No Man’s Land | The Lone Ranger (12-11-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: “No Man’s Land” | The Lone Ranger (12-11-42)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: July 21, 2026
Classic Broadcast Date: December 11, 1942

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode from the golden age of radio, the Lone Ranger and his steadfast companion Tonto confront a notorious outlaw stronghold in a lawless region known as “No Man’s Land” (the future Oklahoma Panhandle). The story spotlights the dilemma faced by a Western frontier town: uphold the law or take justice into their own hands, when outlaws exploit an area beyond the reach of local authority. Themes of justice, moral fortitude, and respect for law run through as the Lone Ranger and allies stand against Slater and his gang, who plot to extort nearby settlers.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Stage: Law vs. Outlaws (04:29–08:13)

• Lawlessness in the West: The narrative opens with a vivid description of “No Man’s Land.” This area, not being part of any state, becomes a haven for outlaws like Slater.

• Judge Pepper’s Dilemma: Townsfolk, frustrated with the inability to legally pursue outlaws, urge Judge Pepper to sanction a vigilante posse. Judge Pepper staunchly refuses, emphasizing integrity and respect for the law—even when the law seems to shield villains.

  Notable Quote (Judge Pepper, 06:44):

  “The law is the law. You’ve got to respect it… Even when it helps protect outlaws. Law and order is a mighty funny thing. Sometimes it seems way out of kilter, but give it time and it'll straighten out.”

• Moral Stand: Judge Pepper warns he'd resign before allowing unlawful action, showing strong principles (07:14).

  Notable Moment:
  When Jason and others concede, swayed by Pepper’s passion, agreeing not to cross the boundary unlawfully (07:32).

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The Cat-and-Mouse with Slater’s Gang (08:32–14:59)

• Slater’s Intimidation: The outlaws outmaneuver the posse at the boundary, gloating over their untouchability and parading their plunder (09:13).

• Sally’s Worry: Judge Pepper’s daughter, Sally, fears for her beloved Jason, who is among the posses (09:34–10:24).

  Notable Quote (Judge Pepper to Sally, 09:56):

  “Slater’s got mighty fast horses… but Jason gave me a promise he wouldn’t cross that boundary.”

• Tonto’s Introduction: Tonto arrives and learns of the trouble, affirming that Slater’s grip is strengthened by legal loopholes (10:32–10:57).

• Jason Captured: The failed posse returns; Jason is captured—raising the stakes for the town (11:18).

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The Lone Ranger Intervenes (11:44–17:14)

• Strategic Approach: Tonto briefs the Lone Ranger. They reason that respect for the law is paramount, but so is intervention (12:41).

  Notable Quote (The Lone Ranger, 12:43):

  “No. Get that idea out of your head, Tonto. The judge is right. Without respect for law and order, the whole West would crumble.”

• Infiltration: The Lone Ranger and Tonto deliberately allow themselves to be captured to scope out the outlaw camp (16:00–16:35).

• Slater’s Plan: Slater reveals his scheme: demand ‘taxes’ (protection money) from settlers, using Jason as leverage (14:01–14:44).

  Notable Quote (Slater, 14:41):

  “Tribute… Only I like the word ‘taxes’ better. Sounds more legal.”

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The Turning Point: Law Finds a Way (19:01–26:19)

• Pressure on the Town: Carson, one of Slater’s men, is sent to force the town into compliance under threat to Jason’s life (23:04).

• Judge Pepper’s Integrity Holds: Judge Pepper refuses to capitulate to blackmail, struggling with the weight of Jason's fate (24:11–24:43).

  Notable Moment:
  The Lone Ranger appears just as Carson renews his threats, disarms him, and inspires Judge Pepper to organize a legal posse (24:58–26:19).

  Notable Quotes:

  • Judge Pepper: “I can't do that. Promise to pay tribute to an ornery skunk like Slater.” (24:23)
  • The Lone Ranger: “The law should be respected. It will be. By dawn this morning, Tonto will be waiting at the boundary. ... I promise you that this posse will be entirely legal.” (25:42–26:11)

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The Climax: Justice Served (26:50–31:07)

• Showdown at the Outlaw Camp:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto launch a bold rescue, spiriting Jason away under gunfire (28:49–29:07).

• Trap Set:
  A hidden, legally sanctioned posse blocks the outlaws’ escape. Slater is cornered as Judge Pepper introduces a new ally: a United States Marshal (29:45–30:27).

  Notable Quote (Judge Pepper, 30:13):

  “This territory may not belong to any county or local government, but it's part of the United States. This gentleman beside me is United States Marshal.”

  Notable Reaction (Slater, 30:27):

  “I reckon I'm licked. Who in tarnation thought of bringing a U.S. marshal down here?”

  • Jason responds: “Who do you think, Slater? It was the Lone Ranger.” (30:31)

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Notable Quotes Recap

• “The law is the law. You’ve got to respect it... Even when it helps protect outlaws.”
  – Judge Pepper (06:44)

• “Tribute… Only I like the word ‘taxes’ better. Sounds more legal.”
  – Slater (14:41)

• “Without respect for law and order, the whole West would crumble. Law will take care of that situation sometime.”
  – The Lone Ranger (12:43)

• “This territory… is part of the United States. This gentleman... is United States marshal.”
  – Judge Pepper (30:13)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction and Setting of Lawless Land: 04:29–05:37
• Judge Pepper’s Moral Stand: 05:38–07:14
• Posse Fails, Jason Captured: 11:13–11:21
• Slater’s Protection Racket Plot: 14:01–14:44
• Tonto and the Lone Ranger’s Plan: 12:41–13:12
• Lone Ranger Infiltrates Outlaw Camp: 16:00–16:45
• Threat to Town, Judge’s Dilemma: 23:04–24:43
• Lone Ranger’s Intervention & Legal Posse: 24:58–26:19
• Showdown and U.S. Marshal Revealed: 29:45–30:31

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Memorable Moments

• Judge Pepper’s unwavering respect for law, even when tested by desperate circumstance.
• Lone Ranger’s adherence to the legal process, finds a lawful way to outmaneuver the outlaws—aiding justice without sacrificing principle.
• Dramatic rescue of Jason amid gunfire and the clever twist of enlisting federal authority to arrest the outlaws in a neutral zone.

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Conclusion

“No Man’s Land” exemplifies what makes Lone Ranger tales enduring: the struggle for law and order in a wild frontier, dramatic action, colorful characters, and the triumph of justice through both courage and integrity. With Judge Pepper and the Lone Ranger’s principled stance, the town preserves not just its safety, but its honor—a story as thrilling as it is morally rich.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Jason]

Foreign.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early Western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have Come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Slater's Gang Member]

O Silver, there's danger on the trail ahead.

[Carson]

Hail, Silver.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Hoy.

[Narrator]

In the days when the Lone Ranger rode the plains, a certain section of the west, bounded by Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas had not been included in any state territory. This strip of land is now the Panhandle of Oklahoma. But in those days it was a no man's land where the law could not be enforced and desperadoes and outlaws used it as a hideout and a stronghold for the law of the six gun. In a town close to this territory, old Judge Pepper was talking to several townspeople.

[Slater's Gang Member]

No, no.

[Judge Pepper]

I'm just as eager to enforce the law as any of you. I'm just as anxious to wipe out that nest of varmints as every man jack in town. But I'm a judge sworn to do my duty according to the rules. You can't arrest a man unless it's legal. And gents, no matter what you say, once a posse crosses into that territory, it's got no more legal power. We can't arrest him, Judge.

[Jason]

You'll pardon me for speaking up this way, but if the regular law says we can't, then the tarnation with the regular law. We got guns, we got horses.

[Slater's Gang Member]

We'll go in there and whip them fair and square, man to man with six guns. Well, what do you say, gents? Who's ready to ride tonight? Who's with me? Oh, wait. Wait a minute. Right now, wait a minute there, Judge Pepper.

[Jason]

You'll have to say a mighty lot of words to make us change our minds.

[Judge Pepper]

I aim to, Jason. I'm an old man. A heap site older than you fellers. I reckon when I was your age, I'd have done the same thing. But it won't work. Gentlemen. I'm telling you straight. It won't work.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Why not?

[Judge Pepper]

The law is the law. You've got to respect it.

[Jason]

When it helps protect outlaws, Jason.

[Judge Pepper]

Even when it helps protect outlaws. Law and order is a mighty funny thing. Sometimes it seems way out of kilter, like it isn't working right. But give it time and it'll straighten out. You can't take the law into your own hands.

[Carson]

You.

[Judge Pepper]

You can't. You're decent, law abiding citizens. If you go out this way, you're no Better than the outlaws you're chasing.

[Slater's Gang Member]

You're outlaws yourselves.

[Judge Pepper]

And furthermore, if you do this thing, I'll resign.

[Carson]

What?

[Judge Pepper]

Yes, I will. I give you my word I'll resign quicker than scat. I love this town, this county, but I'd rather die of thirst on the desert than countenance disregard for the law. I reckon it's up to you, gentlemen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judge,

[Jason]

we're plumb ashamed of ourselves. You're right as rain. I reckon we'll have to do like we've always done before. Chase those hombres just as far as we can. But catch them before they cross that boundary well and good. But we won't chase him any further.

[Judge Pepper]

Thank you, Jason. Thank you, gentlemen. I hope we figure out a way, a legal way to corral those outlaws. It's mighty trying on the Patriot.

[Jason]

Say, what in thunder.

[Slater's Gang Member]

We got a church. That's right. It's Slater and his band, the outlaws. They're on the band. Come on, men, this is our chance. They're heading for no Man's land. We can get them before they cross that boundary. On your horses. Remember the law, Jason. Remember the law. We'll get him, Judge Puffer. They won't get away this time. Come on, Chance. Shoot your six gun.

[Judge Pepper]

Come on here,

[Slater's Gang Member]

Slater.

[Carson]

You going plumb crazy? What are we standing here for?

[Slater's Gang Member]

That parcel?

[Carson]

You'll be on us in no time.

[Slater]

You're new here, cousin. Just set your horse and take it easy. Keep your guns handy, gents.

[Carson]

They'll ride us down. We'll end up swinging on a rope.

[Slater]

Yeah, just watch what happens. Besides, we got more men than they

[Carson]

dog me for a coyote. Stopped.

[Slater]

Howdy, gents. Looking for somebody?

[Jason]

We're looking for you, you ornery pool kid.

[Slater]

Why'd you stop?

[Jason]

You know all fired well while we stopped you across the boundary. Come on out, you skunks. Come on out and fight.

[Slater]

Oh, not us, Jason. We don't want to hurt you.

[Slater's Gang Member]

You rob that bank.

[Jason]

Don't deny it.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Who's denying it?

[Slater]

Gents, hold up them bags of gold for them to see.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Why, gravy. That's too much. I told you straighter. Here they come. You sure? You write them down, Law. And.

[Judge Pepper]

Sally, you still out here? It's getting cold, Father.

[Sally Pepper]

Why aren't they back yet? The posse rode out hours ago.

[Judge Pepper]

Worried about Jason.

[Sally Pepper]

I. I love him, Father.

[Judge Pepper]

That's no news to me, Sally. I guessed that long ago. Don't you fret. He'll be back.

[Sally Pepper]

Do you think they caught up with Slater's band before they reached the boundary?

[Tonto]

I don't know.

[Judge Pepper]

Slater's got mighty fast horses.

[Sally Pepper]

Jason's so hot headed. Father, if he'd had the posse across the boundary, there's sure to have been a gunfight. And that territory's swarming with outlaws, Jason won't have a chance.

[Judge Pepper]

Easy, Sally, easy. No sense counting chickens before they hatch. Jason gave me a promise he wouldn't cross the boundary.

[Sally Pepper]

Do you think he'd keep that promise?

[Judge Pepper]

I understand what you mean. He means well, but.

[Sally Pepper]

Yes. That's why I'm worried.

[Judge Pepper]

What? Where'd you come from, Injun? You gave us a start.

[Tonto]

Me in town to buy supplies. Where everybody go?

[Sally Pepper]

There's a posse out chasing Slater.

[Tonto]

Slater?

[Judge Pepper]

I reckon you're new in these parts. Injunction. Slater's the kingpin outlaw around here. And the law can't touch him.

[Tonto]

Me hear part of what you say. What matter the law around here don't say that, Injun.

[Sally Pepper]

My father here is the judge.

[Judge Pepper]

Old man's got a right to his opinion. Sally, I'm Judge Pepper. Engine.

[Tonto]

How me, Tonto.

[Judge Pepper]

My daughter Sally's a might worried about the father. It's the posse, all right. No prisoners. His horses sound tired.

[Sally Pepper]

I don't see Jason.

[Judge Pepper]

Well, Flanders, what happened?

[Carson]

I've got bad news, judge.

[Narrator]

We went over the boundary.

[Judge Pepper]

Where's Jason?

[Carson]

That's the bad news. Slater had too many men for us.

[Sally Pepper]

Jason? Jason isn't.

[Carson]

No, Ms. Sally. Jason isn't dead. When our bullets ran out and we had a vamoose, Jason didn't make it. Slater's got him prisoner.

[Tonto]

Hi, Kiyosabi.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hi, Taro. What happened? He didn't get the supplies.

[Tonto]

Me learn about heap big trouble in town. Outlaw named Slater.

[The Lone Ranger]

What about him?

[Tonto]

Him and men rob bank and ride away. Posse go after them, but they not able to make rest.

[The Lone Ranger]

Any gun fighting?

[Tonto]

Oh, plenty gun smoke, but big trouble. Law not able to arrest outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not able to arrest an outlaw. Oh, wait a moment. Tarto sound very strange. Better start at the beginning. That's it. Strip of territory that isn't under any county or state law. A hideout for outlaws.

[Tonto]

Slater him plenty bad. From what Tantor here old Judge Pepper

[The Lone Ranger]

keeps insisting on doing things a legal, lawful way.

[Tonto]

Maybe this time him wrong.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. Get that idea out of your head, Tano. The judge is right. Without respect for law and order, the whole west would crumble. Law will take care of that situation sometime.

[Tonto]

That's right. But what happened now?

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I think we can take a hand in this game ourselves. Let's mountain ride. Yes, Silver.

[Tonto]

Steady, scout. Steady. Kimasabe. Where we go? We go to town, maybe talk with Judge Pepper.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll do that later, Talo. First we're heading for this no man's land, huh?

[Tonto]

We go an outlaw hideout.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right, Tado.

[Tonto]

But Kimasabi Slater him. He bad hombre. He maybe shoot you.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll take that chance. Silly big fellow. Come on, boy.

[Tonto]

Get him up.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Scout.

[Slater]

Well, how are you, Jason? Nice and comfortable.

[Jason]

Get these ropes off of me. Get them off and I'll fight you. Fan square. Guns in the holsters, drawing fire, comma, Delaney.

[Slater]

Carson. I don't fight fair, Jason. I'm an outlaw, savvy? I don't care if I shoot a man in the front or in the back, so long as he's dead.

[Jason]

Why didn't you shoot me?

[Slater]

Because I got plans for you, Jason. Big plans.

[Jason]

What are you driving at? I know it's something crooked.

[Slater]

I always did admire brains. Yep, it's right big. I figure on collecting taxes from everybody in Stevens County.

[Jason]

Collecting taxes? I reckon you're lukewar. That's a law and order job.

[Slater]

You don't savvy, Jason. This here section is open land. It's got no law at all.

[Jason]

Sure, that's why you sidewinders hide out here. The law can't touch you.

[Slater]

I've collected a mighty big outfit. A lot of the outlaws between the Mississippi and the Rockies have moseyed in here. We got the surrounding settlements buffaloed, Scared, green. Now I figure if they'll agree to pay me so much ahead, I'll leave them alone.

[Tonto]

I won't bother.

[Jason]

You'll force them to pay your tribute.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Slater]

Tribute. Only I like the word taxes better.

[Judge Pepper]

Sounds more legal.

[Jason]

It's high handed robbery. That's what you'll force honest folks to. I wish Judge Pepper would forget about law and order. Then everybody could get together and wipe you out once and for all.

[Slater]

Maybe. But they won't because it ain't legal.

[Jason]

And what about me?

[Slater]

You? Well, I reckon after a while I'll shoot you. That's murder, sure enough. I want you alive for a while. You see, Jason, I can use you to make sure people agree to my scheme. I'll tell them unless they do like I want them to. You're gonna die.

[Jason]

You've got it fixed for me to die anyway.

[Carson]

That's right.

[Slater]

But they won't know that. Savvy?

[Carson]

Slater?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Slater]

What's biting you, Carson?

[Carson]

We got Billings posted over yonder for a. Watch out.

[Narrator]

Look.

[Carson]

He's signaling, huh?

[Slater]

Yeah. You just make him out against the Sky.

[Carson]

He's pointing down to the east.

[Jason]

You're right.

[Slater]

Look yonder. Reckon we got company. Two riders. That white horse stands out easy.

[Carson]

Who is it?

[Judge Pepper]

I don't know.

[Slater]

We'll find out. Prono, tell the boys to get on their horses in circle. When we have those two hombres inside the circle, I'll give the signal. We're closing out fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Tanner?

[Tonto]

Need notice something. There are men on horse all around us in circle. They think we not see them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I spotted them too. I imagine they're planning to capture us. What we do? We do nothing, huh? We came here to find out about the outlaws. This is as good a way as any. Let them come, Toto. No, kimosabe. No gunplay. Leave your guns in your holster.

[Jason]

Don't move, gents.

[Slater's Gang Member]

The next time my boys shoot, they'll

[Slater]

aim right at you instead of over your heads.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're not moving.

[Slater]

Fell right into the trap, didn't you? Keep them covered, boys.

[Tonto]

I'll ride in.

[Slater]

Get a good look at them.

[Carson]

He knows. Later.

[Tonto]

All right, now, what are you and

[Slater]

this engine doing here and what. Well, I'll be doggone. You're wearing a mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

You must be Slater.

[Slater]

Yeah, but I don't know who you are. Never mind. Maybe before I get through with you, it won't make any difference. Maybe you'll be dead.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story, the Lone Ranger and Tonto were taken to Slater's hideout. A guard was placed over them, but somehow or other, no one dared to take off the Lone Ranger's mask.

[Carson]

I don't know what it is, Slater. Something about that mask hombre, the way his eyes look at you sort of freezes me inside. I wouldn't try to take off his mask for a million dollars in gold spacy. That Injun's mighty strong looking too.

[Jason]

Yeah.

[Slater]

Wherever that hombre is, I never Mind, let him keep his mask for now. We got time. Can't escape without getting to his horse. And we got his horse on the far side of camp.

[Carson]

You take him for an. An outlaw, Slater?

[Slater]

He's wearing a mask.

[Carson]

Yeah, but he don't act like no outlaw.

[Slater]

Oh, Keno. Skip it, cousin. Maybe we can find out in town.

[Carson]

Town? I'm going to town.

[Slater]

Yeah, you and Joseph. You're gonna see Judge Pepper jumping cactus, Slater, not me.

[Carson]

If Jose and I go in there, we'll get lynched quicker than you could shake a stick.

[Slater]

No, you won't, Carson. Don't forget we got Jason as a hostage. You just tell Lemon if you don't get back, Jason will be dead by dawn the next day.

[Carson]

Oh, yeah, yeah, that's right. Yeah, it'll be safe, I guess. What's it all about?

[Slater]

Jose's got the horses ready, and here's what you tell the judge.

[Slater's Gang Member]

You know, Jose, we're heading for town.

[Jason]

Adios, lady.

[Tonto]

Adios,

[Carson]

Mr.

[Jason]

Mask Man. You awake?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Jason]

Jason, did you hear that Slater sent Carson to town?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I heard it, Jason. I heard the whole thing. Do you think the settlers will agree?

[Jason]

Yeah, that's the trouble. Sure they'll agree. Oh, not to save my life, you understand. But most of them don't like trouble. They figure it'll be better to pay off Slater and avoid a lot of gun fighting. If this territory was only under regular law and order.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry about that. It is under law and order.

[Tonto]

Hmm.

[Jason]

Don't serve me.

[Narrator]

How come?

[The Lone Ranger]

Never mind that now. You'll learn when the time comes. But tell me this. Does Judge Pepper ever go back on the promise?

[Jason]

Not him.

[The Lone Ranger]

He agrees to Slater's demands, he'll continue to pay up.

[Jason]

The judge never goes back on a promise. What's more, everybody listens to him, Joe. Except me. They'll do what he says. If he says pay tribute to Slater, then they'll pay.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understand. Look, seems to me we found out what we came here to learn.

[Tonto]

Now we've got to leave tonight when it gets dark. Huh?

[Jason]

What in blazes? Mister, you say that as calm as I'd say. Howdy.

[Carson]

I can't leave. We're guarded.

[Jason]

We haven't got a chance.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, wait till tonight. Jason, Hold it till. I better take care of that sentry. Come on, Tutto. Run for the horses. They see us,

[Judge Pepper]

Carson. You mean to say you have the gall to make a suggestion like that? Is that why you came here?

[Carson]

That's why Slater sent me. Judge Pepper, he knows you can speak for the whole county.

[Judge Pepper]

Pay Slater to let us alone.

[Sally Pepper]

Why, Carson, what about Jason? Will. Will Slater let him go?

[Carson]

He gives his word.

[Judge Pepper]

His word isn't worth the breath to blow out a candle.

[Jason]

Yeah.

[Carson]

Making up your mind, Judge?

[Judge Pepper]

His word.

[Carson]

Oh, say, by the way, before I forget it, do you happen to know anything of a Gentle who rides a white horse? Fastest looking horse I ever saw. Travels with an engine and wears a black mask. Seems I recollect some talk about a gent like that.

[Judge Pepper]

Yes. Yes. Most likely the Lone Ranger. Do I wish he was here now to help us out?

[Carson]

Lone Ranger. Jose.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Jose, get back to Slater. Tell him that jet with a mask is a Lone Ranger. Yeah, you heard me. The Lone Ranger travel fast.

[Carson]

Reckon that takes care of that. Now, about this other matter. What's your answer, Judge Pepper?

[Judge Pepper]

I've got no right to talk for other folks, Father. Now, Sally.

[Sally Pepper]

Father, you have got a right to talk. Everyone looks up to you. Everyone takes your advice. Even Jason meant to, Father. You might as well say yes.

[Judge Pepper]

I can't do that. Promise to pay tribute to an ornery skunk like Slater.

[Sally Pepper]

People will do it whether you want to or not. Father, they're tired of fighting. They don't want any more of it. As long as there's no legal way for them to all get together and fight Slater, then it's no use fighting separately. You say yourself Slater is outside the law, that the law can't reach him.

[Judge Pepper]

Sally, it'll take time. That's all. It takes time.

[Sally Pepper]

Meanwhile, Slater goes on robbing and killing. And think of Jason, Father.

[Carson]

Well, what do you say, Judge Pepper?

[The Lone Ranger]

His answer is no, Carson.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Masked man Blaze is a Lone Ranger. Look out. Drop that gun. No, you don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's better.

[Slater's Gang Member]

I don't.

[The Lone Ranger]

Move, Carson, you've got one of your own bullets.

[Judge Pepper]

You're the Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Judge, can you put this outlaw under arrest?

[Judge Pepper]

I sure can, mister.

[Carson]

How to escape?

[The Lone Ranger]

Slater has enough person. I asked you if you'll put this man in jail, Judge. You're acting doubtful, Father.

[Sally Pepper]

If Carson doesn't get back, Slater will kill Jason.

[Judge Pepper]

There's your answer, mask man. Jason's a good boy. A mighty good boy. He shouldn't die.

[The Lone Ranger]

He won't die. Not if we round up enough men to go in there and rescue him.

[Judge Pepper]

No, no, that's against the law, Father.

[Sally Pepper]

Will you forget laws for once?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Miss Ellie. Your father's right. The law should be respected. It will be. I don't understand, Judge. By dawn this morning, Todda will be waiting at the boundary. Just where Stoney Creek turns toward Wild Horse Lake. He'll have someone with him. Now, Judge, I promise you that this posse will be entirely legal. You help round up some men. Enough men to take care of Slater and his whole outfit.

[Judge Pepper]

Is that your promise?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Judge.

[Judge Pepper]

Mister, you're the Lone Ranger. If you say so. I believe you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good. Here's Carson's gun.

[Judge Pepper]

He'll be in jail inside of two minutes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Adios then, Judge. I'll see you before dawn.

[Judge Pepper]

Keno, Carson. Sally, let's get this skunk behind bars in a hurry. Then I'll get busy. A Lone Ranger wants a posse and he's going to get it.

[The Lone Ranger]

So that's where Slater's hiding out, is it? Yes. He's got a lot of gunfighters in there. Bad country. Hope your plan will work. I think it will. The only thing we've got to worry about is Jason. He's a prisoner. He's got to be rescued before Slater shoots him. Nice savvy. I reckon that'll be Tonto now. Hi, Judge Pepper. Coming, Tado.

[Tonto]

He'll head this way now. Me see him.

[The Lone Ranger]

How many men has he him got?

[Tonto]

Plenty. Maybe 50, 60.

[The Lone Ranger]

That ought to be enough, provided your plan is carried out. Toddo and I will start out now.

[Judge Pepper]

Mr. Hugh and the engine are the

[The Lone Ranger]

coolest hombres I ever met.

[Carson]

Here.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're going ahead. Just the two of you.

[Judge Pepper]

You're riding straight into Slater's camp and

[The Lone Ranger]

it doesn't even bother you. Toto and I are used to danger. Besides, it'll create a surprise while Slater and his men are concentrating on us. You'll bring the posse in at a gallop. You can sure count on that. You'll have no trouble with the posse. Just ask for Judge Pepper and explain things to him. Steady, Silver. Easy, big fella. Ready, Tullo?

[Tonto]

Me ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

We meet later. I'm praying we do. Take care of yourself,

[Slater]

Jason. Did you know that Mask hombre was the Lone Ranger?

[Jason]

No, I didn't. I wouldn't tell you anyway.

[Slater]

If I'd known who he was, I would have shot him on sight. The Lone Ranger. And I let him slip through my fingers. I let him knock out my men and get on his horse and him and that engine.

[Jason]

Yeah, and I was cheering for him every minute.

[Slater]

That's enough out of you. Jose's back already, Sevy. I'm still waiting for Carson. Soon as he gets here with the news. The settlers agree to pay me cash if I leave him be. That's when I take care of you, Jason.

[Jason]

Might as well Shoot me now, Slater. What's the difference?

[Slater]

I just want to make certain. There's been no hits, savvy? But don't worry, Jason. You're as good as six feet under right this minute. What in thunder?

[Jason]

Sounds like the Lone Ranger.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Jose Billings Pike. Bring your guns. There's a mask around the engine while they're heading straight this way. Yippee. Shoot em. Let em have it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Use your guns

[Slater's Gang Member]

where you'll win yet. I'll take care of you right now. Jason. Hold him off.

[Tonto]

Tunnel, you get Jason quick.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Jason.

[Slater's Gang Member]

Behind me. On Silver, you can carry double. Come on, big fella. Get him up. Some count. Well, don't stand around your mouths open. The Lone Ranger's got Jason. His horse is carrying double. Get your horses right after him. This time we got him for good.

[Narrator]

The outlaws jumped to their horses and galloped after Silver and Scout. Silver was carrying double and Tunnel, faithful as always, stayed beside him rather than save himself. The chase stretched over valley and ridge. Slowly but surely, the outlaws grew up within pistol range. And just as the outlaws reached a narrow space between two jutting cliffs, just as they were ready to fire, there they are.

[Slater's Gang Member]

It's Slater. What places? It's a trap. It's a posse. We ran right into a posse.

[Narrator]

The posse closed in swiftly. The Lone Ranger and Connor wheeled their horses and joined the fight. The outlaws tried to get away, but they'd been taken by surprise. Before Slater could rally his men, it was all over.

[Slater's Gang Member]

You're under arrest later, Judge. Did any of them escape? Escape? Out of one Marshal. We corral them all.

[Slater]

All right, all right, but just a minute. This here is neutral ground. You can't arrest us. We can, but it ain't legal.

[Judge Pepper]

I reckon you better tell them who I am, Judge. I sure will, Slater. This territory may not belong to any county or local government, but it's part of the United States. This gentleman standing beside me is United States marshal.

[Jason]

United States.

[Slater]

I reckon I'm licked. Who in tarnation thought of bringing a U.S. marshal down here?

[Jason]

Who do you think, Slater? It was the Lone Ranger.

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[Slater's Gang Member]

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[Slater's Gang Member]

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[Carson]

Sa. Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcastrt otrwesterns.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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