Murder Wears Skirts | The Lone Ranger (01-21-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – Episode Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: “Murder Wears Skirts” | The Lone Ranger (Aired: 01-21-42)
Date Released: January 12, 2026

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Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored version of “Murder Wears Skirts,” a classic Lone Ranger adventure originally broadcast in 1942. In a tale entangling deception, murder, and mistaken identity, the Lone Ranger faces his ultimate test: can he clear an innocent woman's name and unmask the true killer manipulating the shadows of the Old West? The episode delivers an intricate narrative, vividly conjuring the moral dilemmas and suspense that made The Lone Ranger legendary.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Conspirators' Plot

• [00:52 – 04:21]
  • Butch Williams and Truxton, two outlaws, hatch a plan to bring down the Lone Ranger by manipulating circumstances around a mysterious young woman who previously aided him.
  • They aim to capture the girl and use her as leverage:

    “The Lone Ranger's life was saved by that girl... He'd give his life to save her, wouldn't he?” (Narrator, 02:42)

  • Truxton believes that by framing the girl for a crime, the Lone Ranger will be forced to come to her rescue.

2. Jailhouse Murder

• [05:20 – 07:25]
  • Bill Tatum, a lawyer and gang leader, is in jail and plotting to use legal technicalities to escape conviction.
  • Suddenly, chaos erupts—a disguised figure, believed to be an old woman, murders Tatum and knocks out the guard, stirring confusion and panic.
  • The presence of a woman’s bonnet at the scene further clouds the investigation.

    “Sheriff, I found something out in the road. Look at this. It’s a woman’s bonnet, Sheriff." (Unnamed townsman, 07:17)

3. Suspicion Falls on the Girl

• [07:25 – 12:01]
  • The sheriff and townsfolk quickly suspect the girl living with Mrs. Penny (“Ma Penny”), given the bonnet and her close connection to the Lone Ranger.
  • Lone Ranger, aware of the girl’s innocence, tries to intervene discreetly at Mrs. Penny’s home.
  • Despite his pleas, Mrs. Penny, loyal to the girl, maintains silence and refuses the Lone Ranger’s request to speak to her.

    “I gave my word. I mustn’t say any more.” (Mrs. Penny, 09:10)

  • The sheriff interrogates Mrs. Penny, who, rather than seeing the girl blamed, dramatically confesses to the murder herself.

    “What else can I do? Take me away if you must. I’m ready.” (Mrs. Penny, 13:08)

4. Sheriff’s Realization and Search

• [14:06 – 16:12]
  • The sheriff doesn't believe Mrs. Penny’s confession, seeing through her attempt to shield the girl.
  • A search of the house leads to the discovery of a mysterious letter—one meant for the Lone Ranger, left by the missing girl.

    “Please hand the enclosed envelope to the masked man who rides a white horse…” (Narrator reading note, 16:43)

  • Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s trusted companion, retrieves the letter to deliver to him.

5. Unveiling the Deception

• [17:30 – 23:26]
  • The saloon becomes a hub of speculation and rumor as the community discusses the murder.
  • The Lone Ranger (in disguise) confronts Butch and Truxton, claiming he has evidence that could hang the real murderer.
  • The outlaws, suspicious, lead him out of town at gunpoint, intent on killing him and destroying the evidence.
  • Suspense heightens as the Lone Ranger outwits his captors, revealing that the true evidence is the physical force used against the deputy—something “a girl could not have struck that hard.”
  • He cunningly manipulates Butch, accusing him by referencing a distinctive horseshoe-shaped pin still worn by Butch (and believed to have been lost at the scene):

    “You’re the murderer. I thought that little trick would make you show your guilt.” (Lone Ranger, 22:03)

6. Climax and Resolution

• [23:26 – 24:28]
  • The sheriff and deputies appear at a decisive moment, capturing Butch and Truxton before they can harm the Lone Ranger.
  • The Lone Ranger, discarding his disguise mid-scene, is recognized to great surprise:

    “That’s right, Butch… that sure enough is the Lone Ranger!” (Deputy/Sheriff, 24:28)

  • The plot to frame the girl fails; the real culprits are arrested, and the girl’s innocence is affirmed.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On justice and the law:

  “I always thought it was up to the law to prove a party guilty. Not up to the party to prove herself or himself innocent.”
  — Ma Penny (11:26)

• On deception and courage:

  “I sure take my hat off to you. You have a heap of spunk. But I know better than to believe any such yarn as you’ve just told me.”
  — Sheriff to Ma Penny (14:06)

• On clever deduction:

  “The evidence was a deputy who had been knocked down. A girl could not have struck that hard. That’s talking enough.”
  — Lone Ranger, revealing the true murderer (23:00)

• The big reveal:

  “Why, that’s him. That’s right, Butch… that sure enough is the Lone Ranger!”
  — Deputy upon recognizing the Lone Ranger (24:28)

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Notable Timestamps

• [00:52] – Episode narrative opens: The Legion of the Black Arrows and the mysterious plot begins.
• [02:43] – Outlaws discuss leveraging the Lone Ranger’s dedication to his friends.
• [05:21] – Jailhouse murder shocks Clifton; sheriff begins his investigation.
• [07:25] – Bonnet found; suspicion turns toward Mrs. Penny’s young lodger.
• [09:46] – Intense Lone Ranger/Mrs. Penny exchange.
• [13:08] & [14:06] – Mrs. Penny’s dramatic (false) confession.
• [16:43] – Letter for the Lone Ranger discovered; Tonto intervenes.
• [23:00–24:28] – Final confrontation; Lone Ranger unmasks the killer, law arrives.
• [24:28] – The Lone Ranger’s identity revealed to all.

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains the formal, earnest, and often heightened dramatic tone typical of Golden Age radio westerns. Dialogue is direct, with sharp questions and moral clarity, and an undercurrent of suspense and righteousness runs throughout.

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Conclusion

“Murder Wears Skirts” is a quintessential Lone Ranger episode, rich in intrigue, clever twists, and classic western justice. The restored audio immerses listeners in a suspenseful, atmospheric tale, where loyalty, deception, and quick wits decide the fates of heroes and villains alike. Even for those new to The Lone Ranger, this episode serves as a riveting introduction to the enduring appeal of radio’s masked justice rider.

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Transcript

[Butch Williams]

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. 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]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver. The Lone Ranger. During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrows sprang up in the western United States. Members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked rider of the plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. For once, his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. In the woods near the town of Clifton, Butch Williams and a man named Truxton sat huddled in their camp close to a well hidden fire. Butch, you and me have a big job on our hands. But we can do it. I got only one thing to do, that's to get the Lone Ranger. That's all I'm thinking about and hoping for. That's the job I mean. Well, then, I'm with you, Truck. I'm with you from the word go. What's your plan? You got any ideas? You bet I have. The Lone Ranger's life was saved by that girl, wasn't it? Yeah, I reckon so. Well, he'd give his life to save her, wouldn't he? I reckon he would.

[Butch Williams]

He's that kind of man.

[Narrator]

If he do that, we'll get him. We've as good as got him right now, Truck. Don't be too sure of it. This is one time when I'm dead sure of what I'm seeing. We've as good as got the Lone Ranger right now. How's that? Because, Butch, I know how we can capture that girl. Yeah, that's Big Todd. We don't even know who the girl is. All we saw was somebody was dressed in heavy clothes like an old woman wearing a big bonnet on her head. We never even saw the girl that helped the Lone Ranger. It don't matter. I still say the same. I know How? We can capture the girl. Then when we've got her captured, we'll make a deal with the Lone Ranger. His like for hers. Even if he was willing, the girl wouldn't let him save her. Not if it meant giving up his life. She won't have anything to say about it. Right now I can't get over much enthused about your skate. Maybe if you tell more, I'll see it different. Sounds to me like you're tackling more than we can handle. More than the whole gang can handle before we got busted up. Now, listen. Well, in the first place, how'd you locate the girl? Remember the bonnet we found by the campfire? Yeah, but I mean, now we know that she's in the town of Clifton, don't we? Well, that's where she's likely to find. She'll hear about anything that happens in town. Sure. Now then, who was in the jail in Clifton? My boss, Bill Tatum. Yeah, Tatum's a lawyer. He knows the law backwards, forwards and upside down. I sure was surprised when I found out that he was the one who'd been giving orders to the gang all this time. Well, anyhow, he's in a calaboose. But he's not worried none. He knows enough of the law to know that he'll figure out some way to go free when he comes up for trial by jury. He wasn't worried none when I last talked to him. Let me go on. This girl knows Tatum led the gang with him and everyone else. She'd also know that Tatum is a lawyer and likely to talk his way out of trouble. Now, don't it seem like good sense.

[Butch Williams]

That I'll have to take the law? Maybe, but he probably won't.

[Narrator]

Tatum needn't worry about her. Tatum better worry about her. I don't follow you, Truck. Bill Tatum will never see another sunrise. What if he tells what he knows about us? When he goes on trial, we'll be done for. We've got to get rid of him to keep him from squealing on us. The girl gets charged with what we do. The law locates her for us and we capture her. How can you fix it so the law will blame her? You leave that to me. Come on, now. We've got things to do. Bill Tatum was in jail, but not asleep. He could hear the measured pacing of the special guard outside his window. His mind was busy with plans for his defense in court. I'll beat the law on my day in court. Those local fools will hear of laws they never Knew existed. Sure, they have evidence against me. But how'd they get it?

[Butch Williams]

They took it from my house.

[Narrator]

They didn't show me any search warrant. The law says that's illegal seizure. Evidence must be ruled out. My conviction. Ah, man can't be made to testify against himself. Well, what's the matter with you, Dr. John?

[Butch Williams]

What do you want?

[Narrator]

I wish I could see. Something happened there.

[Butch Williams]

Can't quite make it.

[Narrator]

The prisoner pressed hard against the bars of the window, straining to see the corner of the building where something had happened. Then the door behind him opened. He turned, stared at the figure in the moonlit cell. Then. He's dead. Man sure got him sudden. Where was the guard who done it? Something said about a woman. Where is the sheriff? Anyone called for him? What about the guard? Let me through there. Sheriff. Bill Tatum. Got mine? Yes, Sheriff. He's dead.

[Butch Williams]

Get back.

[Narrator]

Don't touch things. Where's the guard? Where's Hank Loomis?

[Butch Williams]

Sheriff. Out here.

[Narrator]

I got knocked down by that old woman. Hank, what happened to the prisoner who knifed him? I didn't know he got knifed. Look at him.

[Butch Williams]

There on the floor.

[Narrator]

I just come to. He must have been the same woman who. Hey, the door's unlocked too. Where's your keys?

[Butch Williams]

Keys?

[Narrator]

My keys?

[Butch Williams]

Let me see what they mean. Stalls.

[Narrator]

While you were sleeping off that blow in the head. What kind of a guard are you? Any sheriff? I say a woman done it.

[Butch Williams]

Was who?

[Narrator]

I don't know. She wore a big bond that hit her face. She come up to me, not saying a word. I asked her who she was and what she wanted. Still she didn't say anything. And all of a sudden she raised her hand holding a hunk of wood or something in the crowd of me alongside the head. Letting a woman do that and you carrying a rifle. She didn't give me no chance at all, Sheriff. Some of you gents get more light in here. We gotta look for clues. I'll fix em. I know where the zone reason they're getting knife. When he's here in the jail, I'll find who done it and hang up. Christ. Helena's a woman. Is that all you can tell me about her? I didn't get a good look at her. Sheriff. Sheriff, I found something out in the road. Look at this. What's that? It's a woman's bonnet, Sheriff. Act like the one she wore.

[Butch Williams]

Let me see it.

[Narrator]

Why, sure it's the same one? I bet money it is. Now we got something to go on. Hey, bring that lamp over here. Hurry. Anyone know who is your bonnet? Why, it's Mrs. Penny's.

[Butch Williams]

I've seen her wearing it.

[Narrator]

Mrs. Penny? Are you sure of that? That's sure. Come to think of it, I've seen her wearing it. But hang it all, Mrs. Penny wouldn't knife a man. She'd walked a long way around to keep her from stepping on the cock. Hold on, Sheridan. I just thought of something. Speak up.

[Butch Williams]

That what reason would Mrs. Penny have.

[Narrator]

To do a thing like this? Mrs. Penny wouldn't have a reason. Not her. What about that girl that lives with her? That youngish girl, the one that nobody ever seems to know much about. Maybe she borrowed the old woman's clothes.

[Butch Williams]

She.

[Narrator]

Maybe you got an idea of that. I reckon we'll have a talk with More Penny right now.

[Butch Williams]

I don't.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger on the fringe of the crowd heard the declaration of the sheriff. He heard in the home of an elderly couple. This is where the Pennies live, Silver. I never suspected that the girl lived here too. Not much time. Sheriff will soon be here.

[Butch Williams]

Yes. Come ask me anything.

[Narrator]

Please wait. Don't close the door. Listen to me.

[Butch Williams]

What do you want?

[Narrator]

Are you Mrs. Penny?

[Butch Williams]

Yes, but I'm not a Moose.

[Narrator]

Please, Mrs. Penning, believe me when I tell you I'm not here to rob or harm you. I'm masked, but not because I'm hiding from the law.

[Butch Williams]

Of course it's White. You were the one.

[Narrator]

Has she told you about me?

[Butch Williams]

Yes.

[Narrator]

You're the Lone Ranger. Where is she now?

[Butch Williams]

Who?

[Narrator]

The girl.

[Butch Williams]

I don't know who you're talking about. I don't know anything. You better go.

[Narrator]

Wait. Just said she had told you about me.

[Butch Williams]

No, no, that was a mistake. Please, mister.

[Narrator]

But I must speak to her. The sheriff is coming here. He'll be here at any moment.

[Butch Williams]

I can't tell you anything. I gave my word. I mustn't say anymore.

[Narrator]

Then listen to what I say. Last night a man in jail was killed.

[Butch Williams]

That's got nothing to do with me. Go away.

[Narrator]

Your bonnet was found at the jail. The guard was knocked down. He described the dress and the bonnet of the one who knocked him down.

[Butch Williams]

One in what?

[Narrator]

That's better. The sheriff thinks the girl who's been here with you borrowed your clothes and wore them when she stabbed the prisoner.

[Butch Williams]

She didn't do it. She didn't do it. She didn't have any part in it.

[Narrator]

I'm sure she didn't. But have you any idea who did?

[Butch Williams]

No, I don't know anything about it.

[Narrator]

Do you know who could have borrowed your dress in your bonnet.

[Butch Williams]

I won't say another word. Go away.

[Narrator]

Won't you let me speak to to the girl?

[Butch Williams]

She's not here.

[Narrator]

She's gone. When did she go?

[Butch Williams]

Go in the night? I don't know. When I found out this morning she hadn't slept in the bed. And that's all I can tell you. Were the law charged with murder?

[Narrator]

I don't know. There's no way of telling what the law will do.

[Butch Williams]

Mercy, there comes the sheriff's now on a lot of it with him.

[Narrator]

I can't lose time answering questions. Now, Mrs. Cunning, we'll see each other again when it's over.

[Butch Williams]

Oh, dear me. Now what'll happen to all of us?

[Narrator]

How many you got to get after that mas man I get back here, don't I ask a few questions, Sheriff, we'll get after it. Don't you go inside more. Penny, I want to speak to you.

[Butch Williams]

Well, I'm here to speak to. Let's make it short. I got bread in the oven. What's the matter with you, Sheriff?

[Narrator]

First of all, I want to ask you if you ever seen this bonnet before.

[Butch Williams]

Of course I have. It's mine. I've settled that then. Now, when did you wear it the last time? When?

[Narrator]

That's what I said. When?

[Butch Williams]

Last night.

[Narrator]

Did you hear that? Be quiet, Hank. What time last night did you wear it?

[Butch Williams]

I don't know the exact time. Why are you asking all these questions anyhow?

[Narrator]

I got four to ask.

[Butch Williams]

You had a girl here living with you, did you? What of it? She didn't bother anyone, did she? She hardly ever showed herself around. Maybe she kept herself scarce so she wouldn't be found so easy when she.

[Narrator]

Finished with Bill Tatum.

[Butch Williams]

Who's he?

[Narrator]

The prisoner that was in jail. Good night last night.

[Butch Williams]

Night. Well, I reckon he must have had it coming to it.

[Narrator]

Oh, Penny, you're a hard woman to talk to, but you'd better help the law. I know you didn't kill Tatum, though. It must have been the girl who wore your bonnet when the heat was done. Now she's innocent. The thing for her to do is show herself and prove it.

[Butch Williams]

I always thought it was up to the law to prove a party guilty. Not up to the party to prove herself or himself innocent.

[Narrator]

Only so far the proof is that she's guilty. If she don't have something to say, we'll have to place the charge against.

[Butch Williams]

Her and find her. She's not here now.

[Narrator]

No. Well, maybe you tell us where she is.

[Butch Williams]

I don't know. What's her name, Sheriff? All I know is the name she used here isn't the right thing. She said I could call her Jane. And if I wanted two names to make it Jane Dover.

[Narrator]

Elmo. I'm sorry you won't help us out more than this.

[Butch Williams]

I'm sorry I can't. Good day to you, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Oh, I'm not leaving here.

[Butch Williams]

You make me go back to my.

[Narrator]

Office and get a warrant to search this house.

[Butch Williams]

I'll do that if need be. But I'm hoping you save me the.

[Narrator]

Trouble by letting us go through the.

[Butch Williams]

House without a warrant. Search my house?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Butch Williams]

I told you, the girl's gone. Never can tell. She might have left some clues around.

[Narrator]

Maybe something in the shape of a letter or a note or something that.

[Butch Williams]

Would give us a hint as to where she went. She didn't leave anything.

[Narrator]

She said. You sure can't. Mind if I have a look?

[Butch Williams]

You can't go in there, Paul. I'll get that warned if I have to. You don't need to hunt for that girl. She didn't have anything to do with the murder of Bill Tatum.

[Narrator]

You speak it if you knew something.

[Butch Williams]

I know she didn't do it. How can you reassure. I know who did.

[Narrator]

You do. Did you hear that, Sheriff? Who got her, Mrs. Penny? Who killed that prisoner?

[Butch Williams]

I can't tell you that. Please, Sheriff. Please take my word for it. The girl didn't do it. I know she didn't because I know who did.

[Narrator]

Oh. The only way you can convince me that that girl is innocent is by.

[Butch Williams]

Telling me who's guilty. You found a bonnet. It's mine. I admit it as much.

[Narrator]

Who wore it last night?

[Butch Williams]

I did. You mean you confessed to that murder? What else can I do? Take me away if you must. I'm ready.

[Narrator]

The curse. Applause on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes, Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The sheriff heard Ma Penny's confession. Instead of arresting her, he chuckled. Oh, that's too big.

[Butch Williams]

I sure take my hat off to you.

[Narrator]

You have a heap of spunk. But I know better than to believe any such yarn as you've just told me.

[Butch Williams]

What do you mean you don't believe me?

[Narrator]

Yes, dad. You didn't get Bill Tatum. You confessed to it so we wouldn't search the house. You did to shield that girl. Well, that makes us all the more sure that she's the duty party.

[Butch Williams]

No, no, Sheriff, please.

[Narrator]

Hey, Jeff. You mosey back to the office and get a search warrant. We'll have a look around here. While the sheriff searched Mrs. Penny's house. Butch and talk compared notes.

[Butch Williams]

It's working out just like we planned. The law of caption.

[Narrator]

The girl all right?

[Butch Williams]

I hope so.

[Narrator]

Thing that riles me that we went to all this trouble and then found the Lone Ranger was right here in town while the crowd was around the jail. Well, it don't matter. We'll get another crack at him as soon as the girl's arrested. I hope she is. You think she's in Ma Penny's house? I doubt it. I'll bet there's something in that house that'll tell where she is. Or Mrs. Penny wouldn't have tried so hard to keep the sheriff from searching. There's nothing more that we can do. Nothing until a girl is found and put under arrest. Let's go to the cafe and wait till the sheriff's done with the surgeon. We'll find out what he's learned. Inside the house. Mrs. Penney followed the sheriff and his deputy from one room to another.

[Butch Williams]

Right there. That's my bedroom. You don't have to go in there.

[Narrator]

I sure hate to be so and sisters More Fanny. But I'd be neglecting my duty if.

[Butch Williams]

I didn't make the search complete. Open the door. But, Sheriff, I am asking you as.

[Narrator]

Few questions as possible.

[Butch Williams]

Now, just open that door and I'll.

[Narrator]

Continue to make things as easy as I can.

[Butch Williams]

Oh, all right, I'll grin. Open the shutter. Lift, more likely.

[Andrew Rines]

Just a minute.

[Narrator]

More Penny.

[Butch Williams]

Now what's the matter?

[Narrator]

You know as well as I do. You grabbed something from the table and tried to get it in your apron pocket. I'll have to have a look at it.

[Butch Williams]

It's nothing. Let me see. More Penny.

[Narrator]

Let me see.

[Butch Williams]

Hand her over. This is the message. I can see. It's got my name on it.

[Narrator]

Open it up. Or should I?

[Butch Williams]

It's mine. It's personal mail.

[Narrator]

That's not mail. It was written by that girl and left there for you to find. I reckon that was why you didn't.

[Butch Williams]

Want me to go through here.

[Narrator]

You knew it was here, but you didn't get the chance to read it.

[Butch Williams]

I wish women could vote so's I could vote again. You next election.

[Narrator]

Another message inside it, all sealed up. I'll read that. Please hand the enclosed envelope to the masked man who rides a white horse when he comes here to ask questions.

[Butch Williams]

Is that what it says?

[Narrator]

That's what it says.

[Butch Williams]

Oh, great day. He was here oh, if I'd only had the chance to read that.

[Narrator]

Well, now we'll see what this girl says to the masked man that rides the white horse. Me take that car foretzkin. How'd you get in here? He come back door. Me listen watch. When you find note, put down that gun engine. Me take letter. That's for Lone Ranger. I don't care enough, Hank. Lone Ranger, huh? All right, redskin, take it to the Lone Ranger. Sure, if you going to let him have it. Your dog on right? I am, Hank. Then we'll wait and see what happens. When Tonto joined the Lone Ranger in camp, the masked man said, I've been riding around about way to get here, Tono. The deputy stayed behind me for quite a while. Maybe this message important. Just in the girl's handwriting. Where did you get it? House of Mrs. Penny. Good for you, Tono. The girl wouldn't die. Not there. Do you not know where girl is? I wonder how she learns as much as she does. Tono, this will solve the murder of Bill Tatum. Girl will not do it. Of course she didn't. Sheriff think girl guilty. The sheriff will change his mind before sun come along, Tyler, we have things to do. What do you do? First we've got to fix a disguise. Then we've got to ride to town again. Later in the day. Shortly afternoon the cafe was a beehive of activity as men gathered to discuss the death of Bill Tatum and the suspected girl who had disappeared. Yeah, they tell me the sheriff has a dozen men out looking for her. I heard he had one man. He's being mighty mysterious about the whole thing. There's Hank, the deputy.

[Butch Williams]

Hey, Hank.

[Narrator]

What is it, Jens? What's the latest on the missing girl? Boys, I sure admire this kind of weather, don't you? Which means you won't talk about it.

[Butch Williams]

Oh, come on, Hank.

[Narrator]

The sheriff is holding out on us. Yes, it cost him a job for said it. Hey, Deputy, we Hank, you know about the sheriff's plan. You do. Aunt Butch. Who's that with you? Tuxton. You know him? We heard the sheriff didn't tell all that he knows about things. If you want to know anything, you go ask the sheriff. If he wants you to know, he'll tell you. Come on, Butch. We're wasting time here. Where's the sheriff? That's Cunningham. Murderer. What's that, stranger? I want to talk to the sheriff. I understand he has about a dozen men wasting their time hunting for someone that can be proved innocent. That's pretty big talk, stranger. I guess no one took the trouble to look around the jail for clues after the bonnet was found. That is, no one but me. Well, you looked around, huh? Yes, of course. All the things they know where I came from. But to look for all the clues. Oh, where you came from, huh? Where's that? Another thing they teach law officers to tell nothing. We know the sheriff, stranger. Now, he wouldn't pay attention to anything that you might tell him. You're a stranger, you see?

[Butch Williams]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Now, if you tell us, maybe we can get him to pay some attention to what you found. Doesn't matter whether he pays any attention to it or not. But I guess he will when he sees what it is. What is it? Evidence that will hang a man. You're joshing. Do I look like a man that makes jokes about murder? No, you don't. And I'll tell you what, mister. We'll go along to the sheriff with you. We'll tell him he better listen to you. You know where he is? He wasn't in his office when I went there. We know where you can find him. We'll take you right to him. That'd be mighty nice of him. Yeah, we don't mind. Fact is, we'll be glad to do it. Say, where did you find this? This evidence you speak of? Yeah, the scene of the crime, I guess. The crook doesn't know he lost it or he had gone back after it. Maybe it was something he. Well, he wouldn't have missed. Maybe. Look, stranger put it in a vest button or something like that. Well, it could have been. It wasn't. Hmm. Mighty close mouthed, aren't you? Mighty. You sit right there for a minute, mister. We'll be right back. Want to speak to my friend a second?

[Butch Williams]

All right. Come on over here, Chucky.

[Narrator]

Let the deputy know about this stranger. He'll want to come along with us. No truck. What are they lose? I can't figure it out. I don't know. But whatever it is we're gonna get, it ain't anything spoiled now. I know we're gonna lead the stranger to a good place. And you follow my lead to Suits me. Come on, mister. We're ready to take you where you want to go. I'm with you. You won't need your horse for this. That's good. How far is it to where the sheriff is? It won't take long to get where we're going. We gotta go this way. Just lead the way. I'm right with you. The Lone Ranger, walking between Chalk and Butch, left town and headed for A small clump of trees just beyond the last of the buildings on the main street. Little was said during the walk, but.

[Butch Williams]

Butch and Chuck exchanged meaningful glances behind.

[Narrator]

The back of the disguiseman. Is the sheriff in those cotton? That's where we're going, mister.

[Butch Williams]

Right there.

[Narrator]

Sheriff's likely to be near any place, you see. Only you won't talk to no sheriff today. What's that? Why won't I talk to him? This is a gun that's prodding your spine, stranger. Now, keep walking. What sort of a trick is it? Just keep walking. See here? Talk we get in them trees. We're most there now. Anything you gotta say can wait. You won't get away with this. No, they'll see about that. You're not going to take him to the sheriff at all. That's one time you're dead. Right. You want the evidence I have for yourselves. You want to collect the rewards, huh? We'll be rewarded all right when we get whatever you found. Stop right here.

[Butch Williams]

This is gonna happen.

[Narrator]

I'll keep a gun on the truck while you search him. I'll have a gun on him. Reckon he's one of these hombres that counts on his wits, huh? Is that it, Misty? Yeah, I guess so. Gun wouldn't do you no good anyway when you deal with men like us. I don't find anything like evidence on him. Fortune. He must have it somewhere. You tell us what you found and be quick about it. All right. I'll tell you the evidence that will hang the murderer. A fancy pin. The kind that is usually worn on a man's neckerchief. It's shaped like a horseshoe made of imitation diamonds. It has the initials TM on it. What you're feeling is the one you wear. You never found any such thing? No. Because you're still wearing it. You're the murderer. I thought that little trick would make you show your guilt. Well, you're wrong. I didn't do it. When I tell the sheriff what I saw just now, he'll suspect you. Maybe. When? He won't tell nobody nothing. When I also tell how you brought me here at the point of a gun to make me hand over what evidence I have, you'll be doubly convinced I'll deal with them trucks. Just a minute. I don't want you men to think I haven't told the truth. I said I found evidence near the jail and I did. The evidence was a deputy who had been knocked down. A girl could not have struck that hard. That's talking Enough. Wait a minute. I've already pointed out two things that will swing a jury against you. Well, if you try to kill me so I can't tell how you brought.

[Butch Williams]

Me here to steal the evidence, you'll.

[Narrator]

Be just about all that's needed to hang you. You're out of the way. You won't be able to tell anything. Go ahead, Butch. I wouldn't do it. Butch Tucker, the killer. Let him try to shoot me. Go on. He's talked too much already. Why should you do Truck's work for him? I'm doing my own work and I'm doing it right now.

[Butch Williams]

Hello.

[Narrator]

You don't get me.

[Butch Williams]

He got him.

[Narrator]

The leg, Sheriff. You, Butch, drop like that, I got my handcuff. Don't shoot. Hank, put the handcuffs on this big one. You two got a rope on that one that's falling on the ground. I didn't know it. It was Butch. He's the one I said it was. Squeal. He was in it as much as I was. I get the two of you can always come out. Climb up. Huh? That slick fucking critter only had another chance. And now there's two men. I gotta guess that one in the Lone Ranger. Well, you're getting days are all over with, Butch. And maybe it'll make you feel good to know that your scheme worked out real slick. You tried to frame a girl for a crime so that a Lone Ranger would come to help her. I'm not hung yet. I'll get another chance. Your plan worked out real quick. The Lone Ranger did. Caught him.

[Butch Williams]

What's that?

[Narrator]

Only you didn't know it when he showed up. Look over there. Where Agenda's taken off a fake mustache and black hat and put on a mask and a white hat instead. There he is. Why, that's him. That's right, Butch.

[Butch Williams]

That sure enough is the Lone Ranger. Sa. Sam. It.

[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 Ron W. 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.

[Butch Williams]

Sam.