Missing Mike Walker | The Lone Ranger (10-25-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast – Episode Summary

Title: Missing Mike Walker | The Lone Ranger (10-25-39)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: February 16, 2025

---

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines invites listeners into the suspense-filled saga of "Missing Mike Walker." Set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, the story weaves themes of mystery, betrayal, and redemption, spotlighting the legendary Lone Ranger and his trusty companion, Tonto. Through digitally restored audio, the episode immerses the audience in the evocative sounds and dramatic narratives reminiscent of classic Western radio dramas.

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The Walker Ranch Mystery

The episode opens with a tense morning at the Walker Ranch, where George Casey, the foreman, arrives to discuss hiring new hands with Mary Walker, Bart Walker’s wife. However, Bart Walker is mysteriously absent, sparking concern and suspicion.

Mary Walker (05:59):
"His bed wasn't even slept in, so... Whatever are you talking about?"

George investigates, noting the absence of Bart in key areas like the barn and corral, and discovers an envelope containing a letter from Bart. Mary Walker is visibly distressed, revealing that Bart has vanished without a trace over ten years ago, leaving the family and ranch in turmoil.

Mary Walker (07:12):
"I don't understand it."

---

The Secret Behind the Sale

As years pass, Mary becomes embittered, turning her frustrations towards George and her daughter, who has matured into a young woman. The ranch remains under George’s steadfast management, despite Mary’s sharp tongue and growing desperation.

One day, a mysterious stranger arrives at the ranch. Unbeknownst to the characters, this stranger is Bart Walker himself, now the Lone Ranger in disguise. Richmond, a shady character with intentions to exploit the lost bonanza mine located on the ranch property, engages in covert dealings with Tom Craig. Their sinister plan involves acquiring the ranch to access the mine, known for its legendary wealth.

Tom Craig (13:39):
"What makes you so certain you found it, Gorman?"
(13:42)

---

Conflict and Confrontation

The tension escalates when Tom Craig confronts Richmond in San Pedro, demanding information about the lost bonanza. Their heated exchange culminates in violence as a mysterious masked man intervenes, revealing himself as the Lone Ranger.

Masked Ranger (15:54):
"Take that blind man and get him out of here."
(15:56)

Back at the ranch, Richmond orchestrates a deceitful sale of the property, manipulating Mary Walker into signing away the ranch for a mere $30,000—a pittance compared to its true value. George attempts to intervene, but Richmond's schemes seem unstoppable until the Lone Ranger steps in.

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The Revelation

As Richmond finalizes the fraudulent sale, Bart Walker unmasks himself, revealing his true identity as the Lone Ranger. He confronts Richmond, exposing the deceit involved in the transaction.

Bart Walker (28:55):
"Mary. My little girl. My little girl."
(29:37)

The climax unfolds in the parlor of the Walker Ranch, where Mary refuses to relinquish her family's legacy. The Lone Ranger exposes Richmond’s manipulation, ensuring that Mary Walker regains control of the ranch and the hidden mine.

Bart Walker (30:13):
"Forget what I said. Ask what you want. I'll tell you plain enough if you're speaking out of turn."
(20:39)

---

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the restoration of the Walker family and the dismantling of Richmond’s nefarious plans. Bart Walker’s return as the Lone Ranger reestablishes justice on the ranch, bringing peace and prosperity back to the once-turbulent frontier.

Mary Walker (29:43):
"Yes, Bob. It's his boys that I knew. What heard it. Oh, well."
(29:51)

---

Notable Quotes

• Mary Walker (05:34):
  "May and her PA are two of a kind. My sakes, if they didn't have pie on the table at least once a day, there'd be no living with him."
  (05:34)

• George Casey (07:05):
  "What'll I do, ma'am? You go back and tend to your bacon before it burns."
  (07:05)

• Tom Craig (13:43):
  "You think I'm lying? No, Richmond, put it that way."
  (13:43)

• Bart Walker (21:17):
  "I guess you saved me."
  (21:17)

• Mary Walker (28:52):
  "But who is he? Why did he do this for us?"
  (28:52)

---

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully blends suspense and classic Western motifs, culminating in a satisfying resolution that honors the legacy of The Lone Ranger. Andrew Rines' meticulous digital restoration enhances the storytelling, offering listeners a vivid auditory experience that pays tribute to the golden age of radio dramas.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded from this summary to focus on the core narrative and key discussions within the episode.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

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.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the best rider of the plains fought crime and criminals throughout the western United States. But he did more than bring law and order to a lawless frontier. He protected the property and savings of honest men and women from confidence men. He protected their lives from hostile Indians. And his name has come down to us as the greatest champion of justice the west ever knew. Return with us now 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.

[Tom Craig]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for San Pedro. Arrow Silver away.

[Narrator]

It was at 10 o'clock on a bright summer morning that George Casey, foreman of the Flying W, wrapped at the back door of the ranch house.

[Unknown]

Morning, ma'am.

[Mary Walker]

Oh, Good morning, George.

[George Casey]

Mr. Walker about? He said something about talking over how many new hands we was going to hire.

[Mary Walker]

Just step in.

[George Casey]

Thanks, ma'am.

[Mary Walker]

I called about this morning, but he didn't answer, so I just let him sleep.

[Tom Craig]

Oh, I didn't mean to bother him.

[Mary Walker]

Sure, it's time he was getting up anyhow. Only reason I ain't roused him before is on account of him staying up late last night with Firefly and that new cold of hers. Mary? I'm in here, Ma. Call your pa. Tell him George is in the kitchen waiting. All right. Won't take him long. Just have a chair.

[George Casey]

Thanks. Bacon, ma'am. Smells mighty good.

[Mary Walker]

May and her PA are two of a kind. My sakes, if they didn't have pie on the table at least once a day, there'd be no living with him. But it's a chore standing over a hot stove so much.

[George Casey]

I reckon you're just about the best cook there is around here, though, ma'am.

[Mary Walker]

I wish you'd tell that to Bart. He says Ma. Oh, good morning, George.

[George Casey]

Howdy, Miss Mary.

[Mary Walker]

Before say he was getting up. Paw ain't there. If he ate, he's around the side of the house washing up. You tell him. But, Ma, his bed wasn't even slept in, so. Whatever are you talking about? It's so you can just go look. Pa ain't been there.

[George Casey]

Now, that's a funny thing, but I.

[Mary Walker]

Heard him in there last night, and him when he come in from the barn. Mary, you must be joking.

[Mrs. Walker]

I'm not either.

[Mary Walker]

Joking, Ma? You just go look. Well, I guess I'd better.

[George Casey]

I'll go with you, ma'am.

[Mary Walker]

I don't understand it.

[George Casey]

That his room? Would he make up his bed hisself?

[Mary Walker]

He'd never do that.

[George Casey]

Oh, gone if Miss Mary wasn't right.

[Mary Walker]

But he. George. Could he have got to worrying about Firefly and gone back?

[George Casey]

I look in the barn before I come here. Looked in the corral, too. And when I see none of the horses he rides as a rule have been saddled, I would have figured this is where I'd find him.

[Mary Walker]

Then where could he got to, Ma? I declare, I don't know.

[George Casey]

Don't that beat all?

[Mary Walker]

I reckon I'm just a fool, George. But it's so strange for Bart to do a thing like this. I'm scared.

[George Casey]

Ah, ma'am, don't get upset. Likely nothing's happened that can't be easily explained.

[Mary Walker]

What's this, Ma? Give it to me. But what is it? Oh, just the envelope. A letter come in for your pa. Fella left it while he was out, so I put it here. We'd be sure to see it.

[George Casey]

Then it proves you did hear him, ma'am. He was here and took the writin with him.

[Mary Walker]

George.

[George Casey]

What'll I do, ma'am? You go back and tend to your bacon before it burns. I'll tell the Boys, and have a look around.

[Mary Walker]

You think that.

[George Casey]

I think, ma'am, that when we find him, your husband's gonna have the laugh of his life seeing the scare he gave us. Now, don't you worry none at all.

[Mary Walker]

It's all right, Ma. Pa's all right. Yes. Yes, child, of course. Of course.

[Narrator]

Nevertheless, Bart Walker was not found that day, nor that week, nor in the years that followed. No one had seen his departure. No rumors of his existence in another part of the country drifted back to the Flying W. No reason why he should have vanished ever came to light. Ten years passed, and while his daughter became a beautiful young woman, his wife, broken by sorrow, became embittered against the world. Even George Casey, whose loyalty had preserved the ranch, was not safe from the lash of her tongue.

[Mary Walker]

George. George.

[Bart Walker]

Ma'am?

[Mary Walker]

Come here.

[George Casey]

Feeling uncomfortable, ma'am?

[Mary Walker]

I'm always feeling uncomfortable. I'm a nail and body. And it's the wonder I wasn't put away in my grave years ago. Not that anybody around here'd care.

[George Casey]

Shucks, now.

[Mary Walker]

But that ain't what I wanted to see you fair.

[Mrs. Walker]

Were you calling me, Mother? Oh, you were calling George.

[Mary Walker]

I thought you come here too. But I got to say, it's for both of you. Yes, Mother, you're both together in this. Human and ungrateful, that's what you are. Seems like I don't count for nothing no more. I suppose when a body gets my age, he ought to expect such things. Gracious, no.

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, Mother, that's not so.

[George Casey]

Ain't you a little bit hard on us, ma'am?

[Mary Walker]

That's right. Call me a storyteller to my face.

[Mrs. Walker]

Please, Mother, if we've done anything to hurt you, won't you tell us what it is?

[Mary Walker]

As if you don't know.

[George Casey]

Gosh, ma'am, you've got me stung for fear.

[Mary Walker]

What about yesterday? Well, don't stand there like the cat who got your tongues. Thought you'd put something over on me, didn't you? Because I'm old and can't get around by myself. I wouldn't know what was going on. Now, don't deny it. I ain't no fool. For all I'm old and feeble.

[Mrs. Walker]

I know what you mean, Mother. And if it was anybody's fault, it was mine. It isn't fair for you to blame George.

[Mary Walker]

He stood right there when you ordered Mr. Richmond off this place, didn't he? But. And you, George. You'd have kept it secret from me. Drawn my wages owing me for the food you eat and the Clothes you wear and the home you got. And going behind my back to scheme agin me.

[Mrs. Walker]

Mother, don't talk like that to George. You haven't the right. George has done more for us than we'll ever be able to repay him.

[George Casey]

No, no, not quiet, Miss Mary. You needn't stand up for me again. Your maw. Besides, you come right down to it, I reckon I did be wrong.

[Mary Walker]

You admit it, do you?

[George Casey]

Yes'm, I do. I guess I was exceeding my rights. But, ma'am, I'm acquainted with this here Richmond gent and you ain't. He's as crooked as a rattler and as tricky as a night prowler. Lobo. He's not the fellow of you to do business with.

[Mary Walker]

Oh, but a fair price for the place, didn't he? Well, didn't he?

[George Casey]

Yes.

[Tom Craig]

Him.

[George Casey]

You could call it that, I reckon. But that's why I'd mistrust him. It ain't his style to do business fair and square. If he'd offered you 30,000 and you could be dog gone sure, the place is worth a heap more. He never made an honest trade in all his life.

[Mary Walker]

Finger Barnes is honest, ain't he?

[George Casey]

Yes.

[Mary Walker]

Would he give us 30,000?

[George Casey]

Likely wouldn't. Well, then I got to hold of what I said. I'd want to know what's behind Richmond's offer before I give him a yes or a no.

[Mary Walker]

It ain't up to you to do either. I own the Flying W. You're just the foreman.

[Mrs. Walker]

Yes, Mother, you'll have to listen to me. I don't care what you think. You've got to listen. You aren't planning to sell because of the money. You'd sell for half as much. The only reason you're selling is to move away from here.

[Mary Walker]

Oh, it is, is it? Yes, it is.

[Mrs. Walker]

You're afraid I'll marry Tom Craig. You want to take me where I can't see him again.

[Mary Walker]

Tom Craig, Tom Craig. That's all I ever hear from you anymore. Have I ever seen a worthless, natural born loafer in all my days?

[George Casey]

Why, ma'am, Tom's right well thought of around here. He's real up and coming. Hard worker, too. Shuck someday he's gonna not.

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, what's the use of trying to talk to you? Mother, it isn't Tom. If I were interested in anyone else, you'd say the same of him. Just because Father.

[Mary Walker]

Don't mention your father's name in this house.

[Mrs. Walker]

I'm sorry, Mother.

[Mary Walker]

I. I didn't mean to you're both against me. Both of you. I'll try to save my daughter all the misery and disappointment I've gone through. And what thanks do I get for it? None. None at all. Please, you don't leave me alone. I'm sick of you. Sick of the sight of both of you. You scheme again. Me talk again.

[Indeed Advertiser]

Me.

[Mary Walker]

You both hate me. Everybody hates me. All I try to do what is right. Mother.

[Mrs. Walker]

Mother.

[Unknown]

Get out.

[Mary Walker]

Get out. Get out.

[Unknown]

Mother.

[George Casey]

Come along, Miss Mary. Can't you see your ma's tire? Let her rest for a bit. I'll close the door, ma'am. Then nothing will be disturbing you. We're going.

[Mary Walker]

And if Mr. Richmond comes back, you send him in to me. He'll get off this place and don't never come back.

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, George. George. I don't know what to do.

[Mary Walker]

What to do?

[Mrs. Walker]

Everson's father.

[George Casey]

Now, Miss Mary, you listen to me. Your ma's a might unreasonable. Sure, it's awful hard for a girl your age to put up with it. But always recollect this. Your ma's had a hard time of it. She thinks so much of you. She wants to save you from going through the same.

[Bart Walker]

But no.

[George Casey]

Will you listen? Maybe she's wrong. Offhand, I'd allow she was, but she's your ma. She's my boss. And it ain't up to us to criticize.

[Tom Craig]

We keep still.

[George Casey]

And you know what? I bet you a month from now you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about. You just wait and see.

[Narrator]

In the cafe at San Pedro, Richmond sat at an isolated table with a dark, stockily built Easterner. As they carried on a low tone conversation, Richmond failed to notice a tall, broad shouldered stranger who stood with his back to the bar watching them. It was a famous Lone Ranger in disguise. Richmond was tense as he spoke and every now and then he pounded the table to emphasize his words.

[Tom Craig]

I tell you, Goman is there. I seen it. Seen it, I tell you. You've seen the mine, Richmond or the map? Don't think me a fool because I'm from the east. I know very well. For the last 50 years this district's been full of swindling prospectors willing to tell how to find the lost bonanza for a prize if you know it. Don't you think I know it? Even better you should. I've seen the mine itself. That's better. Think I'm lying? No, Richmond, put it that way. I am perfectly willing to agree that you've probably seen a mine. But how do you know that it's a Sedastin lost bonanza?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Tom Craig]

You know the whole story. It was found in the first place. Who found it and how it was lost again. I've heard a little. Not much. Well, it don't take long to tell. Found by a fellow named Prindle. The way he found it was by accident. His burrow slipped on some loose shale and fell into a canyon. Prindle didn't know whether it had been killed or not. So he climbed down to put it out of its misery in case it hadn't. When he looked around for a way to climb up again, he found these nuggets. Nuggets as big as his fist. There's still fellas alive that's seen him and can swear to it.

[Narrator]

And then.

[Tom Craig]

Then Prindle couldn't ever go back there again. Cause he'd shown the goal. And there was a hundred fellas waiting to follow him. He took him to the place most any one of them had been willing to kill to get it for himself. As I recall, Prindle died keeping his secret. That right? Yes, sir. What makes you so certain you found it, Gorman? I seen that burrow skeleton. I've seen what's left of Prindle's pack settle with his name on it. What's more, I've seen the gold nuggets like they tell of where. Oh, no, you don't. That's my secret. Then why have you told me any part of it? Because I need you. I know where the gold is. I get cash enough to buy the property it's on. It's included in land belonging to a certain ranch. And I'll have to buy the whole lot, but to keep from being suspicious. And after I've done that, I won't have cash left to develop the mine. So that's where you come in. Just how you got good connections back east. You can raise what cash is needed in such a way that it won't cost us. Control the boats. Sure. You and me, we'll float this thing together. And you needn't raise a penny till the land is mine and I've shown you the gold. Now you tell me where you can lose on a proposition like this. It sounds all right. But we'll both lose if you want more. Kevlar. That old fella behind you looks to me as though he's blind. His face is badly scarred. He's been edging over there. He has, has he? As for sticking your ugly face in what ain't your business, you wanna get filled for hitting a chant.

[Unknown]

That old Craig.

[Tom Craig]

Who asked you to putty in? Step on a snake like you, I don't need an invite. What blast you? Look out, Tom. He's gone. Oh, the stranger shot the gun right from his hand.

[Unknown]

And you get worse.

[Tom Craig]

Craig.

[Unknown]

Take that blind man and get him out of here.

[Mary Walker]

Right.

[Tom Craig]

Stop him. Take snake. Get them, Bella. Keep going, Tom. I'll cover for you.

[Unknown]

Where going?

[Tom Craig]

Richmond.

[Unknown]

And I've got you covered. Call off your men. The second they fire, I let you have it.

[Tom Craig]

Don't pay no attention to him. He's bluffing. Kill him. Cut him down. That fellow means business. They're going anyhow. Boss, you won't. We should follow. Get after him. Get after them. They can't stand up to me like that.

[Unknown]

Get away with it.

[George Casey]

Let's go.

[Tom Craig]

And get a hold of yourself. Nothing was overheard to Hunter, sir. What's that to me? I run this town and I run it my own way. Get those fellas.

[Unknown]

You hear me?

[Tom Craig]

Get em.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Leaving young Tom Craig with a trail split just outside town, the Lone Ranger took the old man he had rescued in the Captain to his camp. Later, when he had removed his disguise and again wore his mask.

[Unknown]

You haven't told me your name.

[Bart Walker]

I. You can call me Dan. That'll do as well as another.

[Unknown]

In other words, you'd rather not tell me your real name, Is that it?

[Bart Walker]

I lost my name a good long time ago. Just like you did, Lone Ranger.

[Unknown]

You know me?

[Bart Walker]

I do.

[Unknown]

But your sight friend.

[Bart Walker]

Blind folk like me don't need eyes to see with. We learn other ways. I ain't so sure. But they ain't better ways. The things you can see with your eyes sometimes fool you. And besides.

[Unknown]

Yes?

[Bart Walker]

Well, once a good spell back, I heard your voice. I never forgot it.

[Unknown]

We met.

[Bart Walker]

We did.

[Unknown]

I don't remember you.

[Bart Walker]

Look at my face.

[Narrator]

I am.

[Bart Walker]

I know what it's like.

[Unknown]

Fo'c'sle told me you've been badly burned.

[Bart Walker]

Uh huh. That's how I got so scarred and lost the use of my eyes. Who that knew me before would recognize me after? There's no call for you to be surprised that you can't recollect me.

[Unknown]

You look as though you've been doing.

[Bart Walker]

Without food for so long, it just don't seem to matter no more. Which all goes to show a fellow can get used to most anything.

[Unknown]

Have you money?

[Bart Walker]

Money? What's that?

[Unknown]

Have you a family?

[Bart Walker]

I. No. No, I reckon not.

[Unknown]

What were you doing in San Pedro? Why were you so interested in that fellow Richmond?

[Bart Walker]

Richmond? Was that his name? I never heard of him before. And as for being in San Pedro, well, it could have been Dodge City or Denver or Frisco. To a hobo like me they're all the same.

[Unknown]

But you're not a stranger here.

[Bart Walker]

What made you say that?

[Unknown]

I just had that impression.

[Bart Walker]

Well, there's no call for you to think a thing like that. I was never in San Pedro. Four in all my life. You hear me? I never was.

[Unknown]

I never was here before. What's there to get excited about but you?

[Bart Walker]

I beg your pardon, friend. My nerves. They're jumpy sometimes for no reason at all.

[Unknown]

Of course, I should have realized I've been asking you too many questions. What you need is some sleep. And in the morning, another good meal.

[Bart Walker]

You. You're right kind.

[Unknown]

Before you sleep, however, there's something I want to know. If you care to answer it.

[Bart Walker]

Forget what I said. Ask what you want. I'll tell you plain enough if you're speaking out of turn.

[Unknown]

Very well. You were in the cafe. You were close to the table where Richmond sat with that fellow from the east. He must have overheard their conversation. Dan, what was it they said and what is your story? Tad of saddle silver again. Now then, what have you lost by telling us the truth? You could have told it in the first place.

[Bart Walker]

I guess you saved me.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Bart Walker]

I didn't want to.

[Unknown]

I see your point of view, but I don't agree with you.

[Bart Walker]

Now listen.

[Unknown]

The main thing now is to get Richmond to reveal the location of the lost bonanza. It would be easy enough to step in and spoil the sale of the flying W. But that doesn't solve the problem. For 50 years, prospectors and speculators have been searching for that mine. It's always been known it was somewhere in those hills to the west. Now, we know it's on the Flying W property, but that doesn't narrow it down enough. Might hunt for it for the next 10 years. With the odds still 1000 to 1 against your finding it.

[Bart Walker]

You're right.

[Unknown]

Richmond knows the location of the mine. He's the one who'll have to tell us how to reach it, which he.

[Bart Walker]

Won'T do less than he's got title to it.

[Unknown]

That's exactly it. The sailor's spoiled. Richmond won't talk.

[Bart Walker]

Yes, sir.

[Unknown]

The sale goes through, he'll talk. But too late to do us any good.

[Bart Walker]

And no way to get around it.

[Unknown]

I'm not so sure. Perhaps there is.

[Narrator]

Here, Selma, I'm ready.

[Unknown]

Thanks, kimosabe.

[Bart Walker]

You going summers?

[Unknown]

I am.

[Bart Walker]

It got something to do with Richmond and the lost bonanza?

[Unknown]

I'm calling on Tom Craig. If he'll agree to a suggestion, we'll have a way to trick Richmond.

[Bart Walker]

What do you got in mind?

[Unknown]

You'll learn that later.

[Narrator]

Come on, Silver.

[Tom Craig]

I am Silver.

[Narrator]

It was the following day that Tom Craig rode up to the Flying W ranch house. George Casey called to him.

[Richmond]

Howdy, George.

[George Casey]

Hemlock. Tom, what are you doing here? Don't you know the first Kate will make if she sees you?

[Bart Walker]

Still don't like me, huh?

[George Casey]

Chuck's young fella, she ain't got no more use for you than she's got for so much Pison. You know you oughtn't be.

[Richmond]

Where's Mary?

[Narrator]

Huh?

[George Casey]

Oh. Oh, she's somewhere in the house, I reckon. But, Tom. You listen to me, Tom.

[Bart Walker]

Sorry, George.

[Richmond]

Haven't the time to listen. Hello, Mary. Surprised to see me? Think your ma had me too scared.

[George Casey]

To show up again?

[Mrs. Walker]

You said you wouldn't come here unless I told you it was all right.

[Richmond]

Look, Mary, I got more than one reason for showing up this time. One I can't tell you about just yet. But the others are most important. Anyhow, we're gonna settle this right now.

[Mrs. Walker]

No, Tom.

[Richmond]

Oh, I know how you feel. I know you don't like to go again. Your ma.

[George Casey]

But you gotta see that she ain't.

[Richmond]

Being fair to us. You're growed up enough to know your own mind, and she ought to be willing to admit it.

[Mrs. Walker]

I. I know.

[Richmond]

We are going to get hitched, aren't we?

[Mrs. Walker]

I've given you my promise, Tom.

[Richmond]

Then what do you say we march into your mower and tell her right out. What's the use of putting off something that has to be done sometime?

[Mrs. Walker]

Anyway, it would upset her.

[Richmond]

Is she likely to get any more upset now than later?

[Mrs. Walker]

No, but.

[Richmond]

Well, then, come on.

[Bart Walker]

Where is she?

[Richmond]

We see her together.

[Mrs. Walker]

She's in the parlor.

[Richmond]

Then that's where we're going.

[Mrs. Walker]

Yes, Mother. Who's there?

[Mary Walker]

Who you talking to?

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, it's Jo.

[Tom Craig]

Come on. What do you see?

[Mrs. Walker]

I suppose we might just as well.

[Unknown]

That's better.

[Mary Walker]

You gonna answer me? Mary?

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, it's. It's Tom, Mother.

[Richmond]

Howdy, Mrs. Walker.

[Mary Walker]

Where? Yeah, dear.

[Mrs. Walker]

Mother, we're still.

[Mary Walker]

Young man, you turn right around and find your way out of here. You ain't welcome in this house.

[Richmond]

I think Mary's got something to say to you first.

[Mary Walker]

Then she can say it later. Well, as now you clear out.

[Mrs. Walker]

Mother, you tell him. No, I've got something to say to you, and I'm gonna say it while Tom's here.

[Mary Walker]

Mary, have you gone?

[Mrs. Walker]

Tom and I are getting married. And we're going to get married just as soon as we can. I'm tired of being bullied. Sell the ranch. I don't care. It isn't going to make any difference. I've got my own life to live, and no one has a right to live it for me.

[Mary Walker]

Quiet. I never heard such nonsense in all my life. You're my daughter, and you'll do like I say. I am going to sell the ranch. That's down for Mr. Richmond to come out here. And I'm expecting him now. And just as soon as the place is sold, I'm taking you where this. This scheming loafer can see you.

[Richmond]

Man, you've got me sized up all wrong.

[Mary Walker]

Don't you dare open your mouth in this house.

[George Casey]

You Mr. Richmond. Here, ma'am.

[Mary Walker]

There now. I'll show you. Send him in.

[Tom Craig]

Good afternoon, Ms. Walker.

[Mary Walker]

Good afternoon. I'm glad you showed up on time. Bring the cash with you.

[Tom Craig]

I sure did, ma'am.

[Narrator]

Got it right here.

[Mary Walker]

Good. Now we'll see who's boss around here. Deeds all ready. Pay me the cash and get the papers signed over and the place is yours.

[Tom Craig]

It'll be just fine, ma'am.

[George Casey]

Miss Walker, won't you listen to me just a second? Well, don't sell, ma'am. Ain't I told you that this fellow won't never give you the best of a deal?

[Mary Walker]

George, your advice ain't wanted. What's more, you'll witness the papers. Here they are. Move that table closer to my chair. Here, your pen and ink. Get this over with.

[George Casey]

Dog gone. Ma'am, I wish you'd listen to sends.

[Mary Walker]

Give me that pen.

[Mrs. Walker]

Yes, I'm Mother.

[Mary Walker]

And you keep still.

[George Casey]

Why, who.

[Tom Craig]

All the blasted nerve.

[Unknown]

I'll take.

[Mrs. Walker]

Oh, can't you see he's blind? Leave him alone, Tom. Help him find out what he wants.

[Richmond]

Oh, sure. Here you are, mister. Here's a place for you to sit.

[George Casey]

You got business here?

[Bart Walker]

Which. Which one of you is Ms. Walker?

[Mary Walker]

Here. What do you want, ma'am?

[Bart Walker]

Don't sell your ranch.

[Mary Walker]

Well, now, that's a fine thing, stranger. Telling me what to do and just why you're making it your business, ma'am.

[Bart Walker]

That's all I can say. Don't sell good die.

[George Casey]

And by gosh, stranger. No, he's right, Ms. Walker. You can fire me after if you remind her. But I ain't gonna let you do this. That's flat. This deal ain't going through.

[Mrs. Walker]

It is a nice man.

[Unknown]

Go and stand back. Richman, pay Ms. Walker the money and get your deed right.

[George Casey]

Why, you. I warned you.

[Unknown]

Stand back.

[Mary Walker]

It's a fine state of affairs when a masked man has to force everybody to do what I tell him.

[Unknown]

Hurry up, finish this sale. Richmond, give her the money.

[Tom Craig]

Sure thing. Here you are, ma'am. It's all there, right to the penny. Just hand me that pen. I'll sign. Yeah, thanks. Here you are, ma'am.

[Unknown]

You're next, George. Sign that as a witness.

[Mary Walker]

You cannot get off my place. I can get somebody else to sign if you won't.

[Unknown]

No, we'll need another witness, Tom. I might as well.

[George Casey]

I reckon there, that finishes it does.

[Tom Craig]

Ma'Am, I'm congratulating you on a mighty fine sale. I'll take this here deed and haven't entered the county seat in an hour.

[Unknown]

Then you might as well tell them why you bought the ranch, Richmond, eh? What have you got to lose?

[George Casey]

Now, what's a masked man mean?

[Unknown]

Tell them. Tell them about the mine. Once the place was yours, you planned to tell Gorman anyway.

[Tom Craig]

How do you know so much about my business?

[Unknown]

That doesn't matter. Show them what a good deal you made for yourself.

[Tom Craig]

Well, it was just business.

[Unknown]

Weren't nothing illegal about it.

[Tom Craig]

No, see, why not.

[Unknown]

Go on.

[Mrs. Walker]

What is it?

[Tom Craig]

Well, folks, Ms. Walker just signed away a fortune for $30,000. She traded what was worth a hundred times as much. Fortune? Sure. The Lost Bonanza.

[Mrs. Walker]

It's on our place.

[Tom Craig]

On my place now, miss. And if you don't believe me, the Mine's right below the trail to Cedar Point. Between that big oak was blasted by lightning and the curve just beyond down below in the canyon. There.

[George Casey]

You see, ma'am? I told you. I told you what he was up to.

[Mary Walker]

You did no such thing. You never even mentioned the mine once.

[George Casey]

Well, how could I when I didn't know what he was after? But I warned you he'd be getting the best of you.

[Unknown]

He didn't.

[Tom Craig]

No. Well, thanks to you, stranger, I did.

[Unknown]

If you look at that deed again, you'll see that it's not a description of the Flying W but of Tom Craig's place. You've just paid $30,000 for Tom's ranch.

[Tom Craig]

It ain't so.

[Narrator]

It can't be.

[Unknown]

Don't worry. Tom will give you back that money. All we wanted to know was the location of the mine.

[Tom Craig]

Well, I'll be dog gone, you fool. Me? You can't do this to me.

[Unknown]

Are we tricked you as you would have tricked Mrs. Walker. Now get out. Get out.

[Tom Craig]

Don't get even. You can't do this to me.

[George Casey]

And don't slam the door on your way out.

[Mary Walker]

But the deed.

[Unknown]

Tom prepared a deed to his place and substituted it. When this man here entered, everyone was looking at him. And Tom wasn't being watched.

[Mrs. Walker]

But who is he? Why did he do this for us?

[Unknown]

Shall I tell them, Bart?

[Bart Walker]

No, don't.

[Unknown]

I think I'd better. Mrs. Walker, this is your husband, Mr. Wait. Ten years ago, he disappeared. On the day he left, he received an anonymous letter telling him that if he would go to a certain part of his range, he'd find the men stealing his cattle. He did was shot and lost his memory. His memory didn't come back to him until he was caught in the fire in which he lost his sight. He came back now not to tell who he was, but to learn how his family had gotten on. If I'd let him have his way, he'd have disappeared again. He felt that after his absence, after the accident that cost him his sight, he wouldn't be wanted here. I knew he was wrong, Father.

[Narrator]

Mary.

[Bart Walker]

Mary. My little girl. My little girl.

[Mary Walker]

Yes, Bob. It's his boys that I knew. What heard it. Oh, well. I'm such an old fool. Never said it.

[Bart Walker]

Forget it, honey. I've been gone, but now I'm back again. Thanks to the mask man. We can start all over like before. Just think of that and nothing else.

[Unknown]

It.

[Indeed Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Unknown]

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 and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Indeed 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 posts 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 Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts 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. 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 Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts 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.