins Reflecting ([27:15]):
“I wouldn't want to turn that local crowd on. Even a pack of riles.”
Corruption and Justice: The episode delves into the pervasive theme of corruption, highlighting how influential figures like ranchers can manipulate local authorities to serve their interests. The Lone Ranger embodies the ideal of true justice, standing against deceit and ensuring that the innocent are protected.
Interpersonal Responsibility: Through the Lone Ranger's teachings to Dan Reed, the narrative underscores the importance of responsible firearm use and the ethical obligations that come with power. This mentorship highlights the generational transmission of values essential for maintaining societal order.
Cultural Tensions: The storyline touches on the historical tensions between settlers and Native American tribes, portraying Chief Long Lance’s tribe as victims of manipulation. It emphasizes the hero's role in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding to prevent unwarranted violence and prejudice.
Environmental and Economic Conflict: The conflict surrounding the Mudok irrigation dam serves as a backdrop for broader discussions on environmental management versus economic interests. The ranchers' opposition to the dam symbolizes resistance to change and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their livelihoods.
“Message in a Canteen” is a quintessential episode of The Lone Ranger series, masterfully blending suspense, moral lessons, and action. Through the adept restoration of audio quality, Andrew Rhynes ensures that the rich sounds and compelling dialogue resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on themes of justice, responsibility, and cultural harmony, reaffirming the timeless legacy of The Lone Ranger as a champion of the innocent and a beacon of integrity in the Wild West.
Notable Mention: For those eager to experience this thrilling episode, Old Time Radio Westerns offers over 80 monthly releases, each meticulously restored to provide an authentic and vibrant listening experience. Follow Andrew Rhynes on Facebook at otrwesterns.com/facebook and subscribe to the podcast’s YouTube channel for exclusive content and updates.