
Original Air Date: September 04, 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: Ro...
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Lone Ranger
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 high O Silver. The Lone Ranger. General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power. And Wheaties, the breakfast of champions, present by special recording. The Lone Ranger fullback Bobby is a boy of nine.
Marianne
He can really hit that line. He's a star because he knows he's got go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.
Narrator
Yes, it's a fact. Cheerios does give you real goal power. You see, Cheerios is made from oats. And every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. And Cheerios is so much fun to eat with its distinctive O shape and its wonderful toasted oat flavor. So tomorrow morning and every morning, start the day right with a Cheerios breakfast. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.
Lone Ranger
Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. Are you Silver Hur?
Narrator
From the shelter of the pines high on the mountainside, the Lone Ranger studied the trail through the pass that led to Collinsville. He adjusted his binoculars carefully and trained them on the horseman who was riding in the direction of the town. At last, he turned to Toto.
Lone Ranger
There's no doubt about it, Kimo Serbi. It's Luke Rafferty. He's all dressed up. Black broadcloth coat, flowered vest, white Stetson. There's no mistaking his face.
Tonto
It's not like Rafferty to travel alone. What him do in Collinsville?
Lone Ranger
I don't know. His men were with him. I guess he was planning a raid on the mine.
Tonto
They're plenty gold there. Them not make shipment to Denver for over a month.
Lone Ranger
May have come alone to look the ground over.
Tonto
You want me to go town?
Lone Ranger
Yes, Tonto. I'll meet you back at camp.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger and Tonto had made their camp in a wooded valley high above the mine. Tottle returned there shortly before dusk and reported what he had learned in town.
Tonto
You wait outside cafe for him. Follow him down street. Him go to Ma Grogan's.
Lone Ranger
He going to stay a while.
Tonto
Ah, me hear him talk to Mar on porch. Him tell her his name. Luke Reynolds, mining engineer. He want job in mine.
Lone Ranger
Job?
Narrator
Yes.
Lone Ranger
He knows enough about mines to get away with it too. Well, Collins doesn't know me, but somehow we'll have to warn him.
Narrator
As soon as they heard the dog barking, the Lone Ranger and Tottle leaped to their feet. A moment later they saw the dog. A beautiful collie, golden brown with a white chest. He stopped at the edge of the clearing.
Marianne
Pam, come back here. Pam.
Tonto
Dog belong to Colin's daughter, Marianne.
Lone Ranger
She's coming after him.
Narrator
The collie suddenly decided he liked these two men, and he ran toward them, whacking his tail. The Lone Ranger reached down and scratched behind his ears.
Lone Ranger
So you want to be friends, pal, huh?
Tonto
Here, Little.
Lone Ranger
Oh, don't be frightened, Marianne.
Marianne
I'm not frightened. If Pale likes you, I know you won't hurt me. But you're an outlaw, aren't you? You're wearing a mask.
Lone Ranger
No, I'm not an outlaw. I want to be your friend.
Marianne
All right.
Lone Ranger
Would you take a message to your father for me?
Marianne
Of course.
Lone Ranger
It'll only take me a minute to ride it.
Marianne
All right. Is the white horse yours?
Lone Ranger
Yes, Marianne. Do you like him?
Marianne
He's beautiful.
Lone Ranger
The name is Silver. The paint's name is Scout. He belongs to my friend here, Tottle.
Marianne
How do you do? Oh, you're the first Indian I've ever met. You're not an Apache, are you?
Tonto
No. I thought you write Kimasabe all that.
Lone Ranger
We know Reynolds. Real name is Rafferty. But he's been mixed up with Black Bart and his gunman. Enough to put Collins on his guard. There you are, Marianne.
Marianne
I'll give it to Pa right away.
Lone Ranger
Good. And if he asks any questions about me, give him this bullet.
Marianne
Yes, a silver bullet. I know who you are. No wonder Pal wanted to be friends with you. I've heard lots of stories about you and about Silver and Tano. May I tell Pa who you are?
Lone Ranger
Yes, Marianne.
Marianne
I'll do it right away. I have to run anyway. I'm late for Supper now. Goodbye.
Lone Ranger
Adios.
Marianne
Come on, Pam.
Narrator
Marianne ran into the eager to deliver her message and tell her father about her meeting with the Lone Ranger. But she stopped short when she saw a stranger sitting at the table with her father and her aunt.
Marianne
Well, it's about time. Marianne, you sit down and eat your supper.
Jim Collins
Oh, this is Mr. Reynolds, Mary Ann. He's going to work at the Golden Lady. Hello, Marianne.
Marianne
Well, what's the matter? The cat got your tongue? Say, how do you do? I don't want anything to eat. I'm not hungry.
Jim Collins
Now, it isn't like you to be shy.
Marianne
I'm not hungry.
Narrator
Marianne ran to her bedroom and locked the door. A moment later, her aunt was trying the knob open. Door.
Marianne
Young lady, you're coming out and eat your supper. I won't eat with that man. I won't come out until he goes away. His name isn't Reynolds. It's Rafferty, and he's a crook. Have you taken leave of your senses, Marianne? You've never seen Mr. Reynolds before in your life. I don't care. He's a crook. The mask man told me. What mask, ma'am? I've got a message for Pa from him.
Jim Collins
What's the matter with her, Mariah?
Marianne
I don't know, Jim. I've never heard such. Oh, Pa. Something about a mask, ma'am. Come in, both of you. I don't want him to hear.
Jim Collins
Hear what?
Marianne
Wait till I shut the door. There. Now read it. Pa, the masked man wrote this note himself. And he said that if you ask any questions about him, I was to give you this silver bullet. For Elan's sake. His horse is called Silver and Tottle was up there with him. It was a Lone Ranger Pa on it. What does the note say?
Jim Collins
That Reynolds real name is Rafferty. That he used to be a member of Black Bart's gang.
Marianne
Jim, what are you going to do with that gun?
Jim Collins
I may need it.
Marianne
If this Reynolds is a gunman, you won't have any chance with him. Now, be reasonable, Jim.
Jim Collins
I intend to be. Will you wait? Listen.
Lone Ranger
Yep.
Jim Collins
He'S gone.
Narrator
Must have overheard him.
Marianne
I don't care, just as long as he's gone.
Jim Collins
But why did he come here in the first place? Will he come back, Mariah? And if he does, will he come back alone?
Narrator
The Lone Ranger and Tottle were watching Colin's house from the ridge and saw Luke ride away. He took the trail that led in the opposite direction of the town, up the gulch and through the pass to the west.
Tonto
We go after him.
Lone Ranger
He's going higher into the mountains. There's only one trail he can follow that right. We'll make sure the Collinses are all right before we go after him.
Narrator
The masked man and his companion urged their mounts down the steep slope. Hardly had they drawn rein in front of Collins house than the miner, his sister and Mary Ann were out on the porch.
Lone Ranger
What happened?
Jim Collins
Marianne gave me a message. I guess Rafferty heard us talking.
Lone Ranger
He let out we saw him go. He's heading west.
Jim Collins
What's he up to?
Lone Ranger
That's what we'll have to find out. We'll let you know as soon as we do. Montal, get him up. Scout.
Narrator
The trail to the west was only a few feet wide. A sheer wall of rock rising to the left with a thousand foot drop to the. It climbed steeply for 10 miles and then began to descend. Lost Valley lay below and beyond the valley the snow covered reaches of the Great Divide soared toward the moonlit sky.
Lone Ranger
He won't try to cross the Divide tonight?
Tonto
No. Tono, keep sharp lookout when we get to valley.
Lone Ranger
Come on, Tiller.
Narrator
Get him up. Stop. The trail dipped lower. The canyon at the right was only a few hundred feet deep. Now the slopes to the left were covered by a heavy growth of pine. The broad stretches of Lost Valley were also heavily wooded. But there were occasional clearings. And suddenly the Lone Ranger raised his arm in a signal to halt. One of the clearings blazed with a light of many campfires. The Lone Ranger took out his binoculars and trimmed them on the campsite. Then he handed the glasses to Toto.
Lone Ranger
Here, take a look. Apaches.
Tonto
That's right.
Lone Ranger
White men too. Outlaws and renegades. That's a combination that can only mean plenty of trouble.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. All over the country in every direction.
Jim Collins
How ya, how you doing is the question. And here's what the hap hap happy.
Narrator
People have to say. Eatin our Wheaties and a doo doo.
Jim Collins
Doo and okay, okay, you bet we're eating our Wheaties out West. Including the champs. Take Eddie Matthews, born in Texarkana, Texas, and a great slugger for the Milwaukee Braves. He got a Texas start and a Wheaties start. Been eatin them for years. And there's Gene Littler from California. One of the best pro golfers in the game. Listen how he socks em off the tee. You bet Gene's a Wheaties champ. Been eatin em since he was 7. A he man breakfast for champs and gonna be champs. Why, there's a whole Kernel of wheat in every wheaties flake Keep on eatin.
Narrator
Your wheaties and you'll be do do do an okay ho okay. Now to continue. The Lone Ranger and Tottle rode on down to the valley. When they reached it, they found a trail through the forest that headed in the direction of the Indian camp. They rode for five miles. Then they dismounted, leaving Silver and Scout hidden among the trees, went on foot until they neared the edge of the clearing. The Apaches and the outlaws were seated in a great circle around the largest of the fires.
Lone Ranger
Council of war, maybe. So There's Luke. That's Black Bart sitting beside him. Who's the chief?
Tonto
Red Fox. Him plenty bad.
Lone Ranger
About a hundred braves.
Tonto
Rafferty talked to Chief. Maybe Tanto'll get close enough. Hear what him say. Crawl out in the open grass, long it hide tunnel. Me try.
Jim Collins
All right. Listen to me, Red Fox. You want to drive the white men out of the mountains, but you only have a hundred men and it won't do you any good to look for more recruits until you have more rifles and ammunition. Isn't that right?
Lone Ranger
That's right.
Jim Collins
Well, I'm telling you how to get them in Collinsville.
Lone Ranger
There are not many rifle in town.
Jim Collins
No, and that's what makes it easy.
Lone Ranger
Indian want rifle.
Jim Collins
There's gold in Collinsville. You fight with us and we'll wipe out the town. We'll take the gold and we'll buy you all the rifles you need. Thousands of them. Is it a bargain?
Narrator
As the drums began to sound, the Lone Ranger watched the slight swaying of the long grass. That told him Toto was crawling back toward him. The Indian reached the edge of the clearing and then he and the masked man hurried through the woods to their horses. Toto repeated what he had heard.
Lone Ranger
Nearest troops are in Denver.
Tonto
It'd take weeks to bring them here.
Lone Ranger
Yes, I know. You'll have to go after them, though.
Tonto
You stay in town.
Lone Ranger
I'll warn Collins and help the miners organize their defense.
Narrator
Mine's not easy.
Lone Ranger
Hurry up. Come on, Silver. Get him up.
Tonto
Stout.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger and Tottle reached the town shortly before dawn. Tottle rode on to the east, and the Lone Ranger waved goodbye to him as he dismounted in front of Collins.
Lone Ranger
Home. Good luck, Kimo Sari. Adios.
Narrator
A conference with Collins followed, and Marianne was sent down to the town with a message for Nate Higgins. An hour later, all the townspeople had gathered around the Collins front porch. Word had spread as to the identity of the masked man, and as he stepped out on the porch with Collins, a murmur swept through the crowd.
Jim Collins
Folks, Folks. By now you've all heard that we're going to be attacked. Our friend here, the masked man, is going to help us defend ourselves. I want you all to listen to what he has to say.
Lone Ranger
Well, first, I have bad news. You have no chance of protecting your home. Well, I understand how you feel, but we must apply an old principle if we're going to survive. United we stand, divided we fall. If you stay in your homes, you'll be cut off one by one. Burnt out. The only place that can be defended is the mine. We're short of firearms and ammunition. We must concentrate our resources. That makes sense, doesn't it? Yeah, but what about our furniture and all our supplies? We have a little time to get ready for this attack. I hope. I don't believe it will come until around midnight tonight. You can move supplies and beds into the mine. You'll be living there for some time. Luke Rafferty won't give up until he gets all the gold there is in town. And that gold will be inside the mines.
Narrator
I say give it to him. How about that, Collins?
Jim Collins
Don't our lives mean more to you than your gold? Yes, you know they do, Mac. But the masked man hasn't finished yet. I'll listen to him.
Lone Ranger
A bribe won't help. You can only buy security for a little while. Give these outlaws and renegades gold and they'll use it to buy rifles. When they have enough rifles, you'll find that the Apaches are only interested in scalps. No, you can't buy security. You must be willing to fight for it.
Narrator
A fury of activity seized the town. The long main chap that drove straight into the mountain was used as living quarters. The tunnels that led off it were used to stable the horses. Feed was brought in for them. And all day long the women cooked all right.
Marianne
I've never seen so much bread in my life. There'll be no cooking inside the mine, Marianne. This will have to last us for a week. Couldn't we have some pies and cake? Bread tastes like cake when you're hungry.
Narrator
The men threw up breastworks around the opening of the mine. Rifles and revolvers were cleaned and oiled. And all day long, men and women watched the sun, working with desperate energy. By midnight, the tunnels of the mine were aglow with candles. The town below was dark and deserted. Then there was nothing to do but wait. At 11 o'clock, the Outlaws and the Indians stormed into the gulch from the west. Their first charge carried them past the silent watchers at the mine entrance. Ten minutes later, the town at the bottom of the gulch was a flaming torch. Then the attackers retraced their steps and circled the mine offices, searching for gold.
Jim Collins
It won't be long before they realize.
Lone Ranger
No. Keep down, men.
Narrator
The Indian yells died down. A conference was taking place in front of the office. Then the log building burst into flames. And by the light of the fire, Luke Rafferty saw the defenses around the entrance of the mine. Outlaws and Indians charged toward the opening. The men at the mine waited quietly, their guns ready, their faces grim with determination. At last, the Lone Ranger gave the command.
Lone Ranger
Open fire.
Narrator
The first charge was broken, but a second followed almost at once, and then a third. Finally, there was a respite. Rafferty and Red Fox realized the defenses of the mine couldn't be carried by a frontal assault. The renegades withdrew to safe cover, and the night faded quietly into dawn.
Tonto
Sure to attack again tonight, if only to make us waste our ammunition.
Jim Collins
What will we do when it's gone?
Lone Ranger
We'll do what we have to do, Nate. We'll keep on fighting.
Narrator
The day passed, and when night came, the renegades began a series of sudden attacks and quick withdrawals. Nate Higgins had guessed their tactics. They were making the defenders use up their ammunition. But there were no casualties that second night. And by the third night, some of the wounded were ready for duty again. The third night was a repetition of the second. The fourth night passed, and then toward dawn on the fifth night, the defenders of the mine had to beat back the most savage attack. When the shooting stopped, the ammunition boxes in the mine were empty.
Jim Collins
It's come next time.
Lone Ranger
All the candles must be put out.
Jim Collins
What good is that?
Lone Ranger
We'll line the walls of the tunnel. When they come in, we'll try to stop them with the butts of our guns.
Jim Collins
A few of them, maybe.
Lone Ranger
As many as we can.
Narrator
The men waited in the inky darkness of the tunnel. The Lone Ranger stood closest to the opening. Half an hour passed, and then he saw half a dozen shadows creeping closer and closer to the earthquake. There were many more behind them. In a few seconds they would realize there was no defending force. Behind the ramparts. The masked man set himself for the charge. It came. The Lone Ranger stepped forward to meet the first man through the opening. He brought his gun down. He caught the sagging Indian in his arms and used him as a shield. As he continued to block the opening, he hit the next savage and the next. He heard the bugle in the distance. But so intent was he on meeting the assault that he didn't realize what it meant. Not until suddenly the opening of the tunnel was clear and Jim Collins was grasping his arm. They're here.
Jim Collins
We're saved.
Lone Ranger
The army.
Narrator
Yes.
Lone Ranger
Yes.
Narrator
Look. The miners ran out of the tunnel. They could see the Indians racing toward their horses. But already the cavalry was thundering through the burnt out town. It was growing light in the east. And slowly the flag at the head of the column showed its colors. One troop dashed ahead to close off the western pass. The other troop headed straight for the Indians. Half of them were dismounted. The others saw they were cut off from any escape to the west. But they fire desperately. And still the miners realize there should be only one final result. Their relief flooded over in laughter and cheers as the cavalry closed in. The battle ended as the sun rose. The prisoners were secured and the troopers made camp. The townspeople moved among them, eager to express their gratitude, while the Colonel and Jim Collins surveyed the charred remnants of the town.
Jim Collins
That's a sad thing, Jim. What is? These men and women, they're happy now, but sooner or later they're going to realize what they've lost. Every one of their homes has been destroyed. They haven't lost anything. Colonel, there's $50,000 in gold in that mine. But that belongs to you.
Lone Ranger
No, no, no, it doesn't.
Jim Collins
It belongs to them. They're the ones who saved it from the renegades. That gold will build new homes for them. You mean they're not just men and women who work for me, Colonel. They're my friends, my family. As much as Marianne and Mariah are. We fought together well. And now we'll build together for the future. Nothing can discourage us after what's happened to us. It was a heroic stand. Why didn't mean the fight. I was talking about the mask man. Meeting him and knowing him. Somehow we all seem to have borrowed some of his strength and courage. I. I don't know. It's hard to explain. You don't have to. A lot of people feel that way after meeting him. It's no wonder, Jim. He's the Lone Ranger.
Lone Ranger
I'm still.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger. A copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer friend. Boy, listen to the Lone Ranger. Brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
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 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.
Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Mountain Siege | The Lone Ranger (09-04-50)"
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 13, 2025
In the "Mountain Siege" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the thrilling era of classic Western radio dramas. This digitally restored episode, originally aired on September 4, 1950, features the iconic Lone Ranger as he confronts emerging threats in the wild terrains of Collinsville. The meticulous digital restoration enhances the auditory experience, bringing to life every nuanced sound—from the creak of a saloon door to the thunderous gallop of Silver, the Lone Ranger's faithful horse.
Setting the Stage:
The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto, observing suspicious activity near Collinsville. They suspect that Luke Rafferty, a known gunman linked to Black Bart's gang, is plotting a raid on the town's mine. As Tonto ventures into town to gather information, the Lone Ranger remains vigilant, preparing for the impending conflict.
Key Events:
Initial Observation ([03:02]-[03:34]):
Interaction with Marianne ([04:35]-[06:09]):
Gathering Intelligence ([12:28]-[13:41]):
Defensive Preparations ([16:23]-[19:29]):
Climactic Battle and Resolution ([19:29]-[22:17]):
The Lone Ranger: Embodies justice and leadership, orchestrating the town's defense with strategic insight. His interactions with Marianne highlight his compassionate nature, while his tactical decisions during the siege demonstrate his prowess as a hero.
Tonto: Serves as the Lone Ranger's loyal companion, providing crucial support both in surveillance and combat. His rapport with the Lone Ranger underscores their deep bond and mutual respect.
Marianne Collins: Her initial skepticism evolves into trust, symbolizing the town's shift towards unity under the Lone Ranger's guidance. She plays a pivotal role in conveying essential information that aids in the town's defense.
Jim Collins: Represents the everyman hero, transitioning from a miner to a leader who rallies his community. His dialogues reflect the internal conflicts and ultimate acceptance of the Lone Ranger's authority.
The central conflict revolves around Rafferty's intent to seize Collinsville's gold by raiding the mine. The alliance between outlaws and Apaches poses a significant threat, leveraging both human and indigenous forces to achieve their goals.
Strategies Employed:
Resolution: The timely intervention of the cavalry tips the balance in favor of Collinsville, ensuring the town's survival and the preservation of its gold—now earmarked for rebuilding and future prosperity.
Lone Ranger on Unity:
"United we stand, divided we fall." ([15:09])
Emphasizes the importance of community solidarity in the face of adversity.
Jim Collins on Value:
"Don't our lives mean more to you than your gold?" ([15:50])
Highlights the moral dilemma between material wealth and human life.
Marianne on Trust:
"If Pale likes you, I know you won't hurt me." ([05:05])
Demonstrates the innocence and innate trust fostered by the Lone Ranger's benevolent actions.
Lone Ranger’s Leadership:
"We'll keep on fighting." ([18:27])
Reinforces the theme of resilience and unwavering commitment to justice.
"Mountain Siege" masterfully captures the essence of classic Western narratives, blending action, strategy, and heartfelt interactions. The Lone Ranger's role transcends that of a mere vigilante; he becomes a catalyst for communal unity and moral fortitude. The episode underscores timeless themes such as the struggle between good and evil, the importance of leadership, and the enduring spirit of cooperation.
The digital restoration elevates the listening experience, making historical content accessible and vibrant for contemporary audiences. By preserving and enhancing these timeless tales, Old Time Radio Westerns pays homage to the rich heritage of Western radio dramas, ensuring their legacy endures for future generations.
Final Thoughts
Andrew Rhynes' presentation of "Mountain Siege" not only entertains but also offers a poignant reminder of the values that define heroism. For enthusiasts of the genre or newcomers alike, this episode serves as a compelling gateway into the enthralling world of the Lone Ranger and the enduring allure of the Wild West.