Murder Will Out | The Lone Ranger (12-30-42)

Summary

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Episode Summary: "Murder Will Out" | The Lone Ranger (12-30-42)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date Released: July 31, 2026
Source: Digitally Restored Classic Western Radio Drama

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Episode Overview

"Murder Will Out" plunges listeners into the snow-tipped Montana high country, following the Lone Ranger, his faithful companion Tonto, and young Dan Reed as they unravel a mysterious death that at first seems like a tragic suicide. Through classic Western intrigue, sharp deduction, and action-packed scenes, the masked rider seeks to unmask a clever murderer and clear an innocent man’s name, all while evoking the thrilling atmosphere of radio’s golden age.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. A Night of Danger and Suspicion

• Montana’s Stormy Setting: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan Reed are introduced warming themselves in a cave during a fierce storm near the mining town of Miner's Gulch (05:39).
• Family Ties and Futures: The masked man reassures Dan, now revealed as his nephew, of their plans to travel south together, teasing a surprise at Mustang Mag’s ranch (06:18–07:36).

2. A Daughter’s Fear

• Molly Thatcher’s Urgent Ride: Molly seeks the sheriff in distress, convinced her father’s in imminent danger due to his odd behavior and request for her to leave home (08:45–09:57).
• No Help in Town: The sheriff has left for the county seat, leaving Molly desperate as she turns to townsfolk for assistance (09:48–10:25).

3. Tragedy at the Ranch

• Discovery of a Body: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan find Mr. Thatcher dead, with evidence staged to suggest suicide. They find a note and an unfinished letter in Thatcher’s handwriting (11:36–12:46).
• Sharp Deduction: The Lone Ranger notices inconsistencies—Thatcher’s gun could not have fired the fatal bullet (13:00–13:30).
• Quote:

  “This gun hasn’t been fired since it was cleaned… The second hammer mark is off center.”
  — The Lone Ranger (13:12–13:23)

4. A Frame-Up and Narrow Escape

• Confronted by Townsfolk: Molly and townsmen arrive, blaming the masked strangers for murder, seeking to lynch them on the spot (13:45–14:32).
• Quick-Thinking Escape: The Lone Ranger uses a chair as a distraction to flee with his companions (14:42–15:03).
• Quote:

  “You made the mistake, mister… We aim to see that you stretch a rope for it.”
  — Unnamed Townsman (13:59–14:02)

5. The Clues Begin to Surface

• Dan’s Tracking: Dan observes unique tracks—double-length, peg-leg imprints—which suggest the murderer has a wooden leg (16:09–16:53).

6. Eavesdropping at the Café

• Spying on the Villains: The Lone Ranger and team overhear Peg Leg and Cobb blackmailing and arguing over hidden gold and Thatcher’s murder (19:41–24:47).
• Key Revelations: Peg Leg forced Thatcher to meet by threatening exposure for old crimes. Peg Leg killed Thatcher and staged suicide, seeking the map to buried Blackfeet gold.

7. A Trap is Set

• Cooperation with the Law: The Lone Ranger persuades the returning sheriff to work together, explaining the evidence and predicting the murderers will target Molly for the gold map (25:56–26:52).
• Sheriff’s Hesitation and Trust:

  “You’ve got mighty funny ways for an outlaw, mister.”
  — Sheriff Holmes (26:41)

8. The Climax at Thatcher Ranch

• Night Intruders: Peg Leg and his accomplice creep into the house after Molly’s map (27:44–28:53).
• Confrontation in the Dark: A struggle ensues, shots misfire, and the Lone Ranger subdues the criminals (28:53–29:17).
• Unmasking the Killer: The Lone Ranger reveals the critical evidence—hammer marks on a bullet shell that do not match Thatcher’s gun but correspond to Peg Leg’s (29:22–29:41).

9. Resolution and Revelation

• Villains Apprehended: Sheriff Holmes arrests Peg Leg and Cobb, using the forensics provided by the Lone Ranger (29:53–30:14).
• The Lone Ranger’s Identity: Before disappearing, Molly reveals to the sheriff that the masked stranger was the famous Lone Ranger (30:00–30:07).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger on Justice:

  “Everything seems to point to the fact that Thatcher killed himself. Yet… let’s have a look at that gun, Kimosabe.”
  — The Lone Ranger (12:52–12:56)

• Revealing the Ruse:

  “You substituted your empty shell in his gun.”
  — The Lone Ranger (29:30–29:32)

• Sheriff’s Amazement:

  “Jumping Jupiter. Don’t stand there like a statue, Molly. Who is he?”
  — Sheriff Holmes (30:01–30:05) “He’s the Lone Ranger!”
  — Molly Thatcher (30:05–30:07)

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Important Timestamps

• Dan introduced as Lone Ranger’s nephew: 06:18–07:36
• Molly seeks help in Miner's Gulch: 08:45–10:25
• Discovery of Thatcher’s body: 11:36–12:46
• Lone Ranger doubts suicide theory: 13:00–13:30
• Mob confrontation and escape: 13:45–15:03
• Dan identifies peg-leg tracks: 16:09–16:53
• Villains’ conversation at café: 19:41–24:47
• Lone Ranger and sheriff align: 25:56–26:52
• Final capture at Thatcher ranch: 28:53–29:22
• Lone Ranger’s evidence and departure: 29:41–30:14

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Style, Tone, and Atmosphere

The episode is rich with suspense, deduction, and Western camaraderie. The dialogue is straightforward, occasionally folksy (“Jumping Jupiter”), and steeped in the righteous tone that made The Lone Ranger iconic. The production’s sound design—evoking rattling windows, thundering hooves, and crackling fires—brings dramatic life to the story’s setting and action.

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Conclusion

"Murder Will Out" is a classic Lone Ranger episode that deftly combines mystery, Western adventure, and forensic wit. Featuring notable performances and a deftly woven mystery, the story stands as a tribute to radio storytelling and the legendary masked rider’s enduring fight for justice in the Wild West.

Transcript

[The Lone Ranger]

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[Sponsor Announcer (She's Birdie)]

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[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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]

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

[Sponsor Announcer (She's Birdie)]

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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.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Faster. Fly faster.

[Molly Thatcher]

I'm Silver Floyd.

[Narrator]

The steep, snow tipped mountain peaks of Montana's high border country. It pierced the sky like inverted icicles. Deep in the valley, the lights of Miner's Gulch flickered feebly in the wind and rain of an unseasonal thaw. Sheltered by a cave in a mountain slope nearby, three figures warmed themselves and their horses at a roaring fire. The leader wore the unmistakable black mask and silver mounted six guns of the Lone Ranger. His companions were the ever faithful Tonto and a 14 year old boy, Dan Reed, the lad whose courage and resourcefulness had won the masked man's friendship before. Fate linked them inseparably by revealing Dan as the Lone Ranger's nephew.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Dan, this is the first chance we've had to talk things over.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, it sure is cozy here in a cave.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You could go back and stay in your grandmother's house for a few days.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, no, I'd sooner be here with you. It's pretty lonesome there now that Grandma's gone.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I understand.

[Dan Reed]

You don't want me to go back, do you?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

By no means, Dan. Stay with Toddo and me and as

[Dan Reed]

soon as Mr. Martin's taken care of all the details about Granny's property, we're going south, aren't we?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Yes, Dan.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, Jiminy. I'll be glad to see the plains and big cattle ranches. The Texas Rangers.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

They are a great bunch of men.

[Dan Reed]

I wish I'd known my dad when he was one of them.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Asked Dan. I wish you could have known him.

[Dan Reed]

Was he a good Ranger?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

One of the best.

[Dan Reed]

My dad, brother of the Lone Ranger. I can't believe it.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Your father meant a lot to me. He was more than an older brother. Taught me to ride, use a gun.

[Dan Reed]

Tell me more about him.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Well, your father had a lot of friends in the Southwest. He was welcomed everywhere he went. When we go down to Texas, you'll meet some of his friends. But remember this, Dan. No one must know who I am.

[Dan Reed]

I'll remember that.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

There's one place in particular ranch that's owned by Mustang Mag.

[Dan Reed]

Mustang Mag? That's a funny name.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

She's a grand old lady. And by the way, there's a surprise there. A surprise for you.

[Dan Reed]

For me? What is it?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I'm not going to tell you till we get there. Something you'll like.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll promise that Kimasabe you give Tado.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Don't tell him, Toto.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Oh, him.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Got plenty surprise coming.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Wait, I hear something. A horse coming this way. Fast.

[Dan Reed]

Did you see that lightning flash?

[The Lone Ranger]

Girl on horse ride plenty fast.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Must be in trouble to ride so fast in such a storm.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, what do we do?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Throw water on the fire. Then Hollow and I'll saddle up here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver?

[Molly Thatcher]

You bet.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Hurry, Toddo.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

He worked fast.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Ready. Steady there, Silver. Got to go out again.

[Dan Reed]

The fire's out now. Come here, boy.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Easy, big fella. All right, Dan Tle, let's ride.

[Dan Reed]

Get up there, boy.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get him on.

[Molly Thatcher]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Maneuvering her mount with an expertness born of long acquaintance through the morass of boulders and miners diggings in the basin, Molly Thatcher urged her hard ridden horse down the muddy main street of Miners Gulch and reined him in before the Sheriff's house. And she ran up the steps.

[Molly Thatcher]

Sheriff? Sheriff whom? Why doesn't he come? Sheriff?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Who is it?

[Molly Thatcher]

It's me, Molly. It's Molly Thatcher, Mrs. Holmes. I've got to see the Sheriff.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Molly Thatcher. Land sakes, child. What are you doing traipsing around on a night like this?

[Molly Thatcher]

Mrs. Holmes?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Don't stand there, Molly. You'll take cold. Come on in. Here, let me take those wet things of yours to dry.

[Molly Thatcher]

Mrs. Holmes, my father's in trouble. I want to see the Sheriff.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Trouble? What kind of trouble?

[Molly Thatcher]

I don't know. He won't tell me. But I'm sure there's something wrong because he's behaving so strangely. He. He asked me to spend the night with the Kimberleys. The ranch down the valley from ours. Why, just before I left I saw him buckle on his gun belt. He acted like he expected someone.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Don't know who's crazy enough to go visiting on a night like this.

[Molly Thatcher]

Mrs. Holmes, I. I'm afraid dad may be expecting outlaws or someone to settle a quarrel.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Sure tain't likely, child, or he'd have asked for help before this.

[Molly Thatcher]

I don't know, dad. He's proud. He never asked for help if he thought he could handle his enemies himself. I must see the sheriff.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Well, Molly, the sheriff ain't here.

[Molly Thatcher]

Not here?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Nope. He went to the county seat to pick up that outlaw he's been hunting for. The critter was captured.

[Molly Thatcher]

And when will he be back?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Not before morning, I reckon.

[Molly Thatcher]

Not before morning? What'll I do?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Why don't you go home to your pa, Molly? Then tomorrow.

[Molly Thatcher]

I don't understand. Dad's in danger. I'm sure of it. Something may have already happened to him.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Don't take on so, child. Your pa'll be all right. He can take care of himself.

[Molly Thatcher]

The deputy can help me. Where's Lynn Foster?

[Mrs. Holmes]

Len went with the sheriff.

[Molly Thatcher]

Isn't there anyone I can turn to, Mrs. Holmes? I've got to have help. Dad's all alone at the ranch. If anything happened to him.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Now, there, there, Molly. You come with me. I'll get some of the men in this town to go with you. Drat that wind. Could have sworn I closed that window.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Up.

[Narrator]

From the hollow in the fast dimming lights of Miner's Gulch thundered the powerful hoops of the great horse Silver. Close on his heels came the flying feet of Scout. And gamely keeping pace, the horse which Dan sat astride.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

We're heading for the Thatcher ranch tunnel.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get enough, Scout? Careful ahead. Blue shale, huh? He wants it.

[Dan Reed]

That's the ranch at the top of this rise.

[The Lone Ranger]

Nikki. Lights.

[Dan Reed]

What's that?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

What, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

When a lightning flasher saw something looked like a horseman riding away from the

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

ranch, that house ahead now.

[Narrator]

Pitching their horses under a shed to shield them from the wind and the stinging rain, the masked man, Tonto and Dan crept to a window of the ranch house and looked in. At first there was no sign of life in the big, brightly lighted house. Then, slouched in a chair, they saw a man.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Ms. Thatcher. Come on,

[The Lone Ranger]

Thatcher. Open the door. Thatcher.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

That's strange. We certainly knocked loudly enough for him to hear.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah, we knocked plenty hard.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Make noise over storm.

[Dan Reed]

Maybe if I wait.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

The door is unlocked. Come on,

[Dan Reed]

Thatcher. Stolen his chair?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Yes. He's been shot.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

That right, Dan?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Bring that lamp closer.

[Dan Reed]

Is he dead?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Yes. The bullet entered his temple. It looks as if Thatcher shot himself.

[Dan Reed]

Why would he do that?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I don't know, Dan. This powder burn proves a gun was fired at close range. If I see Thatcher could have dropped the gun here beside the chair.

[Dan Reed]

Golly. Must have had an awful good reason to shoot himself.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Did he find something, Kimosabe?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

What is it, Tondo? Yeah.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

This note on the table.

[Dan Reed]

It's a suicide note.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What'd it say?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Addressed to Molly. It's a confession that her father took his own life.

[Dan Reed]

Here's another paper.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Yes, an unfinished letter. The handwriting matches that of the note.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Everything seems to point to the fact that Thatcher killed himself. Yet I. Let's have a look at that gun, Kimosabe.

[Narrator]

You take it.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Thatcher's initials are on the gun. It says empty shell. How about. Wait. That's strange. This gun hasn't been fired since it was cleaned.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Why are you.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I wasn't in a toddler.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You see, look. Before I pressed the trigger, the hammer mark on this shell was dead center.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

The second hammer mark is off center.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Me savvy?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You mean the death bullock was fired by another gun.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh. Then Thatcher didn't kill himself after all.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

He was murdered.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Murder? Make it look like suicide.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Come on. We work to do.

[Dan Reed]

Wait. I want to show you.

[Molly Thatcher]

Dad, Are you all right? Dad? A masked man and an injured. Dad. What's happened? Who?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

What's the matter, Molly?

[Molly Thatcher]

Dad, he's been shot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Shot? I. Snow's hands.

[Narrator]

You three, you watch the rats getting the kid late. I'll keep an eye on this.

[The Lone Ranger]

No tricks or we blast you full of holes. The boys and me have got itching trigger fingers.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You're making a mistake.

[The Lone Ranger]

You made the mistake, mister. You and the engine and the kid. Yeah. We aim to see that you stretch a rope for it. What's that you're holding?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

The shell of the bullet that killed Thatcher. Together with his pistol. It'll convict the murderer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thatcher's pistol? So you shot him with his own gun. You low down coyote. Hanging's too good for you. Maybe this ain't no case for the Sheriff after all.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Wait. Why should I want to murder Thatcher?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know. But you're certain?

[Molly Thatcher]

Because you wanted this mask. Because you needed it to get your fingers on the gold. You thought dad had it, but he gave it to me. So you. You killed him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, what are we waiting for? Let's lynch this masked coyote right now.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Thanks for the winner, Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you don't. Kid. Don't touch that boy.

[Dan Reed]

We.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Toto.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

He can hurry. I'll cover you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look out. He's heaving a chair. Stop doing to them.

[Molly Thatcher]

I'm through.

[The Lone Ranger]

They get in the way. Drill him. Shoot him.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Drill him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Blast them. They're riding off. All three of them.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan halted their mounts in a clump of evergreen trees just off the brightly moonlit streets. Of Miner's Gulch. The Lone Ranger's instructions were crisp and briefed. Fine Thatcher's murderer. And in the quiet night, a relentless manhunt began. With a masked man, an Indian and a boy separately stalking the streets in the role of the hunter. It was some time later when Dan suddenly drew up his horse and scanned excitedly some imprints in the muddy walk before a cafe. And he gave the signal agreed upon.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Steady, boy.

[Dan Reed]

Gee, I hope they hear it. Tried to give the signal, just as Tomo taught me. I'll try it again.

[Mrs. Holmes]

Gosh.

[Dan Reed]

Suppose they don't come? Maybe I better go. That was an answer. There's another one. They're both coming. The Lone Ranger and Tano. I'm sure glad to see you. I wasn't sure you'd recognize my signal.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You give plenty good signal.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

What did you find, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

These tracks. See, the man who made them dismounted from his horse here and went into the cafe.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Easy, Silver. That's strange.

[Dan Reed]

But while you and Tono were examining Thatcher's gun at the ranch, I saw a lot of round, wet imprints on the floor.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Yes, I saw them myself.

[Dan Reed]

I wanted to show you to him when you were interrupted by the men from town.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Go on then.

[Dan Reed]

Well, I couldn't make head nor tail of them. But I noticed that they were about twice the length of a man's stride apart.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I see.

[Dan Reed]

And here they are again. Same tracks, but with a man's footprint walking beside them.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Me not savvy.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You're sure they're the same tracks, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

You bet. Man could avoid leaving wet tracks at the ranch with his shoe. But not so easily with his pegged leg.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You mean Thatcher's murderer has a wooden leg? And he's in that cafe?

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Before the next exciting scenes.

[Narrator]

Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Hitching their horses nearby, masked man, Tahoe and Dan crept stealthily to the front window of the cafe and quickly scanned its occupants.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Cafe's not very crowded.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Business plenty bad.

[Dan Reed]

I don't see the man we're looking for.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Him maybe. Going back room.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

We'll soon find out. Come along.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Look there. Yes, two men.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

One there.

[Dan Reed]

One of them's wearing a wooden leg.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

That's right.

[Dan Reed]

His clothes are wet too. His coat and head hanging on that peg. They're soaked through.

[Narrator]

Knock long out of storm.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

There's a pane broken in that window. Let's move closer and see what we can learn. Careful now,

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Neglect. You ain't got the brains of a hoot owl. I warned you before. Lay off me, Cobb. I gave you a clean cut job of blackmail. You couldn't miss.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you did.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You bungled it and put both our necks in the noose.

[The Lone Ranger]

In the bargain.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I tell you, Thatcher tried to pull a gun. It was him or me.

[Narrator]

Maybe it had been better if it had been you.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

What do you mean? I don't aim to hang for your hog while shooting. You've got nothing to worry about. I framed it to look like suicide.

[The Lone Ranger]

Suicide?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I don't savvy. Maybe you want me to paint you a picture. Yeah, start from scratch. Why don't you ride up to the ranch? Nine o', clock the time we set. I can see Thatcher waiting for me in the Potter.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Who is it?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

It's me, Thatcher.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I've got you covered, Peg leg.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

The wind's acting on your nerves. Thatcher. Told you I just wanted to have a friendly tour.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I know your tricks, Peg Leg. And cobs too.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

If I didn't mean to keep it friendly, I'd be packing a six shoe to myself, wouldn't I?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I saw you weren't wearing any, but

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

sure ain't no need for six guns between friends.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

All right, we'll put this Iron back in leather. But one wrong move without pump lead.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You've got nothing to fear from me if you stick to your end of the bargain.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Bargain? I made no bargain with you or Cobb either.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You're getting forgetful, Thatcher. You agreed to meet me tonight and tell me where to find the gold. I'm listening.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I agreed to meet you, but not to talk about gold.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You'd like me to think there ain't no such thing on your ranch, wouldn't you? Cobb and me happen to know one of the Blackfeet tribes buried gold here before you bought the place. And you know where to find it?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Supposing I did? You've got no claim to it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I reckon I ain't, legally. But you're a generous man. Wouldn't surprise me if you made me and Cobb a present of the whole find.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What do you mean?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You ain't forgetting you're wanted by the law for cattle rustling, are you?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Cattle rustling? That was 17 years ago.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Don't make no difference to the law how long ago it was. They're still aiming to get you if they can.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

But I was just a kid.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I remember the Montana Kid, you was called.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You ought to remember you and Cub got me to join the gang. Blackmailing comes natural to you. But you overplayed your hand this time. What's to prevent me from exposing you?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You can't prove nothing against me.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You mean.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

This here's a tintype picture you had taken when you was young, smart, with your name Thatcher?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What of it?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

The sheriff would be plumb pleased to see this. It's mighty good. Likeness of the picture of the Montana Kid. On that reward circular filed in his office.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You don't scare me, pig leg. I wouldn't give you the map to the gold. No matter how many tin types of me you had.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Map, huh? That's how you locate the gold. I'll offer you fair exchange, Thatcher. The tin type for the map.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

The answer is no. That gold belongs to Molly. Now you get out of here.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Keep it in leather.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I got your drop on you, but

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

you said you weren't packing again.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Reckon I clean forgot to look inside my shirt.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You're low down, double dealing coyote.

[The Lone Ranger]

Save it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Just hand over that map.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

That map's out of your reach. Molly's got it, but I aim to see that she keeps it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

What do you mean?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I'm going to make a clean breast to the sheriff about my part in the kettle rustling. And if you and Cobb don't vamoose these parts, Prano, I'll Talk plenty about you, too.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

That wouldn't be smart, Thatcher.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Cobb and me want the map to that gold. You're just ornery enough to go to the sheriff like you said. So we won't have a chance to get it.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You're right.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

But you haven't got the map. Molly has it. There ain't no sense in me bargaining with you for something you haven't got. How is it?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What are you getting at?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Just this. We don't need you anymore, Thatcher. In fact, we'd be better off without you. You mean dead men don't talk murder? No, suicide. Your suicide. I'll fix it so the sheriff will never suspect I committed it for you.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Molly won't believe it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

She will when she sees a suicide note in your handwriting.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You won't get away with it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Chances look more promising every minute.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

Somebody will know you'll be fine.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

All that remains is a shooting and I'm signing your suicide with a bullet from your own gun.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You murdering polecat. I'll give you a taste of your own medicine before.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Now. Will you believe me when I say you haven't got a thing to worry about? Reckon you did fix it. Plenty slick at that. Sure ain't a thing to pin the killing on us. But we still haven't got what we're after. You mean a map? Without it, we'll never find the gold. We'll get that map. Don't worry. Taking it from the girl ought to be a cinch. I don't know she's anything like an old man. That's the first time I ever saw you scared of a petticoat.

[Narrator]

I ain't scared.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I'm just careful.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

How do you suppose she keeps the map? Well, from the way Thatcher talked, I figured she keeps it with her. You'll mosey out to the ranch tomorrow night for look, see? Once we get our hands on that map, the rest will be gravy. Reckon it'll be the easiest gold strike ever made in these parts. Just sink a pick and shovel into the ground and start hauling up yellow dust.

[Narrator]

Early the next day, a lone ranger sent Dan with a message to Molly at the Thatcher ranch while the masked men in Tonto urged their powerful white stallion and sturdy paint along the trail toward town. Sheriff Holmes sat behind his desk in the jailhouse, a puzzled frown creasing his forehead. Before him lay Thatcher's pistol and an empty shell. Suddenly, a shadow fell across the desk, masked.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Believe you're looking for me, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're doggone right I am. You and that you look for me, too. The redskin.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

We want to talk to you, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

Put up your.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I wouldn't advise that.

[The Lone Ranger]

You beat me to the draw, eh? Leif Collins was telling me how you plugged the gun out of his hand last night.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

They've made the same mistake you're making, huh? And I are here to help you capture the killers.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's easy. Just give yourselves up.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Sheriff, what do you make of the two hammer marks on the empty shell on your desk?

[The Lone Ranger]

Dog gone. If I can't make head nor tail of them. This here off center, one seems to have been made by Thatcher's pistol, but

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

the other mark was made by the murderer's gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's that?

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You listen. You hear plenty.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh. Gone it. I don't savvy this.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I can tell you who killed Thatcher, but you'll need proof to convict him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You've got mighty funny ways for an outlaw, mister.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Listen to me, Sheriff. The same men who are responsible for Thatcher's death plan to rob Molly tonight.

[The Lone Ranger]

Rob molly?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

We work together, we can trap them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You make him prisoner.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dog gone. If I know what to make of you two. But you talk mighty straight lingo. Let's hear what you have to say. I'm listening.

[Narrator]

Late that night, two figures hitched their horses quietly near the corral of the Thatcher ranch and crept stealthily in the shadows toward the house. Bending low, they ran softly across a patch of moonlight, then stood tensely listening. But no awareness of their presence evinced itself in the darkened house. Then on the wooden porch sounded soft footfalls and the faint but unmistakable thump of a wooden leg.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Mm. Door's unlocked, cub, just like it was before. Come on. Take your time, peg leg. Girl's likely sleepy. Easy with that phony leg, you fool.

[Dan Reed]

It's enough to wake the dead.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You skittish as a maverick.

[Dan Reed]

Never mind that.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

One of us will have to go upstairs and fix it.

[Narrator]

I'll go.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You couldn't get within 10ft of it with that hickory so plastic.

[Dan Reed]

Dark in here.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

I can't even see the stairs. Me either. Maybe we better make a light first.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, no.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

It'll be all right, soon as our

[Dan Reed]

eyes get used to it.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Say what?

[The Lone Ranger]

What happened?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You tripped me, you clumsy coyote.

[Dan Reed]

Tripped you?

[The Lone Ranger]

You're out of your head.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

I wasn't even near you.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Don't give me that lip. You tangled with my game leg and pushed me over your mouth and help me up.

[Dan Reed]

What's that?

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

What? I thought I saw something rustled past

[Dan Reed]

me in the dark.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Looks like it might have Been a man. You got the willies. Bad cop.

[Dan Reed]

I saw something I tailored.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Shut up and hand me my gun. It's on the floor here. Hire tailor for them stairs. And get that map.

[Dan Reed]

I'll get it.

[Molly Thatcher]

Stand where you are.

[Narrator]

What the.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

It's a girl. She must have been standing there listening in the dark. Where is she?

[The Lone Ranger]

I can't see her.

[Mrs. Holmes]

I'll light a lamp for you.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

That's all I need to plug you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bless this gun. It misfired. I'll get it. Oh, you won't Come, Mayor Stombre, I'll take that gun.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You said it, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pull it first. Look out. It's all yours.

[Molly Thatcher]

What the.

[The Lone Ranger]

Misfired again.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You've given the Sheriff enough evidence to hang you, Peg Leg, huh? Take a gun, Dan.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

You bet, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

Here's your murderer.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Here's lion, Sheriff.

[The Lone Ranger]

You promised me proof, stranger.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You'll find all the proof you need in that gun.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Here's a frame up. You've got no evidence against me.

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You made one slip when you murdered Thatcher, Peg Leg.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

What do you mean?

[The Lone Ranger (Masked Man)]

You substituted your empty shell in his gun.

[Cobb (Antagonist)]

I don't savvy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I do. And that little slit will put your neck in a noose. Let me see that gun, son.

[Dan Reed]

Here you are.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

You mean it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I mean the hammer marks on these empty shells and your pistol are dead center. Same as that on the bullet that killed Thatcher.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Empty shells.

[The Lone Ranger]

How they getting that eye on the masked man? Changed him for the real thing when he upset you in the dark.

[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

Why, he's gone, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Doggone it. I haven't even found out who he is.

[Mrs. Holmes]

I know who he is.

[Molly Thatcher]

Dan told me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Jumping Jupiter. Don't stand there like a statue, Molly. Who is he?

[Molly Thatcher]

He's the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone. Well, what do you.

[Narrator]

At the beginning of tonight's story, we learned that the Lone Ranger has a surprise for Dan at Mustang Mags. What is this surprise? Be sure to follow the new adventures of the Lone Ranger and watch the development of the masked man's only living relative. There are surprises ahead for young Dan Reed.

[Molly Thatcher]

Sam,

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[Peg Leg (Antagonist)]

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[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines (Host)]

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 trw 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.

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