Murder Masters | The Lone Ranger (11-04-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Murder Masters" | The Lone Ranger (11-04-42)

Main Theme

In this classic episode, “Murder Masters,” the Lone Ranger and his trusted companion Tonto ride again to right a grave wrong: clearing the name of Steve Hawkins, a man falsely accused and convicted of murder. Through suspense, action, and clever investigation, the Lone Ranger uncovers a frame-up and brings the true killers to justice, reaffirming his role as the West’s greatest champion for law and order.

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Episode Summary

1. Setting the Stage (04:08–06:00)

• Narrator introduces the Lone Ranger and Tonto as defenders of justice in the early Western U.S.
• The Lone Ranger arrives in town to speak with Sheriff Parmalee, carrying a pardon for fugitive Steve Hawkins, wrongly convicted of murder.
• Before reaching the sheriff, the Lone Ranger is ambushed by Pete and Jake, two of the men involved in the original accusation.
  • Quote:
    “No masked man can gun for our sheriff! You missed. Oh, here’s another...” – Mort “The Weasel” (05:20)
• Sheriff Parmalee intervenes, and the Lone Ranger presents the governor’s pardon for Steve Hawkins.
  • Quote:
    ”Steve Hawkins never committed a crime.” – Lone Ranger (06:37)

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2. Exposing the Frame (06:40–10:24)

• The Lone Ranger explains Steve was framed by three witnesses (Jake, Pete, and Mort "The Weasel") and needs to return to clear his name.
• Sheriff Parmalee spreads the news, and tensions rise as it’s revealed the witnesses may be the true murderers.
  • Quote:
    “But if he didn’t do the murder, then the witnesses lied at the trial.” – Betty Hawkins (10:02)

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3. The Ambush and Growing Suspicion (11:14–16:30)

• Sheriff and posse search for Jake and Pete, but they have taken pursuit to ambush the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Steve Hawkins in the Badlands.
• Jake and Pete possess stolen jewelry, key evidence tying them to the murder and theft.
  • Quote:
    “He got it from Steve. Steve got it from the redskins...That’s proof that we’re the ones that drilled that couple.” – Jake (11:58)
• In the cave, Steve Hawkins—traumatized from years of hiding—refuses to trust anyone, even at gunpoint.
  • Quote:
    "I don't trust anyone. Not anyone." – Steve Hawkins (12:44)

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4. Trust, Betrayal, and the Showdown (18:30–21:42)

• Tonto and the Lone Ranger struggle to convince Steve they are true friends. To prove their loyalty and dispel suspicion, a dangerous test ensues:
  • Tonto attempts to walk into the open as a target, but the Lone Ranger steps in, risking himself first.
  • Steve finally realizes he can trust them:
    • Quote:
      "Great gophers. You was on the level all the time." – Steve Hawkins (19:26)
• The Lone Ranger deduces that Mort “The Weasel” is the missing link who warned Jake and Pete about the pardon and orchestrated the ambush.

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5. Dramatic Capture and Unmasking the Real Killers (22:13–29:41)

• The Lone Ranger tracks down “The Weasel” (Mort) at the state office and brings him to town for confrontation.
  • Quote:
    "I wanted to be sure he was one of the witnesses against Steve Hawkins.” – Lone Ranger (23:22)
• Jake and Pete conspire to silence Weasel before he can confess.
• In a tense hotel back stairway encounter, the trio—Jake, Pete, and Mort—are captured by Steve and the Lone Ranger and taken to Sheriff Parmalee.
• Q&A with The Weasel reveals his reluctance, but the threat of being left alone with his dangerous accomplices forces his hand:
  • Quote:
    "Don't let him out. Keep them jailed." – Mort "The Weasel" (28:32)
  • He confesses: Jake and Pete were the murderers, he was forced to help frame Steve, and the jewelry is located for evidence.

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6. Resolution, Reunion, and Justice Restored (29:17–29:41)

• Sheriff Parmalee, Tonto, and the Lone Ranger ensure justice as Jake and Pete are sent to trial with Mort’s confession and the jewelry as evidence.
• Steve Hawkins finally returns home to an emotional reunion with his daughter, Betty.
  • Quote:
    "Steve has waited a long time to hear that, Tonto." – Lone Ranger (29:31)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride out, their work done.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Steve Hawkins’ Isolation & Paranoia:
  "I don't trust anyone. Not anyone." (12:44)
• The Test of Loyalty:
  "Show yourself. If they shoot at you, I'll know you're on the square with me." – Steve Hawkins (15:36)
• The Weasel’s Breakdown and Confession:
  "I lied in court. Steve never had a hand in the murder. Don't let 'em out. Keep 'em in jail till they hang." – Mort (28:56)
• Lone Ranger’s Dedication:
  "You are a free man. If you don't keep out of sight, you'll be a dead one. Jake and Pete will be gunning for you." – Lone Ranger (21:42)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:08] – Introduction to the Lone Ranger and setup of Steve Hawkins’ case
• [05:00] – Ambush outside the sheriff’s office
• [06:37] – Presentation of Steve’s pardon
• [10:02] – Betty Hawkins learns the witnesses lied
• [11:58] – Jake and Pete reveal possession of stolen jewelry
• [12:44] – Steve displays deep mistrust, reluctant to return to town
• [19:26] – Steve’s trust in the Lone Ranger is finally earned
• [23:00] – The Lone Ranger brings Mort (the Weasel) to the sheriff
• [28:56] – Mort’s breakdown confession sealing Jake and Pete’s fate
• [29:31] – Emotional reunion between Steve and his daughter
• [29:40] – The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic Western tone, filled with stark dialogue, tension, and moral clarity. The Lone Ranger’s steady, authoritative voice contrasts with the clipped, sometimes desperate words of the guilty men. Emotional moments—such as Steve’s return and Mort's confession—are delivered with genuine feeling and high stakes.

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In Summary

“Murder Masters” is a thrilling tale of justice undone and redone, with the Lone Ranger orchestrating the exposure of a deadly frame-up through courage, loyalty, and sharp wits. The drama builds through suspenseful showdowns, the unraveling of lies, and ultimately a heartfelt reunion, true to the enduring spirit of the Old Time Radio Western.

Transcript

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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 in a hearty high Old Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Lady Luck]

Hey everybody.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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 Silver, the Lone Ranger Rides again.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Come on, Silver. There's danger on the trail ahead. Oh, Silver.

[Jake]

Hoy.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger reined up at the hitch rack in front of Sheriff Parmalee's office. Two men waiting around the corner of the building watched the masked man dismount and tossed ninja.

[Pete]

No question about it, Pete.

[Jake]

We've got to get him, Jake, before he talks to the sheriff. Stand ready to jump him.

[Pete]

I'm set. Rat faced Wilf had his facts straight.

[Jake]

I thought the weasel was mistaken when he said the Lone Ranger was heading this way.

[Pete]

He weren't mistaken. Get ready. Now.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Chump him. All right, crack him.

[Lady Luck]

Get him.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Hold on.

[Jake]

Turn him this way.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I'll get him.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I don't like being turned that way.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I'll show you. No masked man can gun for our sheriff. You missed. Oh, here's another. You won't get me that way. I'll fix you. Too slow.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Hey there. What's going on? Get your hands up. Hoist him.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Get your guns away. Parmalee.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Hey. Shit.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Get your hands in to see you. Those two wanted to change my plans.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

They both held cold.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Go on inside. We'll. We'll talk there.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

But I got the drop on you. I told you to dress sheriff with a full lip.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Now sit down there.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Now you look here. When I point a shooting eye at a man, I want his hands to raise. I'm hanged if ever I saw you.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You wouldn't shoot a man who didn't raise his hands. You're not that kind of a lawman. I'd like to know why those two jumped me. But that can wait. Here, read this.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

What you got there?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Signed by the governor of the state.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Well, so it is. Jumping jingle bobs.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You remember Steve Hawkins, don't you?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Like I remember my own name. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to hang. Then he escaped. Now this paper gives him a free pardon. If he's found. He can go back here and take up his life again.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

That's right.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

But he can't be found. He's gone from these parts. He ain't been seen in four years. We had a reward for his capture, but he's never been found.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

He'll be found.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

You know where he is?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, I've talked to him.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

How long since?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Not long ago. And I talked to him again. I'll tell him to come back.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

How'd you angle his pardon?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steve Hawkins never committed a crime.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

The evidence was against him.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, three men testified against him. That was all the evidence there was.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Yes, but three witnesses is a plenty to hang a man When I talked

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

to Steve, he told me he thought he could name the real murderers. But he didn't dare come back to town. Knew he'd be shot on sight.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Likely he would have been.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

When Steve has a chance to tell what he's learned, you'll have evidence enough to convict the men who did the killing.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

There was a lot of gold and jewelry stolen.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Any chance of recovering that stuff?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Probably some of it.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

All right. I've noted the pardon and I'll post the news. You say you can find Steve?

[Steve Hawkins]

Yes.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

He'll be here in a short time.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Short time? Does that mean a few hours or a few days?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Possibly tomorrow. Maybe a couple of days. Say, who are the men who jumped on me when I started toward your door?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Jake and Pete.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Jake Maxim and Pete Whitcomb.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

You know him?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Two of the witnesses at the trial.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

That so? Come to think of it, those two were the witnesses.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Thanks, Sheriff. I'll see you again. Well, still waiting around, eh? Why don't you two try again?

[Pete]

Now you see

[Sheriff Parmalee]

me alone.

[Jake]

I ain't started nothing.

[Pete]

You just make him leave us alone, that's all.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You two seem mighty anxious to keep me from calling on the sheriff.

[Pete]

Well, we only want.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

That is, I wonder if you didn't have some information about my visit.

[Pete]

I don't know what you mean.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Did you know why I went to see the sheriff?

[Pete]

How could we know?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Then why did you hide back of the building and jump me? Well, we, that is, and you, Pete. You were reaching for my pocket while Jake was trying to get at me.

[Jake]

I wasn't doing anything of the sort.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Are you sure you didn't want the governor's pardon, boys?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Where did you jump him when he was masked?

[Pete]

We thought he was an outlaw.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You find it better to jump on a man's back, huh, instead of getting the drop on him? I see you two again, maybe you started something that I'll finish.

[Narrator]

After the Lone Ranger left the town, the sheriff gave Pete and Jake a talking to and then went to the small ranch where Betty Hawkins lived alone.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

I've sure brought good news for you, Betty. It's about your father.

[Lady Luck]

My. My father's dead.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

That's a story you've stuck to all these years, honey. But it's not the true fact. Your PA is alive and kicking and he's been hiding out near here.

[Lady Luck]

No such thing. Why are you coming here to tell me this?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Look, he's been pardoned by the governor of the state.

[Lady Luck]

That's a lie.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Here, read this, buddy. It's true. As true as I'm standing here, you're

[Lady Luck]

only trying to trick me into telling where he is. Well, I don't know where he is.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

You don't? Don't need to. Lone Ranger's gonna get him.

[Lady Luck]

The Lone Ranger?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Well, I didn't let on I knew who he was, but he's the man. Seems like Steve must have got evidence against the ones that framed him for the murder of that old man and his wife. The evidence was enough to convince the governor of the state.

[Lady Luck]

Oh, Sheriff. Sheriff Parmalee, don't lie to me. If you only knew how much it means to me.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

I'm not lying to you, honey. I'm telling the truth. Your PA is a free man.

[Lady Luck]

But if he didn't do the murder, then the witnesses lied at the trial.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Yep.

[Lady Luck]

That'd mean that the witnesses were likely the ones that done the murder.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Hey, Cinder, that's so. Great guns. Why didn't I think of that? Jake and Pete, not other critter at the trial. The Weasel Face one.

[Lady Luck]

Do they know Pa's coming out of hiding?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

They know all about it. That's why they jumped the Lone Ranger. They wanted to get the pardon away from him. Great guns. They'll be after him. I've got to travel fast.

[Lady Luck]

Sheriff, what'll they do?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

They can only hang once. They'll kill to keep your PA from getting here. But get up there. Get up.

[Narrator]

The sheriff hurried to his office, reined up and shouted at a group of men sitting on the porch.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Where's Jake? Where's Pete? We don't know. Where'd they go?

[Jake]

Oh, no.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Didn't say.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Well, boys, we've got to find those two. Get your horses and hunt for them.

[Narrator]

All day the sheriff hunted for Jake and Pete without success. Those two had already left town and ridden into the badlands where hooves made no tracks on the hard rock.

[Pete]

We'll manage to keep him in sight, Pete, and keep out of sight ourselves.

[Jake]

Yeah, there's plenty of big rocks.

[Pete]

Wait up.

[Jake]

Look back at this rock.

[Pete]

See him? Yep.

[Jake]

Resting his horse way off yonder.

[Pete]

Pete, we got nothing to worry about. There ain't no evidence against.

[Jake]

There is. Listen, Jake, I ain't had the chance to tell you.

[Pete]

Look at this jewelry. Where'd you get that from?

[Jake]

The Lone Ranger.

[Pete]

But Pete did some of the stuff we got.

[Jake]

I know when we got it. This is the worthless junk we swapped to those redskins.

[Pete]

Yeah, had the Lone Ranger guy.

[Jake]

Don't you savvy? He got it from Steve. Steve got it from the redskins. And they likely told Him. They got it from us. That's proof that we're the ones that drilled that couple.

[Pete]

How'd you get it from the Lone Ranger?

[Jake]

I was trying to get the pardon off him while we fought. I got this instead. This is what he showed the governor to get the pardon.

[Pete]

Well, there's probably more of it.

[Jake]

That's why we got awaylay the Lone Ranger. And Steve got to drill them both before they hit town.

[Pete]

Come on. He's moving forward again.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Get up, boys. Come on, get up.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger reached a cave at twilight. He joined Tonto and the man who for four years had been a fugitive.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I turned your pardon over to the sheriff, Steve.

[Steve Hawkins]

I wish you hadn't.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Why?

[Steve Hawkins]

I'd like to have seen it.

[Jake]

You not trust Lone Ranger?

[Steve Hawkins]

I don't trust anyone. Not anyone.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You have my word for it, Steve. The sheriff has posted the news. You're a free man.

[Jake]

I don't know.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You can start back for town right now, Steve. Your friends are waiting for you.

[Steve Hawkins]

It's a trick.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Trick? It's no trick at all, Steve.

[Steve Hawkins]

You're on the side of law and order. You do anything to get a fugitive in jail.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Oh, you're wrong.

[Jake]

Him never lie to get crook.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

All you've got to do is go back, accuse those lying witnesses, and the truth will come out.

[Steve Hawkins]

Where's the evidence I gave you?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Here.

[Jake]

I have.

[Steve Hawkins]

Where is it? Let me have that jewelry.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I thought it was in his pipe.

[Steve Hawkins]

You ain't got it. It's gone. You turned it over to someone, Steve.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

We'll find it, Alistair.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I won't move.

[Steve Hawkins]

I won't go back. It's all a trick to get me to surrender. That's all it is, a trick. I'll go back to hang.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

They aren't going to hang you, Steve. Betty, is there Your daughter, Betty?

[Steve Hawkins]

What's she like?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

She's trying to hang on to the farm, Steve. But she needs you. She needs her father.

[Steve Hawkins]

If only I could be sure it ain't a trick to get me.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Take my word for it.

[Jake]

It's Lone Ranger, good friend.

[Steve Hawkins]

Give me your guns.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

And the belt.

[Steve Hawkins]

The gun belt. Let me have that too. The belt with the guns. And you, Tono, give me your gun belt, too.

[Jake]

Oh, why you want that?

[Steve Hawkins]

Give it to me. They dreaded. Maybe I'm touching being out here alone

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

for so many years.

[Steve Hawkins]

But I don't trust anyone.

[Jake]

All right.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Here, Steve, take my gun belt. Give him yours, Tuttle. Now, why do you want them?

[Steve Hawkins]

I'll tell you why. It's because. Because I'M going to be on a guard against a trap.

[Jake]

You ready?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Start now.

[Steve Hawkins]

Get going.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steve, can you ride the horse we brought you?

[Steve Hawkins]

I'd ride a razorback to get back home.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Home?

[Steve Hawkins]

I never thought I'd be going home again. You sure you ain't double crossing me?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Come, Steve. You're not being double crossed. We'll start now and be home by.

[Pete]

Pete. Keep that horse quiet. Eric.

[Jake]

Coming, Jake. See him? There's just enough light left.

[Pete]

I see him. Got your rifle ready? Yeah. Take the Lone Ranger. I'll get Tano. And then we'll both fire on Steve Hawkins.

[Jake]

Right.

[Pete]

Pizza. Doggone fool.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You said to shoot, but you fired too soon.

[Jake]

You missed.

[Pete]

You gave him a warning. But I thought. Ah, you thought.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Look at them.

[Pete]

They've ducked back at those rocks now.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

We lost our best chance at them.

[Jake]

They can't stay back at those rocks forever.

[Steve Hawkins]

So that's it. That's the story here. I should trust the Lone Ranger?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steve, listen to me.

[Steve Hawkins]

I did listen to you. I listened to you and walked right into a trap. You got men in wait for me. That's what you got. They're waiting a chance to kill me to get the reward.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I tell you, I didn't know those men were there.

[Steve Hawkins]

You lied. Listen to me. If you're lying, I'll kill you with your own gun. Now go on out there. Show yourself.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Show myself?

[Steve Hawkins]

You heard me. Step out behind this rock. If they shoot at you, I'll know you're on the square with me. If they don't shoot at you by sunder, I will wait.

[Jake]

Me go.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

No, Taro.

[Steve Hawkins]

I don't care which, but one of you is going out there. Prano. I'll find out if you're leading me into a trap. I thought this was too good to be true. That was a slick story. For a time I believed you.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I'll prove he told the truth, Steve.

[Jake]

You wait.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Tato.

[Jake]

He got rope. Me rope you?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Imosabe. This isn't your job. I'm the one to go.

[Jake]

Me not let you go. Tanto go.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Me get killed.

[Jake]

It not matter. You die. That Clebby band and there rope hold you for a minute Now. Tanto, go out and shelter a rock.

[Steve Hawkins]

Be quick about it, dad. Ready? Get going. You don't get shot by those skunks yonder. You'll get shot by me.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

of our Lone Ranger story.

[Steve Hawkins]

Before the next exciting scenes.

[Narrator]

Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Geico Customer]

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[Sheriff Parmalee]

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[Lady Luck]

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[Steve Hawkins]

10 bucks for 30.

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[Geico Advertiser]

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[Jake]

Car. Car.

[Geico Advertiser]

Unfortunately, that lost feeling is what it's like trying to manage your policy with other insurers here.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Car.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Please.

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[Geico Tagline Speaker]

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[Geico Tagline Speaker]

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[Lady Luck]

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. After convincing Steve Hawkins that he should return to town and face a murder charge of which he is innocent, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Steve were ambushed on the trail. Taking cover behind a sheltering rock, Hawkins threatened the masked man and the Indian with death unless they faced the rifle fire of the outlaws. To prove that the ambush was not a trick, Tonto quickly roped and tied the Lone Ranger and prepared to face death alone.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Tahlo. One minute.

[Jake]

What you want?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Come here just a minute before you step out.

[Jake]

What matter? Me make ropes too tight?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

No, Talo, not tight enough. Sorry, Toto, but if anyone's going to be shot, I'm going to be the one.

[Steve Hawkins]

Make up your mind. I'm getting ready to do some shooting my own self.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You'll not have long to wait to learn the truth.

[Steve Hawkins]

Show yourself.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Right.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Throw it to the ground.

[Steve Hawkins]

Great day. You did tell me the truth. They get you, son. They get you.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

No, Steve.

[Steve Hawkins]

Great gophers. You was on the level all the time.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I hope you're satisfied. Let me look at Toto.

[Steve Hawkins]

You sure cracked him a stiff one on the chin.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Let me have that canteen.

[Steve Hawkins]

Here.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Sorry, Tano, but it had to be Done.

[Steve Hawkins]

Is he hurt bad?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I'm just knocked out. Steady, Tonto. You're all right.

[Jake]

I mean rope.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You.

[Jake]

Me go out.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Forget it. It's all over. Steve's convinced we're his friends.

[Jake]

Me go out.

[Pete]

What?

[Steve Hawkins]

What happened?

[Jake]

You. You hit Tonto.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, Tonto.

[Jake]

Oh, me savvy.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Take a drink from this canteen.

[Steve Hawkins]

What do we do now? Those critters have the trail cut off.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

As soon as it gets dark, we'll circle them and get back to town.

[Steve Hawkins]

Can we do it?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes.

[Jake]

Steve.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Who?

[Jake]

Fire.

Shot.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Are you all right now, Tana?

[Jake]

Oh, me all right. You hit plenty hard. But Tanto got plenty hard chin too.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, Kiwisave. Well, I got a quick look at the man who fired. It was Jake, one of the men who jumped on me at the sheriff's office.

[Steve Hawkins]

Jake, one of the witnesses again?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Me, Steve, there were three witnesses.

[Steve Hawkins]

That's right. Jake and Pete and the Weasel.

[Pete]

Who?

[Steve Hawkins]

The Weasel. That's what they call Mort. Rat face. Yellow Pole Kid, if there ever was one. Where is he when he skipped town right after the trial.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Tahlor, I wonder if this fellow called the Weasel found out what we were planning and got word of Jake and Pete.

[Jake]

Now, how him find out?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I don't know. Those two surely knew why I was calling on the sheriff.

[Steve Hawkins]

It seems so. But see here. Well, the evidence I had was that jewelry. The jewelry you had. Now it's gone. I got no evidence left.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I'm convinced those two are the murderers, Steve. And there's some way to prove it.

[Steve Hawkins]

I'd like to get my hands on the skinny neck of that Rat Tooth Weasel.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

What's that?

[Steve Hawkins]

I said I'd like to get my hands on that.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Did you say Rat Tooth?

[Steve Hawkins]

Mort's front teeth point out and come together like a rat.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steve, tell me more about him. Tell me all about Mort. Everything you know. How big is he? How does he talk? What colors his hair? Tell me everything. I think he's working in the state office. If he is, he would know about the pardon. He would have sent word to Jake and Pete. The Weasel is there. I'm going after him.

[Narrator]

Darkness enveloped the Badlands, and in its shelter the masked man prepared the mighty Silver for a long trip.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

That is Silver.

[Jake]

Easy, boy.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

We're traveling. Toto, it's up to you to get Steve into town.

[Jake]

Me do it now.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Wait here until total darkness and you'll be able to circle those two.

[Steve Hawkins]

Why not shoot it out with the ornery buzzards?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

They've got to stand trial for murder now.

[Jake]

What me doing Town.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steady, Silver. Keep Steve out of sight.

[Steve Hawkins]

Out of sight? I thought I was to be a free man.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You are a free man. If you don't keep out of sight, you'll be a dead one. Jake and Pete will be gunning for you.

[Steve Hawkins]

Can't I even see my daughter? Betty?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Easy, Silver. A couple of days won't make any difference. You have to stay hidden until we're ready for you. I'll check with you. Tado. Easy, big fella. Come on, Silver.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

There he goes.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

A few days later they haven't found any sign of you for the Ed.

[Lady Luck]

Tell me the truth, Sheriff. What's happened to him?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

I don't know. That's the truth.

[Lady Luck]

Those. Those two men are back in town.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Jake and Pete. Yes, I know they are.

[Lady Luck]

Pa was the only one who had evidence against them.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Yep.

[Lady Luck]

Then they've killed him, haven't they?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Miss Betty, I would.

[Lady Luck]

Please tell me the truth. I. I can stand anything better than this uncertainty.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Betty, I don't think they got him.

[Lady Luck]

Why do you say that?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Your PA was with the Lone Ranger.

[Lady Luck]

Do you know that for a fact?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

The Lone Ranger said he'd bring him to town. My bets are that he will.

[Lady Luck]

Then why hasn't he done so? Where is he?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

I've told you all I know, honey. Now you'll just have to be patient.

[Narrator]

HOOVES CLATTER Horse was brought to a halt outside the house. The sheriff leaped toward the door.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Silver.

[Lady Luck]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Is that the Lone Ranger?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

They told me you were here, Sheriff. I brought something to show you. Down you go.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Who you got there?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Man who used to live in town. Go on, Weasel.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Weasel.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I want you to take a look at him, Sheriff. Identify him.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Now see here, you got nothing against me. I'm a law abiding citizen. Sheriff, you got to make this m. Man. Let me go.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

It's been a long time since I had to look at you.

[Lady Luck]

Why did you bring that man here?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I wanted to be sure he was one of the witnesses against Steve Hawkins.

[Lady Luck]

Where's my father?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

He's safe.

[Lady Luck]

Where is he?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Please tell me he's hidden so Jake and Pete can't kill him.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Where'd you bring that? Here. I thought the town was rid of it.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Now see here, Sheriff.

[Jake]

Sheriff.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Jake and Pete knew about my coming here with a pardon. The only way they could have learned about it was from someone in the office of the state where the pardon was issued. This man was working there.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

So that's where you been.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

One of the three witnesses against Steve Hawkins. Are you Mort? Let's have the truth.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I Don't know nothing.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Isn't it true that you lied in court?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

No.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Didn't you know that Jake and Pete were the killers? Didn't they make you help build a case against Steve Hawkins?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

No, no, honest. Oh, please, let me go.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Didn't they threaten to kill you too if you didn't help convict Steve? Didn't they make you leave town?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I don't know what you're talking about, Sheriff. Make him let me go.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Jake and Pete aren't the killers. Why did they try to murder Steve before he came to town with evidence against them?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I don't know what to tell you.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You weren't working with him. Why did you tell him about me?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Sheriff, he dragged me here bodily. He abducted me.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

All right, all right. You won't squeal. I'll have to let you go.

[Lady Luck]

Is that all you're going to say?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, for the present. Go on, Weasel. You'll have to spend the night in town. A way to get a horse till morning

[Sheriff Parmalee]

there, Moose, before I forget him. A lawman who step on you,

[Pete]

Pete. You gotta work fast. Come with me, Jake.

[Jake]

I just ordered another drink.

[Pete]

Don't mind that. The cafe will always be here. Weasel's in town.

[Narrator]

What?

[Pete]

Yeah, I just learned of it. He's got a room in the hotel.

[Jake]

That yellow rat face will squeal as sure as time to.

[Pete]

Sure he will. We gotta fix him. Make sure he don't get him out of town. Out of town? Then do what we should have done in the first place. Fix him permanent. Let's go get him.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Who's here?

[Pete]

Open up.

[Narrator]

Mort.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Jake.

[Lady Luck]

Pete.

[Pete]

Shut up.

[Jake]

Keep your trap closed and go down the back stairs.

[Steve Hawkins]

Boys.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I didn't know you who that is.

[Pete]

Save your prayers.

[Steve Hawkins]

Come in.

[Pete]

You come out. We got something to talk over with you. Why are you here in town?

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Well, there is the Lone Ranger.

[Pete]

He brought me squealing.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Oh, no, no. Honest, Jake, I didn't say a word.

[Jake]

Come on, we're going to take a walk in the moonlight.

[Pete]

Step along or I'll unhitch your arm. Down these back stairs and right outside.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Listen, let me talk. I swear I didn't say anything.

[Pete]

That don't prove you won't.

[Jake]

We can't take chances, Weasel. Open your face tl and I'll shove this knife right through your back.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Boys, I'm leaving town right away. They tried to question me. I didn't say a word.

[Jake]

Straight ahead now. Right out that door.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Please, boys, listen.

[Pete]

Shut up now. Go on.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Keep right on.

[Steve Hawkins]

You heard him.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Steve Hawkins.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Save the Talk. Take their guns.

[Jake]

Cut up me.

[Steve Hawkins]

Get him.

[Pete]

Now see here, Steve, Listen.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

It's great that you're free.

[Steve Hawkins]

Shut up.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I ain't done nothing.

[Steve Hawkins]

Nothing but send me to jail. Get going. The sheriff's in his office and he's waiting.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

All three of the witnesses together again, eh?

[Pete]

Now see here, Sheriff. That masked man's got a lot to account for. He brought me here at the point of a gun.

[Jake]

And me.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

And he brought me all the way

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

you and Pete got back to that

[Pete]

cell, they'll be hanged.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Up you move.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Hey, cut it off.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I'm a Goin. Now stop shoving me.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

What's the idea there? Well, then, Steve, your mayor's friend had better deliver. I've jailed those two. Where's the proof you get it for?

[Steve Hawkins]

Sheriff, I.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

The evidence was stolen from me, Sheriff. What?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

The evidence store.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

That's a lie.

[Jake]

He never had evidence.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

I had jewelry that those two traded to Indians. That jewelry came from the robbery. The evidence was sufficient to get the governor's pardon so Steve could return to town.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Maybe so. But without the evidence, how can I bring those two to trial?

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

If this man will confess his part, you'll have the evidence.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I didn't do anything, Sheriff. You questioned me before, Weasel.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You didn't have a part in the murder. But you knew that Jake and Pete were the killers, didn't you? You'll admit you lied at the trial and testify against those two. You might escape punishment.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Ain't got nothing to see.

[Pete]

Yeah, you see, you got nothing at all.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Again. Us. Well, you're dead there, Steve. Too bad. But it looks like we can't keep him in jail.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

No, you can't. We'll have to let them go, Sheriff. They're too smart for us. And they probably won't leave evidence when they get Weasel either.

[Steve Hawkins]

What?

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Who is he? Old. They'll probably frame poor Steve for that murder, too. Of course, there ain't no one will be sorry to see a poor cat like the Weasel wiped out.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Oh, stop talking like that.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Well, then lock the door.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

No, no, hold on. Don't let him out yet. Wait a few minutes.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

We can't keep him in jail.

[Pete]

Don't worry, Weasel.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

We won't hurt you. You can think it over, Weasel. Maybe when you're away from here, you can testify and collect the reward. Send your statement to the sheriff by mail when you get where Jake and Pete can't reach you.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

I won't squeal. Jake. Pete, listen to me.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

Here's my keys. I'll unlock the silver.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You have their guns Tado. Return them when the sheriff unlocks the door.

[Steve Hawkins]

Ah, me.

[Jake]

Do it.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

I'll let you out, Prodigy.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

No, wait, Chef, wait. Don't let him out there. Murder me.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

That'd be too bad.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

They can't be kept in jail without cause.

[Steve Hawkins]

Death ain't bad, Weasel. I tried four years of living as a hunted animal. Death would have been lots better.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Maybe you can outwit them, Weasel. You're a smart man.

[Steve Hawkins]

We'll give you a send off when you're planted in Boot Hill.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Wait, hold on, Shiv. You gotta keep from the out talk. You're totally right. If they'd done it. They killed him. They made me promise not to squeal. Don't let them out. Keep them jailed.

[Sheriff Parmalee]

We'll get you for that.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

You've got to have proof, Weasel.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

They've still got some of the jewelry. I'll tell you where it is. I'll tell you everything. I lied in court. Stephen never had a hand in the murder. Don't let him out. Keep him in jail till they hang. Oh, don't let him out. They'll steal me.

[Jake]

There are plenty evidence against the killers now.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, Toto, plenty. Look over there. Steve's at the door of his home. Betty's opening the door.

[Jake]

Ah, me see, dad.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Oh, dad, you've come home.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Steve has waited a long time to hear that totto.

[Jake]

That good. We ride now. Timusabi.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Yes, Toto. Come on, Silver.

[Jake]

Get him up. Scout, get him up.

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Oh, Silver.

[Lady Luck]

Away.

[Pete]

Sam,

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[Geico Customer]

When I scraped my car in that parking garage, I was worried that it could be a long process to take care of it. Like a landscaper's first day trimming a hedge maze.

[Steve Hawkins]

I have definitely already been here.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

Now, was it left right or right left? Well, maybe I'll cut a path out and find my way back later.

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But it wasn't like that. I filed a claim in under two minutes on the Geico app and they handled it from there. It was taken care of almost as quickly as it happened.

[Geico Tagline Speaker]

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[Lady Luck]

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[Pete]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Mort (The Weasel)]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com

[Pete]

Become one

[Andrew Rines]

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.

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[Geico Advertiser]

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