Mystery Hotel | The Lone Ranger (08-26-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – Mystery Hotel (Original Air Date: 08-26-53)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast Date: May 13, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling, digitally restored episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Mystery Hotel," listeners are transported to the Old West as the masked hero answers a desperate plea for help. The Lone Ranger and his trusted companion Tonto unravel a dangerous scheme involving abduction, a hidden tunnel, and an attempted prison break. Through cunning, courage, and swift justice, they face down an outlaw gang holding John Herkimer and his son hostage, ultimately thwarting a daring escape plan.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Discovery of the Message in a Bottle

(04:47 – 06:17)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto camp by a stream where they discover a floating bottle with a distress note inside:

  "I'm a prisoner in the Hillside Hotel. Bring law. Save me before it is too late. Sign John Herkimer, room 200." (05:49, The Lone Ranger)

• Recognizing Herkimer's name and reputation, the pair set out immediately to investigate the hotel upstream.

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2. The Mysterious Hillside Hotel and the Disguise

(06:17 – 09:03)

• The Lone Ranger dons a prospector disguise and approaches the run-down Hillside Hotel, which survived a town fire and is maintained by a suspicious couple.
• The hotel owner’s wife, gun in hand, denies harboring strangers and spins a tale about her “local” (unbalanced) husband.

  "It's a private home and it's mine... Joe's spells are worse when others are around. That's why we live in a deserted place like this." (08:00–08:51, Hotel Owner's Wife)

• The Lone Ranger observes inconsistencies, notably a dining table set for multiple people, belying her story.

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3. Captivity and Deception

(09:11 – 11:03)

• Inside, John Herkimer is held captive, his son leveraged to coerce cooperation from him.
• The captors punish Herkimer for his attempted cry for help, removing his small comforts.

  "We're nearly through with our job. If you want to go free with your son, you'd better not make another play to cause trouble." (10:48–10:57, Hotel Owner's Wife)

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4. Nighttime Rescue and Stealthy Action

(11:03 – 13:43 & 14:50 – 16:24)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto wait for darkness and incapacitate a guard near the stream.
• The Lone Ranger infiltrates the hotel via the porch roof, frees Herkimer, and together they escape after a brief gunfight with the outlaws.

  "They plan to finish their work tonight." (17:41, John Herkimer)

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5. Revelation of the Outlaws' Scheme

(16:46 – 18:42)

• Herkimer explains that his son Jack was lured to the hotel under false pretenses and forced to help tunnel under the mountain toward the new prison.
• The gang’s goal is to free their leader, Rifle Regan, by boring a side passage directly under his cell.

  "The leader of their gang is in the new prison. And he's the only one who knows where the gang's money is hidden. So they're going to break him out." (17:07, John Herkimer)

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6. Ride to the Prison—Raising the Alarm

(18:59 – 20:00)

• The Lone Ranger rushes to the prison, persuading the skeptical warden to act by presenting a silver bullet as his calling card:

  "The warden will not question my mask. Hand him this silver bullet and tell him I'm waiting." (19:12, The Lone Ranger)

• The warden organizes a rapid response, readying armed guards for a possible tunnel breach.

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7. The Showdown in the Tunnel

(20:10 – 23:31)

• Jack Herkimer, coerced by threats to his father, leads the gang beneath the prison cell as they break through the rock floor.
• The warden and Lone Ranger spring their trap, trapping the gang between two fronts. Panic and confusion erupt:

  "You're all trapped." (21:52, The Lone Ranger)

• A gunfight breaks out; the outlaws scramble to surrender and escape upward into the prison cell, only to be rounded up by the awaiting guards.

---

8. Triumphant Resolution

(23:31 – 24:27)

• The prisoners are secured; Herkimer and his son are safe and soon reunited.
• The Lone Ranger offers Jack a rare honor:

  "Jack, there's a chance that few men get. You're going to ride with the Lone Ranger on his famous white horse." (23:51, The Lone Ranger)

• With his iconic, rousing cry, the Lone Ranger rides again:

  “Hi-yo Silver, away!” (23:56, The Lone Ranger)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger’s sense of duty and suspicion:

  "I knew she was lying. I could see through the hall into the dining room, and the table was set for at least six people, maybe more." (11:12, The Lone Ranger)

• The outlaw leader’s desperate plan:

  "They're in touch with Regan's lawyer... They expect to get him out tonight." (18:30–18:42, John Herkimer)

• Heroic call to arms:

  "Regan will escape unless you act fast. But how can he? Through the floor. His gang is tunneling underground to reach a point beneath his cell." (19:43–19:50, The Lone Ranger)

• Justice served:

  "You crooks are going to be in jail for life." (23:33–23:40, Warden)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro and start of story: 01:36–04:47
• Message in a bottle found: 04:47
• Lone Ranger investigates hotel: 07:21
• Escape through window: 15:16
• Plot details revealed (tunnel & prison break): 16:46–18:42
• Lone Ranger warns the warden: 19:08
• Tunnel breach and climax: 20:10–23:31
• Aftermath and ride away: 23:42–24:18

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Episode Tone & Style

Maintaining the heroic and suspenseful style characteristic of Old Time Radio Westerns, the episode balances sharp dialogue, dramatic action, and earnest appeals to justice. The Lone Ranger’s unflinching honor and Tonto’s steadfast loyalty underpin a story filled with danger, deception, and the eventual triumph of law and order. The setting—a derelict hotel, whispering plots among shadows, clattering hooves—evokes the era’s wild frontier authenticity.

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For fans of classic radio or newcomers alike, this episode offers a compelling standalone story with strong pacing, classic characters, and a timeless celebration of good over evil.

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 (Mel Allen)]

Why? Special recording. General Mills, makers of Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions and Cheerios The Oat cereal Ready to Eat presents the Lone Ranger, A fiery horse with a sweet flight, a

[Chorus/Background Voices]

cloud of dots and a haughty Hio Silver. A Lone Ranger.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Nowhere in the pages of history can

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

one find a greater champion of justice.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. While of the past come the thundering

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Lone Silver. Let's go, big fellow.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Until.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Champions are made. Not far.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes, sir. Get on your way.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Get on your way.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Get on your way with Petey.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

It's encouraging for all of us to know that champions are made, not born. We can get ahead like Ted Laszewski, power hitter for the Cincinnati Red Legs. Here's the story of little Ted and how he worked to get ahead by playing ball each chance he got and doing what the champs all taught. A bowl of Wheaties helped a lot. Now Ted slams them off the wall. Still likes Wheaties best of all. Why? Big Ted Kalzewski was raised on Wheaties, and you bet he still eats them. Ted knows there's a whole kernel of wheat in every wheat flake.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Come on, Ted.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Break up the game.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Hey, hey, hey. He's on his way, on his way? He's on his way, on his way. Get on your way with sweeties. Cause champions of eight, not sports.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes, sir.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Get on your way.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Get on your way?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Get on your way with sweeties. Breakfast of champions.

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[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

At sunset, the Lone Ranger and Taco were riding along the bank of a wide stream of clear water that ran through the valley. When they reached a stand of timber, the masked man signaled a halt.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady, big fellow. We'll camp here. Tad Kimasabe.

[John Herkimer]

This good place.

[The Lone Ranger]

Plenty firewood.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Plenty water and grass for scouting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Kimasabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Look.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Kimasabi Upstream.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Bottles float on water.

[The Lone Ranger]

A bottle.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Both men stood beside their horses and watched the floating bottle carried toward them by the stream. Presently, the masked man said, father, there

[The Lone Ranger]

seems to be a piece of paper inside that bottle.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

That right?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get it.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The Lone Ranger waded into the water knee deep, secured the bottle and returned to Tono's side.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Is there writing on paper? Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tahoe.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

I'll break the bottle and see what's written there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Throw some dirt over the broken glass, will you? This looks like a page torn from notebook.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

What's it say?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm a prisoner in the Hillside Hotel. Bring law. Save me before it is too late. Sign John Herkimer, room 200. John Herkimer? You know him?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tutto. He's a fine old gentleman. His son is one of the most brilliant engineers in the country. He's built several railroad tunnels.

[John Herkimer]

Me here. Jack Herkimer.

[The Lone Ranger]

I met Jack and his father during the building of a tunnel for the Union Pacific. Where? Hotel must be in the town of Hillside.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

I see.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's in this valley a few miles upstream.

[John Herkimer]

We go there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Untie the blankets and cooking gear, Tonneau. We'll leave them here so the horses will carry no extra weight while you're doing that, I'll rig a disguise.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

In his saddlebags, the Lone Ranger carried extra clothing as well as materials to change his complexion and the general appearance of his face. After a few minutes of work, he looked like an a prospector as he stood unmasked beside his horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ready?

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Taro,

[Chorus/Background Voices]

get him out of his car.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Following the bank of the stream, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe rode upstream for about an hour. It was dusk when they reached the edge of the woods and halted their horses. Charred wood and stone foundations were all that remained of the buildings that had once made up the settlement. Only the two story hotel had escaped the fire that destroyed the town. The hotel, which stood close to the steep hill at one side of the valley, was badly in need of repair.

[John Herkimer]

Look like no one lived there now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well soon find out. Easy, steady, big fella. Stay here with the horses. Taro, will you go to the hotel alone? Yes. I'll try to learn something about John Herkimer.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

During a walk of about 200 yards from the woods to the hotel, the Lone Ranger moved with a shuffling gait in keeping his disguise as an aged prospector. As he neared the building, he noticed only traces of paint remained on the split and broken clapboard. And there were many broken windows. As he crossed the covered porch, the door was opened suddenly by a heavily built woman who held a gun in one hand.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

I saw you coming, mister.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

State your business and be quick about it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, this being a hotel.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Not anymore.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

It's a private home and it's mine.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Oh.

[The Lone Ranger]

Last time I came here, there was

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

quite a town and the hotel was running.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

That's when a lot of galoots like

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

you were searching for gold in the hills.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, ma'. Am. And a number of men found gold.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Didn't last. When the claims petered out, a lot of people moved away. The rest of them left after the town burned down.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Now, there's no one here but my

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

husband and me, and we're not running a hotel.

[The Lone Ranger]

So if you'll. I'm looking for a gent named John Herkimer.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

John Herkimer?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

I never heard the name. Now shove on, mister. I'm busy. That's my husband. He's a bit local.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, you don't say.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

I reckon I'd better explain. You see, most of the time Joe's all right, but every so often he has a. When he thinks everyone is trying to kill him. During those spells, I have to keep him locked in his room.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, do the two of you live here alone?

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Yeah. Joe's spells Are worse when others are around. That's why we live in a deserted place like this. We bought the hotel for practically nothing after the town burned down. Now, mister, will you clear out?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes, ma'.

[John Herkimer]

Am.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sorry I bothered you. Good day, ma'. Am.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Good day,

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Kate.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Sloan watched the visitor leave the porch and walk slowly toward the W. Then she went inside and closed the door. Her husband appeared from a side room.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Joe, that man was asking about Herkimer.

[The Lone Ranger]

I heard the talk.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Why do you suppose he thought Herkimer would be here?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

I don't know.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Herkimer yelled for help.

[The Lone Ranger]

I heard him. I'm going upstairs right now and find out about him.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

I'll go with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I sent Lefty to keep an eye on Herkimer. When you saw the stranger approaching the front door.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

When he yelled, I didn't know what to say.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

You thought fast, Kate.

[The Lone Ranger]

There was a good story he told about me having spelled and having to

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

be locked in a room.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Joe Sloane and his wife walked along the second floor corridor to a room in the front of the hotel. They saw John Herkmer, senior father of the young engineer, unconscious on the bed. Lefty stood at his side and explained.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

With my gun barrel, Joe.

[John Herkimer]

I came here to watch him like you said.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

But he cried out real sudden. He took me by surprise. How bad's he hurt? Oh, he's not hurt much.

[John Herkimer]

I just tapped him coming to my.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

My head.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Herkimer, we've been giving you and your son mighty fine treatment. But it seems you don't appreciate it. You tried to make trouble for us by yelling for help.

[John Herkimer]

Do you think I like being help?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

You like it even less. From now on, I'm cutting out all the fancy trimmings you've been getting. No more books to read or wine

[The Lone Ranger]

to drink or swimming in the river.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Take those books, Luffy.

[John Herkimer]

Yeah, right.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

And take the line away from them.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Where is it?

[John Herkimer]

High 50.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Where's the empty bottle?

[John Herkimer]

It is carried out a couple of days ago with a food tray.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Red picks up the dirty dishes.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

He must have thrown it out. Herkimer, we're nearly through with our job. If you want to go free with your son, you'd better not make another

[The Lone Ranger]

play to cause trouble.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger rejoined Toto in the woods. During the gathering darkness. He removed his disguise and put on his own clothes and mask while he

[The Lone Ranger]

told of his visit. And this woman said she and her husband lived there alone. I knew she was lying. I could see through the hall into the dining room, and the table was set for at least Six people, maybe more. Maybe also a high Bob Husband having six pounds, probably. The cry I heard was cut off sharply, as if someone had throttled a man or knocked him out.

[John Herkimer]

Maybe you trick him Her?

[The Lone Ranger]

That's possible.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Kim is heavy.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Yes. What we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll wait until it's dark, then leave the horses here at Ground Hitch and go together to the hotel, and we'll go quietly.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

A short time later, the masked man and Toto moved silently and kept concealed as well as possible in underbrush that grew along the bank of the stream. There was no moon, but the faint starlight revealed a man sitting on the ground near the water's edge. He seemed to be watching a lighted front window on the hotel's second floor.

[The Lone Ranger]

It might be a guard.

[John Herkimer]

We capture him.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The guard was wholly unaware that anyone was near until strong arms gripped him from behind. Before he could cry out, a hand was clamped across his mouth. A gun jabbed him in the back, and a low voice said, keep quiet

[The Lone Ranger]

if you want to stay alive.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The guard knew better than to struggle threatened by a gun. He remained quiet while Toto gagged him and tied his hands and feet. Stay here and watch P. I'll climb

[The Lone Ranger]

to the porch roof and see who's in that lighted room.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

This is Mel Allen, sports announcer, coming at you again and hammering away with those five big birds. Champions are made, not born. Let me tell you about the kangaroo kid, Jim Pollard of the world champion Minneapolis Lakers. Jumping Jim wasn't born to dunk those layups. He practiced hard when he was a youngster and just as hard today. And is it any surprise that Jim Pollard's been eating Wheaties since he was 11? Take another pro basketball champ, Bob Davies of the Rochester Royals. Ever watch Bob bring that ball down the floor? Well, he started working on that dribble way back in grammar school. And eating Wheaties even then. It's more than practice, more than hard work, more than the will to win. It's also a matter of eating, right?

[John Herkimer]

Sure.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

It's Wheaties. I'm talking about Wheaties bowl after bowl. Why, there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. Yes, sir, you bet your last bowl of Wheaties. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties breakfast of champions.

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[Liberty Mutual Agent]

And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting row at a comedy show.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Oh, no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Agent]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Liberty. Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Liberty.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Liberty.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Now to continue. A short time later, the masked man was on the hotel porch. By standing on the porch railing, he gripped the edge of the veranda roof and drew himself up. He made his way to the lighted window, peered cautiously into the room and saw John Herkimer, tied hand and foot, lying on the bed. There was no lock on the window. The Lone Ranger opened it and stepped into the room. He drew a knife as he stepped to the bedside.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hercumer, I'll have you free in a few seconds.

[John Herkimer]

I remember you. The Union Pacific.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Yes, there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hungry. Another feat.

[John Herkimer]

A gang of crooks live here. They captured my son at me. The door.

[The Lone Ranger]

Matt. Be quiet.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Hey, Joe, that'll hold you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll drag this man into the room.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

The others downstairs, they heard him.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're coming now. Close the door. Here, take this man's gun.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Here's knife.

[The Lone Ranger]

Free your feet. I'll try to hold the others back.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Good.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

While Herkimer worked desperately to cut the heavy rope around his ankles, the Lone Ranger drew his gun. When he heard the voices of the outlaws in the hall, he fired through the door.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

More bullets are waiting for anyone who opens that door.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Shoot for the door, boy.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The masked man stood to one side away from the bullets that slid through the door. He saw that Lefty was still unconscious, then glanced at Herkimer.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Your egg was free.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go out the window.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

What I said still goes, and this proves it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get out while those crooks are deciding on their next move.

[John Herkimer]

But you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll follow you drop from the porch roof and get Go directly to the stream tunnels there.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

My son. We can't help him unless we escape. Now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hurry.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Despite his age, Herkimer moved with speed and agility. He went through the window, down the sloping roof and dropped to the ground. The Lone Ranger Followed. And the two ran toward the stream, joined Toto and hurried to the woods. In the woods, where they had left gotten silver, the Lone Ranger listened to John Herkimer.

[John Herkimer]

As you know, the old hotel was built against the foot of a mountain.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Yes.

[John Herkimer]

My son Jack received a letter from a man named Sloan asking him to call at the Hillside Hotel to discuss rebuilding the town. Well, I went to the hotel with him, and we were both captured by Sloan. Sloan and six other crooks. Sloan's wife was there too. They want my son to do a job for them and threatened to kill

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

me if he refused.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

How long ago?

[John Herkimer]

Several weeks. They treated me very well, but they made clear that my son would be killed if I tried to escape. They allowed me to go to the river under guard to bathe, and gave me anything I wanted to eat and drink. I asked for wine so I'd have an empty bottle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, we found the bottle in your note. That's what brought us to Hillside.

[John Herkimer]

I managed to get it into the stream without being noticed by the guard.

[The Lone Ranger]

What about your son?

[John Herkimer]

I haven't seen Jack since we were captains.

[The Lone Ranger]

I went to the hotel earlier posing as a prospector.

[John Herkimer]

So that was you. Yes, I cried out.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I heard you.

[John Herkimer]

From the talk I'd overheard, I knew the crooks were nearly through with their job and I was desperate. After you left, they tied me as you found me. They plan to finish their work tonight.

[The Lone Ranger]

What are they trying to do?

[John Herkimer]

The leader of their gang is in the new prison. And he's the only one who knows where the gang's money is hidden. So they're going to break him out.

[The Lone Ranger]

How?

[John Herkimer]

Few people know of it, but there's a tunnel through the mountain, the bed of a stream that dried up years ago. One end of the tunnel opens into the cellar of the hotel, and the other end, it opens into the valley on the far side of the mountain. But at one point, it goes near the new prison.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Oh.

[John Herkimer]

The crooks are working in relays under the direction of my son to cut a side tunnel that will lead directly beneath the cell of their leader in prison. Then they'll cut through the floor and let him out.

[The Lone Ranger]

How do they know which cell the leader occupies?

[John Herkimer]

They're in touch with Regan's lawyer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Regan?

[John Herkimer]

Yes, they call him Rifle.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Regan Kabi.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

You help capture him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. He's in prison for life for stealing army rifles and selling them to Indians. Law's been looking for the rest of his gang.

[John Herkimer]

They expect to get him out tonight.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here, Silver Herkimer, you ride double on Todo's horse?

[John Herkimer]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toddo. Go to the place where we left our gear. Wait there.

[John Herkimer]

They'll kill my son.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's hope there's time to prevent it. Easy, shady big fella.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Mont.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Riding at top speed, the Lone Ranger guided his great horse, Silver, over the high, treacherous mountain to the new territorial prison. He was met at the gate by armed guards.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, easy, big fella. I must see the warden right away.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Now, hold on, mask man.

[The Lone Ranger]

The warden will not question my mask. Hand him this silver bullet and tell him I'm waiting.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The warden remembered the man who carried silver bullets. The almost legendary figure who had helped capture the notorious outlaw Rifle Regan. He came and pushed him to the gate and escorted the Lone Ranger to his office.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm very glad to see you again. If you're hungry, came here at top speed because every second counts. Regan's gang is planning a jailbreak.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

A jailbreak? I'm not worried.

[The Lone Ranger]

This prison is as. The walls are high, the locks are strong and the guards are to be trusted. But Regan will escape unless you act fast. But how can he? Through the floor.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

The floor?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. His gang is tunneling underground to reach a point beneath his cell. Now, if we work fast, we may be able to capture every member of the Regan gang. But it will take a half a dozen men with gun.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

We'll have a dozen. Just tell me what to do.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Later that night, Jack Herkimer, thin and tired from weeks of work and worry, stood in the tunnel with Joe Sloan and several others of the gang.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Hurry up, Herkimer.

[John Herkimer]

According to my calculations, we should be

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

directly beneath Regan's cell right now.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

You mean if we break through the ceiling of the tunnel, we'll come into Regan cell?

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

I think so.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

You'd better be right if you expect to see your father alive. You heard him, boys. Big at the feeling. All right. When we've thrown up a few feet, we should hit rock.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

That'll be the floor of the cell.

[John Herkimer]

Jack.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

How do we cut through that rock? The prison floor is made of big slabs of rock. Work around one, it'll drop.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Standing on improvised platforms, the men who dug at the ceiling of tunnel presently

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

heard their fixed bright, solid stone.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

That's it, boy. Scrape the dirt away carefully.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Work to the edge of that stone

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

flag we are now found the edge on this side.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Careful now. Don't stand beneath it. How thick are those stone slabs?

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

About three inches.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

When we get one of them out, will there be room for Regan to get out?

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Yes, it goes. Careful.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

It's about to drop. It's coming. Here she comes.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

There's an open space above.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Let's hope it's Regan's cell. It better be. It is. Regan looking down at us. Make room for me on that platform so I can talk to her. All right. Come on.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Let me get there.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Hi, Regan.

[The Lone Ranger]

How did.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Sloan.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been waiting for you.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Are you alone, Ms. L? Yeah. What about the guards?

[The Lone Ranger]

They won't be taken up for a couple hours.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Come on, then. We'll be miles away by the time they discover that you're gone. There's a wooden platform right beneath the hole. You can get down easy. Going somewhere? You.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Who's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

The warden.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

He's at the cell door. I gotta get down there first. Come on, Regan. Go ahead, Riggan. You'll be back.

[John Herkimer]

Says you'll be back.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

What's he mean? I don't know. You're all trapped.

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

What?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Someone in the tunnel. Too dark to see anyone. We're all honored.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're ready to shoot. You can't escape. Give me a gun. We'll shoot our way through the tunnel.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Here's an extra gun.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

That bullet hit the gun.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

We're ready if you want gunplay. We gotta get past those men. Come on, boys. Open fire and put out that lan.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The Lone Ranger and the men assigned by the prison warden to help him could not be seen in the dark tunnel.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

But the outlaws, even after extinguishing their lantern, were visible targets in the light that came through the hole from the cell above.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

I hit. My arm is back.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

We got no chance. I'm up into that cell. If you don't want to be shot, I'm gone. I'm going. Don't shoot me.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Me too. Make room for me in the platform.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

That's the only way out of the

[The Lone Ranger]

T.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

For the outlaws, there was no choice.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

To escape the gunfire, they climbed through the hole into the tunnel ceiling. Meanwhile, the warden and armed guards had entered Regan's cell. Each man who entered through the hole in the floor faced guns.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

And here's another.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, drop your gun.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Stand over there against the wall with your palatric. Regan, did you help set this trap?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I didn't know anything about it.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Jack Herkimer came into the cell after all the crooks had been captured. He was followed by the masked man. The warden grinned and said, give the masked man a hand.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can make it, Warden. Are you alone?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Your men who are with me have gone back to the tunnel. They'll return here with Sloane's wife. How are you, Jack?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Why, I'm all right.

[John Herkimer]

But.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

But I don't understand.

[The Lone Ranger]

Your father sent us here.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

My dad?

[Hotel Owner's Wife]

Is he all right?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

You'll be with him before daybreak.

[John Herkimer]

Thank goodness.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Boys, take those crooks to the detention cell.

[The Lone Ranger]

That'll hold them till they're assigned to permanent quarters.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Right. Come on, get along. Did you hear that phone? What? I said permanent. You crooks are going to be in jail for life.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jack, do you want to go back through the tunnel with me?

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Through the tunnel?

[John Herkimer]

Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

I left my horse near the hotel. We ride double to the camp for your father's wedding. Jack, there's a chance that few men get.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

You're going to ride with a lone

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Ranger on his famous white horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you're going to hear the cry

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

that thrills the hearts of law loving people in the West. It's hi O Silver away.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

We'll return in just a moment for a word of our next exciting Lone Ranger Adventure. 5:15 Deadline G Man.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

Jimmy is 8 years old. He is strong and he is bold. He can capture outlaws cause he knows he's got goal power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got goal power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Say, you ought to try Cheerios, the delicious food with Go Power Cheerios, the Oats cereal that needs no cooking.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Add milk and you've got just the

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

breakfast to start a healthy happy day. It's real muscle building food. Every spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

They help give you healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. So eat Cheerios.

[Chorus/Background Voices]

People will say he's feeling his Cheerios.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The headlight of a fast approaching reveals a Lone Ranger working desperately to cut the ropes that held his Indian Tahoe

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

to the gleaming rails.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

This gripping situation and the events that

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

lead up to it will thrill you in our next mile a minute adventure.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

The Lone Range Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Ben Stryker. A part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer pronouncer Fred F.

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[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger is brought to you

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

Friday at this same time.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

Be sure to listen.

[Narrator (Mel Allen)]

This recorded program has come to you from Detroit.

[Narrator (Lone Ranger Story)]

This is ABC Radio Network.

[John Herkimer]

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 Become one 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 podcast trwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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