Moonrise on Powder Creek | The Lone Ranger (06-05-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: Moonrise on Powder Creek | The Lone Ranger (06-05-42)

Aired: April 1, 2026

Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the turbulent days of the West, focusing on the dramatic challenges faced during the construction of the first transcontinental railroad. In the makeshift railroad town known as "End of Track," lawlessness reigns as outlaws attempt to sabotage progress. The Lone Ranger, aided by his loyal companion Tonto and the undercover agent Ms. Barkley, confronts a shadowy criminal organization intent on stopping the railroad's advance.
The episode weaves themes of justice, courage, and deception against the vivid backdrop of frontier America.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. Setting the Scene: Lawlessness at the "End of Track"

[02:47 - 03:28]

• The temporary railroad town is described as “the loudest, most swashbuckling town in the whole West,” with violence rampant and makeshift graves left behind as the town moves with the track.
• The ongoing conflict: railroad progress versus the interests of powerful adversaries (cattlemen, outlaws, etc.).

2. Mounting Tension: The Need for Order

[03:28 - 05:24]

• Colonel Parkman laments the growing death toll and lack of sufficient military force to maintain order:
  • “End of track. Colonel Parkman, this time there are six graves, one for each day the town was located here.” (03:28)
  • “If I could get twice as many [soldiers], that still wouldn't be enough. I've telegraphed Washington over and over.”
• Ms. Barkley, working undercover, hints at government involvement and concern over organized criminal activity.

3. Introduction of Main Characters and Suspicion

[05:40 - 07:08]

• Tonto, Ms. Barkley, and the Lone Ranger investigate. They find an iron spur at a former crime scene, signaling the involvement of the Iron Spur gang.

4. Corruption Revealed: The Marshal’s True Allegiance

[07:27 - 08:52]

• Newly appointed Marshal Jeff Coster shows his true colors, secretly meeting with Killgrew, the gang leader. They agree Coster will facilitate lawlessness in exchange for cash bribes:
  • Killgrew: “Here’s 20 double Eagles. How’s that for down payment?” (08:31)
  • Coster: “$400 cash. Mister, I’m your man from now on.” (08:38)

5. A Trap Set for the Lone Ranger

[09:37 - 14:35]

• The Lone Ranger enters Powder Creek, disguised, and a staged confrontation with Marshal Coster occurs:

  • Coster: “You’d better stop laughing, mister. You gonna shuck those guns, or do I have to make you?” (12:39)
  • Lone Ranger: “As long as there’s no law about it, I reckon you’ll have to make me, marshal.” (12:45)

• The Lone Ranger outdraws Coster, shooting the gun from his hand, and escapes amid chaos, foiling the attempt to disgrace him.

• Ms. Barkley and Tonto realize a bigger plot is scheduled to unfold “three nights from now.”

6. Plans of Sabotage: The Iron Spur’s Scheme

[15:59 - 18:03]

• Killgrew and his gang plot a large-scale attack, planning a riot to pit railroad workers against each other, masked as an ordinary brawl.

7. The Lone Ranger’s Countermeasure

[18:03 - 20:01]

• Ms. Barkley intercepts their plans via a clandestine note:
  • “There will be trouble at Powder Creek Friday night just before moonrise. Be at the bend of the creek south of the track. You can capture the outlaws of the Iron Spur.” (18:03)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto set a trap for the Iron Spur at the appointed time.

8. The Climactic Standoff at Moonrise

[22:10 - 26:14]

• Killgrew and Deaver conspire to assassinate the Lone Ranger and Tonto by luring them to an exposed position, but the ambush is foiled.

• The Iron Spur mob’s plan to start a riot is set in motion, but the masked man’s preparations pay off.

• Classic Reveal: The gang attacks decoys—“What you shot were figures made of wood and propped up in the saddles.” (26:01, Ms. Barkley)

• The real Lone Ranger and allies round up the gang, aided by Colonel Parkman's forces.

9. Aftermath and Open Ending

[26:42 - 27:14]

• Tonto: “If that mask man hadn’t warned you, there’d have been more graves than we got.” (26:42)
• Though most of the Iron Spur are captured, their leader Killgrew escapes.
• Colonel Parkman assures: “But no matter how far he goes or how long it takes, the masked man and Taro will... Listen. There they go on the trail of Killgrew. That’s the Lone Ranger.” (27:04)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Marshal Coster’s duplicity:
  • “From now on, I just act like a marshal. I stop all kinds of scrapes. Unless…” (08:38)
• Lone Ranger’s quiet resolve:
  • “As long as there’s no law about it, I reckon you’ll have to make me, marshal.” (12:45)
• On the power of disguise and deception:
  • “What you shot were figures made of wood and propped up in the saddles.” (26:01, Ms. Barkley)
• Tonto’s tribute:
  • “If that mask man hadn’t warned you, there’d have been more graves than we got.” (26:42)

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Notable Timestamps

• 03:28: The cost of lawlessness—six new graves at End of Track.
• 08:31 - 08:38: Marshal Coster accepts bribe from Killgrew.
• 12:39 - 13:06: Saloon showdown between Coster and the disguised Lone Ranger.
• 18:03: Ms. Barkley and Tonto receive the mysterious warning note.
• 22:11 - 22:48: Killgrew’s plan to incite worker vs. worker violence, followed by outright mayhem.
• 26:01: The decoy reveal—outlaws had shot at dummies, not the heroes.
• 27:04: Killgrew escapes; pursuit resumes.

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Tone and Style

• The language is dramatic, urgent, and classic Western in style—distinctively radio-play in its rhythm (“You’d better draw…” “I told you I wasn’t looking for—Well, I am!”).
• Dialogue is brisk, with colorful slang and direct confrontation, evoking the untamed frontier atmosphere.

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Conclusion

"Moonrise on Powder Creek" delivers a rollicking tale of western justice and intrigue. The episode masterfully recombines themes of deception, bravery, and moral ambiguity within a story of railroad-era expansion. The showdown between the iconic Lone Ranger and the shadowy Iron Spur gang—punctuated by memorable one-liners, clever disguises, and a classic double-cross—makes this a standout entry in the Old Time Radio Westerns series.

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Transcript

[K12 Announcer]

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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

hi oh Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Building of the first transcontinental railroad was one of the most important steps in the winning of the West. The railroad was of prime importance to the future of the country, but powerful forces, cattlemen, stagecoach lines and steamship companies opposed it. Outlaw opposition sprang up and the Lone Ranger was commissioned by the President to lead the fight against the enemies of progress. 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.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Come on, Silver.

[Ms. Barkley]

Preparing for end of.

[Narrator]

The loudest, most swashbuckling town in the whole West. From the Mississippi, Mississippi to the Golden Gate was a town without a name. Day and night, the rattle of gunshots banged away the thunder of hoofs, and the shouts and yells of husky working men on the spree made a roar louder than a river in flood. What was more, this town never stayed in the same place for very long. For days, a week, sometimes two weeks. Then the buildings were knocked down, taken to another location, and nothing remained to mark the previous site but a few crude crosses over the graves of men who had been quick to anger but not quick enough on the draw, who had gone down before the flaming guns of a faster opponent. The only name this town had was End of Track.

[Colonel Parkman]

End of track. Colonel Parkman, this time there are six graves, one for each day. The town was located here.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Yes, Ms. Barclay. The tracks have moved 50 miles further west and so is the town.

[Colonel Parkman]

Can't something be done about these deaths?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Building a railroad is a job for men, Miss Barkley. When gangs of men work hard all day laying rails or making grades, they well, they just naturally have to break loose at night.

[Colonel Parkman]

But six. It's getting worse.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Yes, it is.

[Colonel Parkman]

What about the soldiers who are detailed to police the railroad? Can't you assign more of them to the end of track?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

I wish I could, Joan, but why not? Look west there, along the rails.

[Killgrew]

What do you see?

[Colonel Parkman]

Why, I. I see the rails and the men working and the work trains carrying ties and rails and tools. Beyond it, the rolling plains fading into the horizon.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

And what's hidden behind those hills?

[Colonel Parkman]

What's hidden?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Danger, Joan. I see danger hidden beyond those hills. Indians, outlaws. Settlers who resent the coming of the iron horse. There's trouble in the town at the end of the track. But there's more trouble out there. And that's where the soldiers are.

[Colonel Parkman]

All of them.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Ms. Barclay, if I could get twice as many, that still wouldn't be enough. I've telegraphed Washington over and over. But.

[Colonel Parkman]

So, Colonel? Well, then the town.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Well, I. I've appointed a marshal to run the gambling element out of town. That's all I can do, and I can't stay here any longer. I've got to go up and look at construction at the end of the track.

[Colonel Parkman]

Colonel, do you mind if I stay here? I know I'm your secretary, but.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

You are supposed to be my secretary, Ms. Barclay. I know very well that you're working for the government, Colonel. Oh, it's all right. No one around to hear me. Your work for me is just a front to fool the rest. But I ask no questions, Ms. Barclay. We're both trying to build the railroad, and that's that. Now, if you'll excuse me, Colonel.

[Colonel Parkman]

Who have you appointed as marshal?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Jeff Coster.

[Colonel Parkman]

Jeff?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

I hope he works out. Adios, Ms. Barclay.

[Colonel Parkman]

Yes. Adios, Colonel. Jeff Coster.

[Tonto]

Kimasabi.

[Ms. Barkley]

Hello. That's Ms. Barkley.

[Tonto]

Look. Up near judas tree.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Come on, silver.

[Tonto]

Get him up.

[Ms. Barkley]

Scout.

[Killgrew]

Hi.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Over the ridge.

[Deaver]

Masked man.

[Colonel Parkman]

You're just the one I was hoping to see.

[Ms. Barkley]

Where's the end of track?

[Colonel Parkman]

Ms. Barkley pulled up stakes this morning at 50 miles west of Powder Creek.

[Ms. Barkley]

There have been a lot of shooting scrapes lately.

[Colonel Parkman]

Oh, then you've noticed.

[Ms. Barkley]

Yes. Six men buried.

[Colonel Parkman]

Colonel Parkman can't spare any soldiers to clean up the town. He's appointed a marshal.

[Ms. Barkley]

What?

[Tonto]

Marshal's name?

[Ms. Barkley]

Just a moment. Otto, Ms. Barclay. Otto and I think that there's an organized band behind all this, stirring up trouble wherever possible.

[Colonel Parkman]

I'm sure of that, too.

[Ms. Barkley]

The same band that's trying to prevent the building of the railroad in other ways. Like Indian raids, buffalo stampedes across the grade, fire pay cash, robbery.

[Colonel Parkman]

The railroad must go through. The country needs it.

[Ms. Barkley]

It will go through, but. Well, Tullo and I have a good idea who's behind this trouble in the towns.

[Colonel Parkman]

You have before.

[Ms. Barkley]

The shacks were set up here. End of track was at the West Platte, wasn't it? Yes, we were there this morning.

[Colonel Parkman]

This morning? But that's 50 miles back along the track.

[Ms. Barkley]

You travel fast, Silver and Scout can cover the ground. Anyway, we searched the ground there.

[Colonel Parkman]

And I'll wager you found plenty of empty gun shells.

[Ms. Barkley]

We found something else.

[Tonto]

Ah, me got it in saddlebag. You wait here.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Here.

[Tonto]

This what we find?

[Colonel Parkman]

Why, it's. It's a spur.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Ms. Barkley]

An iron spur, Ms. Barkley.

[Colonel Parkman]

The iron spur then.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

That's right.

[Ms. Barkley]

That's what's behind the trouble at the end of track. The band of the iron spur. Now, tell us, who is the marshal?

[Colonel Parkman]

His name is Jeff Coster.

[Killgrew]

So you're Jeff Costa. Howdy, Mr. Costa.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Howdy.

[Killgrew]

Boys are putting the horses in the corral. Should we mosey inside and talk?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

I reckon we can talk here.

[Killgrew]

Miles from the railroad. I hope my gang didn't make too much ruck as a potty crick.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

No, no. Burned down a few shacks, wounded a railroad for me.

[Killgrew]

That's too bad.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yeah, ain't it?

[Killgrew]

As you've been appointed moisture to preserve law and order for the railroads. You just hopped on your horse and chased him, didn't you? All by yourself. Yep.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

When I get back, I'll let it be known that I followed the trail for 20 miles and then lost it.

[Killgrew]

Nobody will savvy that. You just use that as an alibi to get out here and talk to me, huh?

[Ms. Barkley]

Right.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Right.

[Killgrew]

You know, it's a pleasure to do business with a sensible gent like you, Coster.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Likewise. Kill girl. Now, a little matter of payment.

[Killgrew]

You spoke to Diva?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

He approached me way back at the plaid.

[Killgrew]

That was when Colonel Parkman gave you the job, huh?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yeah. The way I got the deal, Kill Gru. I'm to do all I can to help you rip them towns wide open. And I will, providing you pay me enough.

[Killgrew]

Tina, I got plenty of cash. Here's 20 double Eagles. How's that for down payment?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

400 cash. Mister, I'm your man from now on. From now on, I just act like a marshal. I stop all kinds of scrapes. Unless.

[Killgrew]

Unless you get the sound of the iron spur. Now, you better head back to Potter Creek. Pronoun.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Sure will. Come here, horse Adios, Killgrove.

[Killgrew]

Adios, Custer. I'll be sending Deaver into Potter Creek, so be watching for him. Shall you,

[Deaver]

Head of track pile out you shan. That's the way, my f. And when it down, there's always something doing to end the track. Follow me, J.

[Ms. Barkley]

S. Here we are. This is the end of the track.

[Tonto]

Outer creek town lighted up like prairie fire.

[Ms. Barkley]

You won't be noticed, Otto. Neither will I, now that I'm disguised.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Not right.

[Ms. Barkley]

We'll wander around separately. Kimosabe, keep your eyes open for Costa.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Marshall.

[Ms. Barkley]

Yes, he's around somewhere.

[Tonto]

Me hear man talk this afternoon. Him say Costa chased band out of town.

[Ms. Barkley]

Doesn't fit in with what we know about Coster, Toto. Although we can't prove any of it.

[Tonto]

Ah, him plenty shady.

[Ms. Barkley]

He's known as a gunfighter. Well, this job requires a gunfighter. But there are two kinds, Toto. Some good, some bad.

[Tonto]

Ah, now what we do with Silver and Scout?

[Ms. Barkley]

Take them with us. There are plenty of hitching rails. If there's any trouble, we may want to ride fast and far. Now remember, we're looking for Custer. Come on, Silver.

[Tonto]

Get him up. Scout.

[Deaver]

Quiet down. Quiet.

[Colonel Parkman]

Quiet down.

[Deaver]

Oh, no, Marshall, we're just having some fun.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Maybe so, but the no need to raise a roof. Colonel Parkman authorized me to preserve law and order in this town. Aim to handle my own way. Any h want to use guns.

[Deaver]

Now you keep your shirt on, Marshall. Just cool down.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

That's ready. Nice work, Austin. You recall me, Deaver? Oh, yeah, yeah. Howdy. Howdy. I reckon we could stand at the bar here and talk. Everybody else is keeping a distance.

[Ms. Barkley]

Sure.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You look like we're having a sociable drink. Kill. Gru sent you down with a message?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Three nights from now, Costa, you arranged to be out of town. Savvy? Yeah. Get some excuse. Just be gone after sundown. You're planning something. Yep. Something big, Costa. As long as the Marshall ain't around. Hi. Savvy? Then whatever happens, I won't get blamed. Keno. I'll be heading out of Powder Creek before sundown. Three nights. Oh, you cotton headed fool.

[Ms. Barkley]

Sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you. Sorry, mister.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Why, that ornery. Who is that hombre? He's a big fella, ain't he? I don't know, but he bumped into me deliberately wearing two guns. Costa, don't wear him six feet under. Hey, what are you aiming to do, diva? I figured this is a good chance to show all these railroad gangs that I'm top man when it comes to gunplay. Yeah, that ain't a bad idea. But. But what? This gent looks like he can handle himself plenty good. Look, suppose and I go around the other side of him ready to draw, and we got him. Whips. No, no, no. No need for this. Besides, it won't look right to these men here. If there's any trouble. Then you start shooting. But there won't be. You suit yourself.

[Ms. Barkley]

Yeah.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You, mister.

[Ms. Barkley]

You're talking to me.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

I'm looking at you, aren't I? Unhitch that gun belt, mister. Oh, I'm the marshal here, and I don't want anybody to.

[Ms. Barkley]

There are a lot of others wearing guns, Marshall. I single me out.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You're a stranger, and I don't like your looks, that's why.

[Ms. Barkley]

Well, that makes us even. I don't like your looks either.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You'd better stop laughing, mister. You gonna shuck those guns, or do I have to make you?

[Ms. Barkley]

As long as there's no law about it, I reckon you'll have to make me, marshal.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

What's that?

[Ms. Barkley]

Well, I'm not looking for a fight, mister.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You'd better draw.

[Ms. Barkley]

I told you I wasn't looking for.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Well, I am reaching. Well, if you won't, then I will.

[Deaver]

Oh, did you see that? He shot the gun right out of the marshall's head.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

He shot the marshal.

[Narrator]

He's a gunman.

[Colonel Parkman]

Guinea boy.

[Tonto]

Bartender.

[Ms. Barkley]

All right, Silver, let's go. Here they come.

[Deaver]

He's gone. Who's out of this r anyway?

[Tonto]

Silver, Scout that last grand.

[Deaver]

Hi. This way.

[Tonto]

Hi, Kimasabi. Come to hear plenty of shots from cafe. See you ride out.

[Narrator]

You hurt?

[Ms. Barkley]

No, T.T.O. i wasn't touched. Costa pick the fight with me.

[Tonto]

Him not know you. Lone Ranger, huh?

[Ms. Barkley]

He was showing off in front of the railroad men, but it didn't work.

[Tonto]

You shoot guns from his hand?

[Ms. Barkley]

Yes. And a man named Deaver started shooting wild. I didn't want anyone to be hurt, so I shot out the lamp and left in the darkness.

[Tonto]

You'll not learn anything. Huh?

[Ms. Barkley]

Something's going to happen. Three nights and tonight, Otto. Huh? I heard Deaver and Costa whispering. Three nights from tonight in Potter Creek. Just what's going to happen? I'm not sure.

[Tonto]

Maybe it's not important.

[Ms. Barkley]

It's very important. I could tell from the way they said it.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

How?

[Ms. Barkley]

Do whatever it is they've got to find out.

[Narrator]

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

[Colonel Parkman]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. It was Nearly dawn when a rider galloped across the hills to the hideout of the iron spur and jumped off his tired horse.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Kill Drew. Kill Drew. What the. Oh, I figured you'd be sleeping.

[Killgrew]

I heard you coming. The way you whipped up your horse, sounds like trouble.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yeah, yeah, there's plenty of trouble.

[Killgrew]

Is it that Coster hombre? Did he turn a weasel on me?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

No, it won't. Costa. He's going through with it, like you said.

[Killgrew]

All right, then, speak up. What are you shaking for?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

There was a shooting scrape in Potter Creek. Hillgrill. Stranger wanted in with two guns strapped low. Costa figured on facing him down to show off.

[Killgrew]

Tell me, after giving Costa $400, he's dead. No stranger's dead, huh? Well, what of it? What difference is the money?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

The stranger ain't dead at all. He shot the guns right out of Costa's hands. And when I tried to get him, he shot the lamp and vamoosed.

[Ms. Barkley]

Of course.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

That hombre was riding a white horse. I didn't recognize him. And the cafe was disguised. But he was the Lone Ranger.

[Killgrew]

You look who he wears a mask.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

It was him. I tell you. I know that white stallion any place.

[Ms. Barkley]

Sure. Lone Ranger, huh?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You heard me and Costa talking.

[Killgrew]

Beginning to savvy, David? Lone Ranger's on to us. That's not good. Maybe we better change our plans. And how much does he know?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

He passed right by while we were setting the tent.

[Killgrew]

Three nights more.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yeah. Kill Drew. We better change our plans. We better.

[Killgrew]

All right. Gravy. No, I got it. Just him with the engine. The iron spurs. Got more than 20. And all of them dead shots. Maybe we can fix things as we'll get the Lone Ranger. At the same time we shoot down those railroad workers. Yeah, that engine goes into town pretty often. Now listen close. Deeper. We're going to send a note.

[Ms. Barkley]

Yeah, Silver. I recognize it too. There's TTO coming back from town. Traveling fast. What is it, T? Something happen in town.

[Tonto]

Need not know who put note on Saddlehorn. There are plenty men. Heap big crowd in town.

[Killgrew]

Here, you read it.

[Ms. Barkley]

It's too dark to see plainly.

[Killgrew]

Now you wait here.

[Tonto]

Let me hold flamin stick.

[Ms. Barkley]

So you see, there will be trouble at Powder Creek Friday night just before moonrise. Just before moonrise. Be at the bend of the creek south of the track. You can capture the outlaws of the Iron Spur.

[Tonto]

Hallo, Keymos hubby. Neat ink note from girl, huh?

[Ms. Barkley]

Friday night. Today is will be Wednesday.

[Tonto]

Ms. Barclay plenty smart. She find out what iron Spur plan

[Ms. Barkley]

to do this fits in with What?

[Tonto]

I heard Custer and Deaver discussing that heap. Good moonrise that night. At 11 o' clock, we'd be near creek then, huh? We save railroad. Bradford.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Hey, Bradford. Yeah? Where's Colonel Puckman?

[Tonto]

Well, I figures where he ought to be. Back there 100 yards in the office freight car. Barkley's with him.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Kino.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Come along.

[Ms. Barkley]

Huh?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You ain't deaf. I said come along. I want to talk to the colonel. I want you with me.

[Tonto]

I'm a foreman's officer. There's a railroad to be built, tracks to be put on.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Your men can work for 10 minutes without you. Come on. I got something to tell Parker.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

You're doing right well, Ms. Bartley. 12 miles of track yesterday. I said we're doing.

[Colonel Parkman]

Oh, I'm sorry, Colonel. I wasn't listening.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Still fretting about trouble at end of track?

[Colonel Parkman]

There was a shooting scrape at Potter Creek night before last.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

No one was even wounded. I think I made a good choice in Jeff Coster. He'll keep him tame down.

[Colonel Parkman]

Will he?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

He's a good man. Oh, I know. You've got your own ideas. You're a government agent. You have your own ways of getting information and your own content.

[Tonto]

Come in.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Howdy, Colonel. Can I powwow with you for a couple of minutes?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Yes.

[Ms. Barkley]

Come in, Custer.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Come along, Bradford.

[Ms. Barkley]

Howdy, Miss Barkley. Howdy, Colonel. I ought to be our boss in

[Tonto]

the gang if it Costa dragged me along.

[Colonel Parkman]

I suppose he has his reasons.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Reckon I have, ma'.

[Killgrew]

Am.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Colonel, today's Thursday. Tomorrow night, Powder Creek will be roaring with men spending their pay. Yes, naturally, I won't be around, Colonel.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

What's this, Coster? Are you telling me you're quitting?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Oh, no, no, no, sir. Nothing like that. But I think I got a lead on the armory that killed a couple of railroad men back at the West Platte iron spur. What's that, Miss Barkley? You know about the iron spur.

[Colonel Parkman]

It was their work, wasn't it?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

I. I think so.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Only.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

How did you. Shush, Marshall.

[Tonto]

We've been having trouble all along the rails with that iron spur outfit. Anytime anything goes wrong, we blame the iron spur.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I reckon that's so. For a second, I figured maybe. Maybe Miss Barkley had some special information.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

We're wasting time. Get on with it, Coster.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yes, sir. The reason I asked Bradford here to mosey in with me is that I figure he can take over my job for the night.

[Tonto]

Me act as marshal.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Somebody's got to.

[Tonto]

But I'm no gunfighter. I can shoot well, Enough.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Well, the men respect you, don't they?

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

That's right, Bradford. As long as Custer's got to go, you're the best man.

[Colonel Parkman]

There shouldn't be any trouble. You can keep him calmed down, Bill.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Well, I reckon I can prevent any

[Killgrew]

real ruckus, if that's what you mean.

[Ms. Barkley]

Fine.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

And it's all settled. Just be sure you give Bradford your badge before you take up this trail, Coster.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Yes, sir, Colonel. I'll give it to him tomorrow night. You'll make it a point to be in Potter Creek before nightfall, Bradford.

[Tonto]

Before nightfall. I'll be there, Marshall.

[Killgrew]

All right. Quite. Everybody. It's a horse galloping this way.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

That ought to be cost.

[Ms. Barkley]

Here.

[Killgrew]

It's too dark to tell for certain. Keep your guns handy.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

You're supposed to meet us here.

[Killgrew]

Keep your guns handy.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

All right.

[Killgrew]

Howdy, Coxy.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Howdy. It's all set.

[Colonel Parkman]

Go. Gr.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

I'm out of Potter Creek with my alibi. You and your men can go in and rip the town wide open.

[Killgrew]

All right, let's get around. I reckon you've been wondering why I had you put on railroad workers. So just into your own regular outreach. Well, here's the reason. A little before moonrise, we're riding to

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Potter, Craig the ground.

[Killgrew]

Hitch our horses back of the shacks and wonder and mingle with the railroad gangs. We'll have our guns, gents. As soon as the moon rises, clear the horizon, we'll start pumping lead at every railroad man in sight.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

What's up? That kill crew. There's a hundred of them in town. Fine, if they go to work on you.

[Killgrew]

Just did custody. That's why we dress just like them. Don't you see? It looked like a general scrape. Buster loose. All those railroad men are divided up into working gangs. They're all jealous of each other. They'll start battling among themselves. The track layers against the grading crews. The supply men against the pay crew. Everybody, it'll be a riot.

[Tonto]

We'll smash buildings, set fire the supplies,

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

rip up the rails.

[Killgrew]

Yeah, when we get through with Potter Creek, they'll have to start all over again. That is heavy. All right, Chamblys, time to travel. Follow me.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

What about you, Deaver? Ain't you going along?

[Tonto]

Not just yet.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Castile, you and me got a special job to do. Special job? Like what's that? You and me. Me? Sure. You don't think you're getting paid just to wander out of town, do you? You recollect that hombre who shot the guns out of your hands? Yeah. Well, that was A Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? Yeah, I spotted his horse, Custer. I sent him a note. You don't know who it's from? A note telling him and the engine to be at the south bend of Harder Creek before moonrise. You ought to be there now, waiting. But spurs to your horse, Custer. You and me are gonna dry gulch

[Colonel Parkman]

to the Lone range.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Diva, is that. Yeah. Yeah, you can see him. Clear outland. Against the rise. That's him, all right. Yeah, they can make em out sitting on their horses. Take the engine. I'll cut down the masked man. We're about 50ft away. We can't miss up with these rifles. All your bead, Costa. Yeah. Any time now. Now. Diva, we got him.

[Killgrew]

Knocked him clean off the horse.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Dino, cut and Cluster, you go your way. I'm heading for the town.

[Killgrew]

It's almost moonrise. We just have time to walk in the turn. Follow me. Made it first.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Yeah.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Well, we got them.

[Killgrew]

Both of them.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Sure, certain sure. Shot them right off their horses.

[Killgrew]

All right, Chess. Looks like we're going to be lucky all the way. We'll spread out. Some of us go into the cafe. The rest scatter around. And as soon as the moon clears the horizon.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Teddy boys like natural.

[Tonto]

I can see the moon through the window.

[Colonel Parkman (alternate lines)]

Diva, it's almost clear now.

[Tonto]

You get the lantern.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Wow. The rest of you watch me shoot. As soon as I do y.

[Tonto]

It sure is a nice peaceful evening. Couple of seconds, Steve.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Then we what?

[Deaver]

The right to the door.

[Tonto]

Wait.

[Deaver]

Smash me.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

It can't be you.

[Tonto]

You did that. Same thing Coster saying Costa, but.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

But you didn't drag out deer.

[Ms. Barkley]

I knew that nut was a trap and I were hiding in the brush. What you shot were figured made of

[Tonto]

wood and propped up in the saddles. That's right. Coster him in colonel Parkman's office now. Him tied up good.

[Ms. Barkley]

As for the rest of the men,

[Deaver]

Beaver, it's a railroad.

[Ms. Barkley]

That's what you think. Colonel Parkman's men capturing the rest of your band outside.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Well, you won't get us alive.

[Deaver]

He's reaching for a guy. Look out.

[Ms. Barkley]

They're asking for trouble.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Leaver, you haven't got a chance.

[Tonto]

Yes, sir, Mr. Iran. If that mask man hadn't warned you, there'd have been more graves than we got.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Railroad tracks.

[Tonto]

But as it was, we cleaned them up and put them under arrest.

[Colonel Parkman]

So I see, Bill.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Oh, you haven't. You just think you've got us all. We're only part of the iron spur you didn't get.

[Ms. Barkley]

Didn't get Who?

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Nevermind.

[Colonel Parkman]

He means the leader of the Iron Spur, an outlaw named Killgrew.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

How do you know?

[Colonel Parkman]

Never mind. Killgrew got away in the darkness. But no matter how far he goes or how long it takes, the masked men and Taro will. Oh, listen. There they go. There they go on the trail of Killgrew. Listen, Deaver. Listen. That's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

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

[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 who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Jeff Coster (Marshal)]

Sam.