Murder for Profit | The Lone Ranger (11-25-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns — “Murder for Profit” | The Lone Ranger (11-25-42)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release: July 10, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this riveting episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, the digitally restored audio brings fresh life to “Murder for Profit” from The Lone Ranger (originally aired November 25, 1942). The episode plunges listeners into an old-West drama of justice, intrigue, and corruption, centering on a masked hero’s struggle to expose the true villains behind a string of rigged murder convictions. With unjust hangings looming and a sinister banker pulling the strings, the Lone Ranger and his allies race against time to reveal the truth and rescue the innocent.

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Key Discussion & Story Points

1. A Town Gripped by Unjust Justice

• [04:36] The story opens in a tense, packed courtroom—Cyrus Hawkins faces sentencing for murder, framed by questionable eyewitnesses.
  • Cyrus Hawkins: “I'm no more guilty of murder than you are. I tell you, Judge, this whole thing's a frame up.” [05:26]
• The judge is unsympathetic and hands down the death penalty.
  • Judge: “It is the sentence of this court that you be taken to the jail...and on the morning of the 14th be hanged by the neck until dead.” [05:49]
• A masked stranger interrupts, facilitating Hawkins’ escape. The courtroom erupts into chaos.

2. The Pattern Emerges: Bank Depositors Targeted

• [07:38] The next morning, Seth Holloway—another innocent man—is set to hang, convicted by the same dubious witnesses.
• Before the execution can proceed, the Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto rescue Holloway in a daring escape.
  • Banker Steele (to Sheriff): “I had you elected chair for one reason. To arrest the men. I wanted out of the way.” [09:53]
  • It’s revealed that the powerful Banker Steele is orchestrating the false convictions, with the sheriff as his pawn. Steele’s motive: profit, targeting large depositors.

3. Murder Plot Uncovered: Jeff Harris is Next

• [11:10] Discussion between the sheriff and Steele reveals their intent to fake a “suicide” for the next target, Jeff Harris, to preempt the Lone Ranger’s interventions.
  • Banker Steele: “How would it be if Harris was to commit suicide in his cell?” [11:10]
• [12:00-14:21] The Lone Ranger and Tonto thwart the plot, freeing Harris after a tense fistfight, and bringing him to safety.
  • The Lone Ranger: “Those men were going to hang you and make it appear a suicide.” [14:42]

4. The Bigger Plot: Framing for Profit

• [15:56-16:05] At the Lone Ranger’s camp, the dots are connected—a string of innocent men with sizable deposits at Steele’s bank are being framed for murder so their assets can be seized.
  • The Lone Ranger: “The bank's big depositors were prevented from claiming their money. Steele could take over their deposits.” [15:22]
• Harris and others agree to help the Lone Ranger trap Steele and the sheriff in their own web of lies.

5. The Bait: Setting a Trap

• [16:50] The Lone Ranger, in disguise as “Brandt,” makes a conspicuous $10,000 deposit at Steele’s bank to lure the villains.
• Steele and Sheriff Kerry plot to frame the stranger as they did the others.
  • Banker Steele: “We'll railroad the stranger to a hang new so fast it'll make his head swim.” [19:09]
• [19:17] They frame Brandt for the “murder” of a (faked) shot Tonto, planting false evidence and confiscating Brandt’s bank receipt.

6. The Sham Trial and The Unveiling

• [22:18] At the rigged trial, perjured witnesses (previously used against Hawkins and Holloway) testify against Brandt.
  • Brandt/Jeff Harris: “My gun wasn't even fired.” [22:53]
• Outside the courtroom, the Lone Ranger and his allies prepare to expose the truth.
• [25:14] The jury finds Brandt guilty; the judge invites final remarks.

7. Showdown and Truth Revealed

• [25:23-26:27] The Lone Ranger and the rescued “victims” storm the courtroom. Tonto is revealed to be alive, invalidating the murder charge.
  • Tonto (standing up): “Me not dead. Me not even hurt. We've been frayed over a double cross.” [26:19]
• Witnesses crack under pressure, confessing they were paid off.
  • Witness: “Steele paid us to lie. I'll tell about it. I've been framed.” [26:59]
• Bank receipts are produced, proving the motive and further implicating Steele.

8. Justice Restored

• [27:45] The judge calls for a United States Marshal to investigate. The Lone Ranger reveals “Marshal Grant” is already present and arrests are made for murder and conspiracy.
  • The Lone Ranger: “His name is Grant Deal. He's arresting you and the sheriff for murder.” [27:50]
• The episode ends with the crooks brought to justice and the Lone Ranger riding off, anonymous but vindicated.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “I'm no more guilty of murder than you are. I tell you, Judge, this whole thing's a frame up.”
  – Cyrus Hawkins [05:26]

• “I had you elected chair for one reason. To arrest the men. I wanted out of the way.”
  – Banker Steele to Sheriff Kerry [09:53]

• “How would it be if Harris was to commit suicide in his cell?”
  – Banker Steele outlining his nefarious plan [11:10]

• “You know dog, the receipt you took from me was a copy. Steele. The real receipt is here, signed with your name.”
  – Brandt/Jeff Harris during the unmasking in court [27:30]

• “Me not dead. Me not even hurt.”
  – Tonto, the supposed “murder victim,” stands up, shocking the crowd [26:19]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Courtroom Framing & Escape: 04:36 – 06:47
• Holloway’s Rescue & Steel’s Plotting: 07:38 – 10:51
• Sheriff and Steel’s Conspiracy: 09:30 – 11:43
• Prison Rescue & Lone Ranger Plan: 12:00 – 16:08
• Trap at the Bank & Brandt Arrest: 16:50 – 21:24
• Trial and Exposé: 22:18 – 27:45
• Villains Arrested; Justice Restored: 27:45 – 28:17

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Tone and Delivery

The episode’s tone is classically dramatic, teeming with tension, righteous speeches, villainous outbursts, and the steadfast calm of the Lone Ranger. The language is evocative of 1940s pulp Westerns—plainspoken, earnest, and laced with bravado.

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Summary

This episode showcases The Lone Ranger at its best: high-stakes drama, sharp characterization, and a triumphant stand for justice against corruption. Through daring rescues, cunning plans, and dramatic courtroom confrontation, the Lone Ranger unmasks a cynical plot to profit from murder and delivers justice to those who would pervert the law. With crisp restorations and engaging storytelling, “Murder for Profit” captures the spirit of the golden age of radio and brings it to a modern audience.

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Transcript

[McDonald's Announcer]

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[Sheriff Kerry]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Narrator]

There's nothing like the American Express Platinum Card. Find out your welcome offer after you apply, which could be as high as 175,000 points. Learn more and find out your [e-mail] explorer Platinum terms apply.

[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, the cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[McDonald's Announcer]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba to crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six? All new drinks are here now at McDonald's.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tuttle, the masked rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And 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.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver, let's come on the trail ahead.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Hail Silver Hoy.

[Narrator]

The courtroom was packed with townsmen who came to hear Cyrus Hawkins sentenced. The hum of excited voices rose and fell on the warm air, and the atmosphere was charged with tense expectancy. Movements stirred in the crowded doorway and in the tall, open windows where late comers sought entrance into the courtroom. The charge was murder. Witnesses who claimed to have seen the act committed made the verdict of guilty a certainty. But the pros and cons of a case still held the excited interest of the crowd. Then a sudden hush fell over the room as the judge made ready to address the prisoner and a Gavel wrapped for silence.

[Sheriff Kerry]

The prisoner will stand. Cyrus Hawkins, you have been found guilty of murder as charged in the indictment. Have you anything to say before this court passes sentence?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just this. I'm no more guilty of murder than you are. I tell you, Judge, this whole thing's a frame up.

[Sheriff Kerry]

That's all that you have to say?

[Jeff Harris]

That's not all I've got to say.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not by a jugful. Every dog gone, one of those witnesses lied through his teeth. But look at me.

[Jeff Harris]

I never so much as hurt a grasshopper.

[The Lone Ranger]

Seth Halloway is to hang tomorrow.

[Jeff Harris]

I know he's not guilty of murder

[The Lone Ranger]

any more than I am. The same witnesses that lied.

[Sheriff Kerry]

The jury has found you guilty. The time for argument has passed. You had your trial and all that remains is for me to pass sentence. But Judge. I tell you, it is the sentence of this court that you be taken to the jail in the custody of the sheriff and on the morning of the 14th be hanged by the neck until dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, listen to me. How come the same witnesses testify against everyone?

[Sheriff Kerry]

Orders adjourned.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold it.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Hey, who's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay right where you are.

[Sheriff Kerry]

There he is. There at the window. Hey, Smash. You got two guns on us. What's this mean?

[The Lone Ranger]

Getting color.

[McDonald's Announcer]

Come this way.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Stop it, you Indian. Take your hands off the prisoner. You see here, you run it away,

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, you might get hurt.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Gets taken side out the window. Who is he? Who is he? Master? Harass them both. Interfering with justice. Stop him.

[Narrator]

All that day, the townsman discussed the trial and the amazing abduction of the condemned man. Then toward evening, the subject of conversation changed. Attention was focused on Seth Holloway, already tried and convicted of murder, who was sentenced to hang the following morning. Daybreak. Alloway slowly mounted the 13 steps of the scaffold. He had pleaded in vain, protesting his innocence against a string of men who claimed to be eyewitnesses to murder. On top of the platform, he saw a row of men who would officially witness his hanging. The sheriff was on hand with a deputy who would adjust the black hood over Seth's tired face.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Innocent. I'm innocent. And there to hang me.

[Narrator]

Near the sheriff stood the banker, a man named Steel, who was an official witness.

[Banker Steele]

If anything happens like yesterday, Sheriff, you'd better be ready to account for it.

[The Lone Ranger]

It won't.

[Banker Steele]

Still no sign of that mask man, huh?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

No, but we're still hunting him and the redskin. And Cy Hawkins.

[Banker Steele]

He won't interrupt this hanging by a darn sight.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I've got guards posted all around.

[Banker Steele]

Good.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Innocent and there to hang me.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Holloway, this is it. You got any last words before we blindfold you?

[Sheriff Kerry]

Sheriff, I. I know they ain't no use pleading now. But I hope someday from where I'm going to see those lying witnesses made to pay in full.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Fix the blindfold.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not now. That voice who spoke I did.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Put on.

[Jeff Harris]

No.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Goes up.

[The Lone Ranger]

The prisoner's hands.

[Sheriff Kerry]

It's the same man.

[The Lone Ranger]

You needn't look so closely, Banker Steele. My face isn't masked, but it is disguised. Hunter, bring up the horses.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Here come that same red skill.

[Sheriff Kerry]

If I'll let. Sheriff, you'll pay for this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jump down and get on that white horse. I'll be right alongside. Now hurry.

[Sheriff Kerry]

My chance for life.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

You get up on Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady, Silver.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

They're not going to get away with this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Keep your gun in leather like fun. I will. I'll fix it so you can't use it. Come on, Silver.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Hit him up. Count. Somebody stop him. He's got another prisoner.

[Narrator]

Fire on them.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Stop them. Call the posse.

[Narrator]

Later in the day, Sheriff Kerry defended himself weakly against the anger of Banker Steele, the wealthiest man in Lenape. The huge frame of the banker seemed to tower over the undersized lawman. And in his discomfiture, the sheriff seemed to shrink in his chair. The scene is the sheriff's office.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I tell you, Steele, I did all I could. It ain't my fault. The masked man rescued them too.

[Banker Steele]

Shut up, you blabbering weak knee fool. I saw you give way to the masked man with my own eyes. You ain't got the spine of a jellyfish.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I did my best.

[Banker Steele]

Your best ain't good enough.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

What do you mean?

[Banker Steele]

I put you in office, Kerry. I can put you out.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

You wouldn't.

[Banker Steele]

Wouldn't I?

[Sheriff Kerry]

Carrie?

[Banker Steele]

I had you elected chair for one reason. To arrest the men. I wanted out of the way.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

That's what I've been doing.

[Banker Steele]

I supplied you with the evidence to hang them. Evidence that convicted them. But you let him get away.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

It's that mask man, Steele. He shows up when you don't expect him. Handles them six guns of his like grease lightning.

[Banker Steele]

Who is he?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I don't know.

[Banker Steele]

Find him.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Arrest him.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I can't. I've had men hunting everywhere.

[Banker Steele]

Carrie, if you don't get that mask man, you will finish. You heard me. I don't know who he is, what he wants. But I got a sneaking suspicion if I don't get him, he'll get me.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

If you'll just give me time.

[Banker Steele]

You had time, Sheriff Kerry, you wouldn't be thinking of double Crossing me, would you?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Of course not, Mr. Steele.

[Banker Steele]

Anytime you get tired of your job, there's jail waiting for you. Mr. Steele, I've got evidence to use against you the same as the others.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

You don't have to worry about me.

[Banker Steele]

No, I reckon not. But if you let that other prisoner escape, you had better worry about me.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Jeff Harris. He's safe in jail. He won't get out.

[Banker Steele]

Not so sure.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

What do you mean?

[Banker Steele]

With that mask hombre around like as not, Jeff Harris will be rescued before he's hungry.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

The other two wasn't taken until he was ready for the noose. Harris ain't even been tried yet.

[Banker Steele]

We won't take chances.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

What do you mean?

[Banker Steele]

How would it be if Harris was to commit suicide in his cell?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Suicide?

[Banker Steele]

Folks would figure he had a guilty conscience.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

How?

[Banker Steele]

It could be made to look like he hanged himself in his cell by his belt. It could be done tonight, after he's asleep.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Will you be here?

[Banker Steele]

Of course not.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Well, I'll need help.

[Banker Steele]

That's right. And I don't trust them deputies. I'll send over a couple of my own men to help you.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

This will be one hanging the mask man won't know about.

[Narrator]

Late that night, three figures crept stealthily

[Jeff Harris]

toward the cell where Jeff Harris slept.

[Narrator]

They were the sheriff and two men whom banker Steele had assigned to help him accomplish his murderous errand. Grim featured shrewd eyed men who made their living by the knife and the gun and the rope. Slowly, carefully, they crept toward the unsuspecting.

[Sheriff Kerry]

You.

[Banker Steele]

Quit, you fool.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Did it wake him?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Jeff Harris]

He's still sleeping.

[Banker Steele]

Come on Gary.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Now watch your step.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Jode. Here's a sailor.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

All right boys, get him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put up your hand.

[Sheriff Kerry]

What's your poison?

[The Lone Ranger]

Bring Jeff Harris out of that cell tunnel.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

The mask man.

[Jeff Harris]

What's going on here?

[The Lone Ranger]

These men came here to hang you. Jeff.

[Jeff Harris]

I don't understand you.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Come.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't let him take the prisoner, boys.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Rush him.

[Sheriff Kerry]

You handle the mask on me, Sheriff. We'll jump the engine.

[Narrator]

As the two grim faced men leap into Jeff's cell to intercept Toto in his attempt to free the youth, the sheriff lunged at the Lone Ranger. Quickly the masked man returned his guns to their holsters and met the sheriff's attack with his fist.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Are you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't.

[Sheriff Kerry]

I'll get you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, and take this too.

[Narrator]

Fists flailed but briefly as the Lone Ranger counted the sheriff's charge with an expertly timed, excellently aimed blow. Then floored him with a smash to the jaw. Meanwhile, in Jeff's cell. Tonto was more than holding his own against the two men who attacked him.

[Sheriff Kerry]

You take this new Henry Redskin. I'll get you for cracking my part.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you won't.

[Narrator]

As the second man leaped at the Indian to revenge his partner, he was suddenly intercepted by a tall figure who wore a black mask. Carrying the man's blow, the Lone Ranger put the complete force of his muscular shoulders behind the punch. And his opponent reeling against the wall, then crashing to the floor.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

We finish plenty fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Jeff.

[Jeff Harris]

Where are you taking me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Where you'll be safe. Hurry. This way before they recover my gun. It is on my horse. Here. Up you come.

[Narrator]

But what's this with you?

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

Thundering in the night, the powerful horses carried the Lone Ranger, Jeff and Tono to a well concealed camp in an arroyo not far from town.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Be safe here. Jeff.

[Jeff Harris]

Where are we?

[The Lone Ranger]

At my camp at Mask.

[Jeff Harris]

Your outlaws.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're your friends, Jeff.

[Jeff Harris]

Why did you break me out of jail?

[The Lone Ranger]

Those men were going to hang you and make it appear a suicide.

[Jeff Harris]

But one of them was a sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. And the others were Banker Steele's gunmen.

[Jeff Harris]

Banker Steele?

[The Lone Ranger]

Steele planned to convict you for murder.

[Jeff Harris]

I didn't kill Hank James. The evidence against me was fake.

[The Lone Ranger]

Take by Steele. He framed you just as he framed the others.

[Jeff Harris]

You mean the. The two you saved from hanging? I heard about that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why does Steel want you out of the way?

[Jeff Harris]

I. I don't know. First time I met him was when I made a deposit at his bank.

[The Lone Ranger]

How much did you deposit?

[Jeff Harris]

$7,000. My uncle back east left it to me in his will.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, that's reason enough for Steel to want to kill you, huh? Holloway and Hawkins also had large deposits in his bank.

[Jeff Harris]

I don't savvy this at all.

[The Lone Ranger]

Simple enough. The bank's big depositors were prevented from claiming their money. Steele could take over their deposits.

[Jeff Harris]

But there was evidence against the others. Four men saw Holloway and Hawkins do murder.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those four men could have been paid

[Jeff Harris]

to testify falsely by. By Steele?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Jeff Harris]

Then there'd have been men at my trial to swear I shot Hank James.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Jeff.

[Jeff Harris]

But the sheriff, he knows Terry works

[The Lone Ranger]

hand in glove with Steel.

[Jeff Harris]

Why the low down coyote?

[The Lone Ranger]

Now listen to me, Jeff. You've got to risk your neck to establish your innocence, huh? As matters stand, you're out of jail. But you'll always be a hunted man.

[Jeff Harris]

I know.

[The Lone Ranger]

If you risk hanging to help me, we can expose Steele and Sheriff Kerry. And you can return home unmolested.

[Jeff Harris]

Be with my wife again.

[The Lone Ranger]

And I Can count on you?

[Jeff Harris]

You bet, Mr. Good.

[The Lone Ranger]

Holloway and Hawkins said the same thing. That makes five of us.

[Jeff Harris]

Yeah, five. Five against Steele and his whole rotten.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes.

[Jeff Harris]

Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. A few days later, a stranger entered Steel's bank and walked to the teller's window. He was well, but conservatively dressed, suggesting a man of means. And in his hand he carried a small black bag. Setting the bag on the floor beside him, he withdrew from it a thick package of banknotes. Then presented the bills together with a slip at the teller's window.

[Jeff Harris]

I want to make a deposit.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Surely, surely, stranger. How much?

[The Lone Ranger]

$10,000.

[Jeff Harris]

Here's a slip I filled out.

[Sheriff Kerry]

10,000. That's a lot of cash.

[Jeff Harris]

I'm planning to open a business here.

[Sheriff Kerry]

I'll have to get this approved by the boss and be back in a minute.

[Jeff Harris]

Mr. Seale.

[Banker Steele]

What do you want?

[Sheriff Kerry]

A man here wants to make a deposit. $10,000.

[Banker Steele]

How much?

[Sheriff Kerry]

$10,000.

[Banker Steele]

10,000.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Here's the slip.

[Banker Steele]

Lean Brand.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Shall I put the deposit through?

[Banker Steele]

Certainly. Put it through. What do I hire you for? Here, let me sign that paper.

[Jeff Harris]

Yes, sir.

[Banker Steele]

Here you are. 10,000 steel. Some stranger is making a deposit. Carrie. $10,000. If I could count on you, I could clean up Steel.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I've done all a man can.

[Banker Steele]

You sure messed things up at the jail the other night. You and them dunderheads I told to help.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Who was that masked man again?

[Banker Steele]

I know that. And this time he turned Jeff Harris loose. That makes three escapes, Carrie.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

You don't have to worry, Steele. They won't show their faces in town again. They know they'd be arrested if they did. And you already took their bank deposits.

[Banker Steele]

Even so, if one of your prisoners

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

escapes again, next one won't get away. I promise you that.

[Banker Steele]

There won't be a next one carrying unless.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Unless what?

[Banker Steele]

Unless we can frame the stranger that just came into the bank.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

$10,000 is a lot of money.

[Banker Steele]

Yes, but first we get gunfire. Give my side.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Maybe we can see from this window

[Banker Steele]

it's a stranger.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

He's bending over an engine.

[Banker Steele]

Yes, and the engine's been shot. Carry that 10,000 as good as mine.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

What do you mean?

[Banker Steele]

We'll railroad the stranger to a hang new so fast it'll make his head swim. Come on.

[Narrator]

Hurrying to the street, Sheriff Carrey and Steel elbowed their way through the gathering crowd. Angry voice. Voices rose as the crowd saw the inert form Of a grave faced Indian dressed in buckskin on the ground and a stranger standing over him. Then, before their anger could be expressed in action, the sheriff and banker Steele pushed their way into the center of the crowded circle.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Make way for the sheriff.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Ranger, you're under arrest.

[Jeff Harris]

What for?

[Sheriff Kerry]

Murder.

[Jeff Harris]

I didn't shoot this engine, Sheriff.

[Banker Steele]

He was standing over him.

[Jeff Harris]

I ran to see if I could help him.

[Banker Steele]

Funny, nobody else did.

[Jeff Harris]

Nobody else was around.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Sure, just you and the engine. So you shot him. Let me have your gun.

[Jeff Harris]

I tell you, I found him there on the ground.

[Banker Steele]

This engine's the one who helped free their murderers.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Kelly.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Darn if he ain't. Name's Tano or something.

[Banker Steele]

Yeah, there's two bullet holes in this jacket.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

That settles it, stranger.

[Jeff Harris]

What?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

There's two bullets missing from your gun.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Well, that's a lie.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

I never touch him, Steel. Like as not, you'll find the shells on them.

[Banker Steele]

Glad to oblige.

[Jeff Harris]

Car. I'll see here.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

You better hold your tongue, mister. Anything you say can be used against you.

[Jeff Harris]

I'll tell you I'm innocent.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

We'll let the court decide that. Find anything, Steel?

[Banker Steele]

Just a piece of paper.

[Jeff Harris]

Hey, give me that. That's my bank receipt.

[Banker Steele]

You're mistaken, mister. This is nothing but a scrap of paper.

[Jeff Harris]

It's a receipt for money I deposit.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Shut up.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Didn't find any shells, huh, Steele?

[Banker Steele]

No, Carrie. I guess he threw him away.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Yeah, well, that way there'd be less evidence. We got enough to hang him already.

[Jeff Harris]

You're framing me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Both of you.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Mast the masked man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put your hands up.

[Banker Steele]

Kerry. If he takes this prisoner from me, you're through.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Put on them guns. You're. You're obstructing justice.

[The Lone Ranger]

Obstructing justice? You should know all about that, Sheriff. You and Steve fire. You what?

[Banker Steele]

Remember Carrie, if he takes the prisoner, if you let him get away.

[The Lone Ranger]

I come for the prisoner this time. Easy, big fella. Aim for my friend. Come on, T. I'll get you out of here.

[Sheriff Kerry]

How's your chance? Kerry? Jeffy, quick.

[The Lone Ranger]

Watch yourself, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Shoot him. Shoot your fool.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go ahead, Sheriff. Shoot me in the back. Steady, big fella.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Hey, you. Slow moving moss horn. Confound you, Sheriff.

[Banker Steele]

You let him get away.

[Narrator]

Carrying Tonto astride the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger raced back to the camp. When he arrived, the three fugitives he had saved from Sheriff Carey's justice. We're waiting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy. You did a perfect job, Toddo.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Them plenty fooled.

[Jeff Harris]

How'd it come out?

[Sheriff Kerry]

What happened? Did it work?

[The Lone Ranger]

Everything went as planned. They were so anxious to arrest Brandt, they glanced at the bullet holes in Totto's jacket and took it for granted that he was shot.

[Jeff Harris]

Can you beat that?

[Sheriff Kerry]

That proves the sheriff's a crook.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can't wait to get my hands on that coyote. Steele robbed Brandt of his bank receipt.

[Jeff Harris]

Sheriff took mine.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Mine too.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those receipts was our only claim to having cash in the bank. Now Steel's got them. He won't have them long.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Them try to hang Brandt, Brandt won't

[The Lone Ranger]

have a chance at the trial. What'll we do when the case comes up? We'll give Steel and the sheriff the biggest surprise of their lives.

[Narrator]

Brandt's trial was set for the following afternoon at the insistence of Steel, who was anxious to claim Brandt's $10,000 bank account as quickly as possible. Attracted by the unusual circumstances of the trial, a record crowd thronged the courtroom. A jury had been hastily summoned and the witnesses, as was expected by the Lone Ranger, were picked by Steele. Brandt heard first one man, then another take the stand and swear to lies against him and saw Brandt pull his

[The Lone Ranger]

gun and shoot the redskin.

[Jeff Harris]

That's all, you, Honor. Judge. Judge, that man lies.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Brandt ran. Sit down. You're out of order.

[Jeff Harris]

My gun wasn't even fired.

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Don't believe him, Judge. I found two bullets missing.

[Jeff Harris]

Sure they were missing. You took them from a gun yourself. You know you did.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, that's a lie.

[Sheriff Kerry]

It ain't a lie.

[Jeff Harris]

As heaven's my witness, it's the truth. Everything those witnesses have said is a lie. A judge have got to believe me.

[Sheriff Kerry]

These men are hanging me.

[Narrator]

With amazing speed. Fake evidence was stacked against the man on trial. It was clear that Brandt had no hope of escaping the hangman's rope. Outside, watching the trial through a window, was a small group of men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Holloway. Yeah? Are those witnesses the same men who testified against you?

[Sheriff Kerry]

That's right.

[Banker Steele]

Me too.

[Jeff Harris]

Reckon they'd have testified against me if you hadn't broken me out of jail for first.

[Sheriff Kerry]

I'd like to go in there and throw them lies right back in their faces.

[Jeff Harris]

Yeah.

[Banker Steele]

When do we start?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not yet.

[Jeff Harris]

With the jury's filing out.

[The Lone Ranger]

When they return with a verdict, Grant will have his say.

[Jeff Harris]

But what good will it do?

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait and watch.

[Narrator]

Inside the courtroom, there was a low hum of excited voices punctuated by moments of tense expectancy as faces looked at the clock on the wall which seemed inexorably to take away Brandt's life. When the judge and the jury returned, the defendant's fate would be officially sealed. But in the minds of the people who sat there. The decision soon to be rendered was all too apparent. Already it called for the death penalty. Suddenly the jury filed back into the race room, their foreman holding tightly to the paper whose few simple words held Brandt's life in the balance.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict? We have, your honor. The defendant will stand and face the jury. The foreman will rise and read the verdict. We, the jury, in the case of the state versus Brandt, find the defendant guilty of murder. And the first degree is charged in the indictment. Your honor. There's the defendant. Something to say?

[Jeff Harris]

I want to address the court.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Well, make it short.

[Jeff Harris]

I've been guilty of killing a man who's not even been proved dead.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Order. Order in the court. Order. What do you mean by that? Brand? You heard the testimony of witnesses who examined the man and found him dead.

[Jeff Harris]

I'll show you what I mean, Judge. My friends are taking over.

[The Lone Ranger]

All of you stay seated.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Won't anybody make a move?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

Come ask Grant.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Glory B. Kerry. Sheriff Kelly. There's Jeff Harris, one of the escaped prisoners. Order. Order. In the corner. Order.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you'll see more of the escaped prisoners. Holloway, Hawkins, bring in the Indian.

[Sheriff Kerry]

We're coming.

[Jeff Harris]

Here we come.

[The Lone Ranger]

With the engine on a stretcher.

[Sheriff Kerry]

There's the other two fugitives. Holloway and Huckins. Arrest those men.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay right where you are.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Judge, what sort of a trial is this?

[The Lone Ranger]

Be quiet, Steele. Everyone be quiet. Give me that gavel.

[Sheriff Kerry]

All right

[The Lone Ranger]

now, Judge, ask the witnesses if this is the engine Brandt killed.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Step up and answer the question. Is that engine on the stretcher the one?

[The Lone Ranger]

Let me have a look.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Yep, that's him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, do you agree?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

That's the engine, all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steel, you take a look.

[Banker Steele]

Sure, it's him. What about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Stand up, Tullo.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Me not dead. Me not even hurt. We've been frayed over a double cross.

[Jeff Harris]

Quiet.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Quiet.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judge, every one of the witnesses lied heading.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Sure, Jeff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where was Collins when he said he saw Branch shoot?

[Jeff Harris]

In the cafe playing Pharaoh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Holloway, where was Carson?

[Sheriff Kerry]

He was at the blacksmith's. Brown was there with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

And Baird was home in bed. Judge. Judge, those same witnesses testified against all of these men.

[Jeff Harris]

They were paid to lie by steel. He wanted our money.

[Sheriff Kerry]

That ain't true.

[Jeff Harris]

Am I right? Speak up or you'll be jailed for perjury.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe one of you can turn state's evidence.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Steele paid us to lie. I'll tell about it. I've been framed.

[The Lone Ranger]

That it's a frame up, Steele.

[Jeff Harris]

But you framed it. You fake murder evidence against three fugitives. For the same reason you did me. To claim their bank deposits.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Prove it, Grant. You prove it.

[Jeff Harris]

You deny I deposited $10,000 in your bank?

[Sheriff Kerry]

I do.

[Banker Steele]

All my deposit is get a receipt for the money.

[Jeff Harris]

I've got one, too, Steele.

[Banker Steele]

You're bluffing, Brant.

[Sheriff Kerry]

You know, dog, the receipt you took

[Jeff Harris]

from me was a copy. Steele. The real receipt is here, signed with your name.

[Sheriff Kerry]

I've heard enough, Steele. I'm appointing an honest lawman to investigate you and the sheriff right now.

[The Lone Ranger]

You needn't appoint anyone. Judge, the United States Marshal is here to take charge.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Well, where is he?

[The Lone Ranger]

His name is Grant Deal. He's arresting you and the sheriff for murder.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Murder?

[The Lone Ranger]

Murder? The men you accused Holloway, Hawkins and Harris of killing?

[Deputy or Associate of Banker Steele]

That's a hanging charge.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Yeah, but he's gonna spring the cap on me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put down that gun.

[Banker Steele]

Hey, look it up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good work, Toto. They won't eat us now. Come on.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Wait. Hold up there. Who are those men? That mask man, masked man.

[Jeff Harris]

Judge, he's the Lone Ranger.

[Sheriff Kerry]

Glory be.

[Banker Steele]

Sam. It's sam.

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

[Sheriff Kerry]

It.