Note For Horses | The Lone Ranger (12-08-39)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Note For Horses | The Lone Ranger" (12-08-39)

Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 12, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Note For Horses" episode of The Lone Ranger, listeners are transported to the tumultuous life of the Warren family, who are grappling with financial distress and familial tensions. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot developments, character dynamics, and pivotal moments, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

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Plot Summary

1. The Warren Family’s Struggle

The episode opens with Nate Warren, a man crippled and reliant on an easy chair, conversing with his wife, Hattie, about their son, Matt Warren's financial woes. Matt has received a note from Captain Ives, indicating he owes $1,000 for horses leased to the army. The tension is palpable as Nate suspects Matt of deceit.

• Nate Warren [00:44]: “I've knowed that high binder for quite a spell now. Where there's a chance for a profit, he finds out plenty.”

2. Matt’s Financial Desperation

Matt reveals that his savings of $500 are gone, having been spent on his father's medical expenses, which Nate disputes. The argument escalates as Nate accuses Matt of wasting money, leading Matt to express his frustration and desire to leave.

• Matt Warren [04:08]: “I haven't a damn.”

• Nate Warren [06:05]: “You think all the sawbones in the world can ever make me good for anything again?”

3. The Lone Ranger's Intervention

As tensions reach a boiling point, Nate decides to take matters into his own hands, donning his boots and gun belt to seek justice outside the confines of his broken身体 and strained relationships. The Lone Ranger, a masked vigilante, along with his companion Tonto, becomes entwined in the unfolding drama.

• Nate Warren [07:32]: “And first off, get my boots and gun belt.”

4. Legal Confrontation

Four days later, Matt and Nate appear before Judge Luther regarding the overdue note. The courtroom scene intensifies as both father and son accuse each other, with Nate attempting to sabotage Matt's chances of paying off his debt by manipulating the auction of his horses.

• Judge Luther [16:40]: “That's so, Matt. Can't you pay it?”

• Matt Warren [17:13]: “That's a lie. Blast, Joe.”

5. The Sheriff's Role and Thorne's Schemes

Sheriff Fresno becomes a pivotal character as he interacts with Matt and Nate, uncovering deceit and corruption orchestrated by Mr. Thorne. The Lone Ranger and Tonto work behind the scenes to ensure justice prevails, ultimately leading to the retrieval of the stolen horses.

• Sheriff Fresno [26:09]: “Well, I didn't mean it, Matt. I. I never meant to call you a thief.”

• Tonto [27:34]: “Just the same, you'll pay up. Or I'll take it out of your hide.”

6. Resolution and Justice Served

The climax unfolds with the horses being found and returned, thwarting Mr. Thorne's plans. Captain Ives arrives, ready to purchase the horses at a fair price, which alleviates Matt's debt and restores honor to the Warren family. The Lone Ranger and Tonto ensure that Thorne faces the consequences of his greed and deceit.

• Captain Ives [26:50]: “I'm willing to pay $5,000 if his stock meets with army specifications.”

• Matt Warren [27:17]: “And you can just bet those horses will be what you're looking for, Captain.”

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Character Analysis

Nate Warren
A hardened man, Nate embodies the struggle between desperation and moral rigidity. His suspicions towards Matt stem from a place of frustration and fear of losing the family's livelihood.

• Nate Warren [06:05]: “You think all the sawbones in the world can ever make me good for anything again?”

Matt Warren
Matt represents youthful hope clashing with harsh reality. His attempt to secure another week to pay off his debt showcases his resilience, albeit marred by poor judgment.

• Matt Warren [05:07]: “Well, that's that week from now. And I won't have to worry anymore about how to make a horse ranch pay.”

The Lone Ranger
As the quintessential hero, The Lone Ranger serves as the instrument of justice, bridging the gap between lawlessness and order. His strategic interventions are pivotal in unraveling the corruption surrounding Mr. Thorne.

• The Lone Ranger [10:19]: “He can ask me lots of things, but that ain't one of them.”

Tonto
Loyal and resourceful, Tonto is indispensable in assisting The Lone Ranger. His insights and actions drive the narrative towards resolution.

• Tonto [14:44]: “I'll explain if your father won't.”

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Key Themes

1. Justice vs. Corruption
The episode delves into the battle between righteous lawmen and corrupt figures like Mr. Thorne, highlighting the thin line between legal authority and personal vendettas.

2. Familial Conflict
Nate and Matt's strained relationship underscores themes of trust, responsibility, and the generational divide in coping with adversity.

3. Redemption and Honor
Through The Lone Ranger's actions, the story emphasizes the possibility of redemption and the restoration of honor, even in dire circumstances.

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Notable Quotes

• Nate Warren [00:44]: “There's a chance for a profit, he finds out plenty.”

• Matt Warren [04:08]: “I haven't a damn.”

• Judge Luther [16:40]: “That's so, Matt. Can't you pay it?”

• Tonto [27:34]: “Just the same, you'll pay up. Or I'll take it out of your hide.”

• Captain Ives [26:50]: “I'm willing to pay $5,000 if his stock meets with army specifications.”

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Conclusion

"Note For Horses | The Lone Ranger" masterfully weaves a tale of desperation, deceit, and redemption set against the rugged backdrop of the Wild West. Through intricate character development and a gripping plot, the episode underscores the timeless struggle between good and evil, familial loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. Andrew Rines' meticulous restoration enhances the auditory experience, allowing modern audiences to appreciate this classic narrative in newfound clarity and depth.

Listeners who delve into this episode will not only enjoy a captivating Western drama but also reflect on the enduring values that define heroism and integrity.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Nate Warren]

Hio. Sail by Hawaii.

[The Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse with the speed of light. A cloud of dust in the hearty. Hi yo, Silver. The Lone Ranger, the masked rider of the plains, was the greatest champion of law and order the west ever knew. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, he fought crime and criminals to the length and breadth of seven states. But justice meant more to him than the letter of the law. And he was always ready to match wits with a man who used legal means to rob honest men and women. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Nate Warren]

Hello, Silver. We're heading west for Stockton. Hell, Silver. Hello.

[The Lone Ranger]

Old Nate Warren. His work crippled, body resting in an easy chair, watched his wife closely. She was standing at a window on the farther side of the room and.

[Nate Warren]

Is it Matt, honey?

[Hattie Warren]

I think so, Nate. Wait till it gets a little closer. It's so dark outside it's hard to see.

[Matt Warren]

Uh huh.

[Hattie Warren]

It's him all right.

[Nate Warren]

Can you see how he looks now?

[Hattie Warren]

How could I this time of day? What's the use of your upsetting yourself so I declare. Ever since Matt rode into town, you've been acting like you figured Mr. Thorne would tell him no.

[Nate Warren]

Wouldn't surprise me none.

[Hattie Warren]

Why should he?

[Nate Warren]

Of course he'd pay him to, that's why.

[Hattie Warren]

But if Matt will be able to take up that note, he'd rather Matt.

[Nate Warren]

Couldn'T so's he could take over Matt's horses and sell them to the army himself.

[Hattie Warren]

But I didn't think Mr. Thorne knew about the letter Matt got from Captain Ives.

[Nate Warren]

Who's gonna say what Thor knows and what he don't? All I said was I told Matt to keep still about it. That don't mean Thorne ain't found out. I've knowed that high binder for quite a spell now. Where there's a chance for a profit, he finds out plenty.

[Hattie Warren]

But I know you.

[Tonto]

Quiet.

[Matt Warren]

Hello, Ma. Hey, old Pa. How you feeling tonight? The egg gone out of your legs any?

[Nate Warren]

Never mind me, son. You know what you mourn? Me waiting to hear how'd you come out?

[Matt Warren]

The way you said I would.

[Nate Warren]

He turns you down. Yes.

[Matt Warren]

So?

[Hattie Warren]

Oh, Madge, he wouldn't even give you one more Week?

[Matt Warren]

No, not a day even. Fact is, I'd have been better off with as for a year. Then he likely figured I was just hoping for things to get better. Asking for a week made him suspicious. Everything else being equal, he knew doggone well a week wouldn't be no help. So he guessed I had some kind of deal on the fire.

[Nate Warren]

Didn't I tell you about that feller Moore?

[Hattie Warren]

Oh, what a shame.

[Matt Warren]

Well, that's that week from now. And I won't have to worry anymore about how to make a horse ranch pay. I won't have any be sewing.

[Hattie Warren]

Then when Captain Ives get here, he'll have to buy horses from him. For the army.

[Matt Warren]

Yep.

[Nate Warren]

Oh, it won't be that bad, will it, son? You'll be able to pay off part of the note in cash, won't you? And leave you some horses?

[Matt Warren]

Oh, I haven't a damn.

[Narrator]

What?

[Nate Warren]

There was 500 gone.

[Hattie Warren]

Gone, Matt. But what.

[Nate Warren]

Wait, Hattie. Matt, did I hear you right? Did you really say the cash you've been saving is gone?

[Matt Warren]

All of it. Where? How? Well, it don't matter none, does it? It's gone. Talking about it won't bring it back. There's been expenses, of course.

[Nate Warren]

Doctor's expenses.

[Matt Warren]

I told you that the doctor you.

[Nate Warren]

Brought to see me didn't cost you none extra. That he was in town visiting from the East. Didn't charge you no more. Doc Macklin does.

[Matt Warren]

I told you.

[Nate Warren]

But if your 500's gone, I'm betting it's cause you sent for that sawbones and had him come special. Ain't that so?

[Matt Warren]

Ain't it? All right, it is. But doggone it, when I seen you moping around day in and day out. Pa, when. Well, maybe a good doctor from the east might be able to make you well again. But it was just for your own good.

[Nate Warren]

Now you'll lose everything you own account of it. Well, if you'd had any sense, you'd have saved enough horses to sell to the army to get started all over again.

[Matt Warren]

Let's not talk about it, huh? I just don't feel up to it.

[Nate Warren]

I shouldn't think you would.

[Matt Warren]

I gotta go out. I ain't unsettled yet.

[Hattie Warren]

Oh, nature shouldn't have been cross with him.

[Nate Warren]

Why not?

[Hattie Warren]

He spent that money for you.

[Nate Warren]

It shows he's a fool. For the past 10 years, he's been a fool. What's he mean by wastin? Good cash for grub and doctors and such on a stove in old has been like me, ain't I? Lived my life. You think all the sawbones in the world can ever make me good for anything again? Ah, anybody but a fool would have told me to pack up and git long ago.

[Hattie Warren]

Oh, Nate.

[Nate Warren]

Now what's the matter with you?

[Hattie Warren]

For a minute, I thought you really were angry with me.

[Nate Warren]

Well, I am. I waited till I was flat bushed for coming here. He proved he didn't have good sense by taking me in.

[Hattie Warren]

Taking us in?

[Nate Warren]

Well, you kept house and cooked for him. You've earned your keep. I never. Well, I'm gonna. And, Hattie, you're gonna help me.

[Hattie Warren]

I'll do anything. Nature know I will.

[Nate Warren]

And first off, get my boots and gun belt.

[Hattie Warren]

Do what?

[Nate Warren]

You heard me. Then find me a horse and help me get aboard it.

[Hattie Warren]

Nate, you haven't ridden for 10 years.

[Nate Warren]

It's about time I did.

[Hattie Warren]

You're not leaving this house.

[Matt Warren]

I am.

[Hattie Warren]

No, you're not.

[Nate Warren]

Oh, look, honey, listen to me. Yes, I'm about done for. No matter what kind of care I took of myself, I ain't got no great time to live.

[Hattie Warren]

Nate, don't talk that way.

[Nate Warren]

Oh, listen, I'm just stating facts. When I say what happens to Matt is more important than anything happens to me. Well, that's a fact, too. So get me my boots and the gun belt, honey. Then put me on that horse afterwards. The law can have me, but Thorne won't never collect. On that note.

[The Lone Ranger]

Four hours later, a horse slowly entered the outskirts of the town of Stockton. In the saddle was a man who could barely keep his balance. Horse and rider halted before a dimly lit office. And then.

[Matt Warren]

Oh.

[Nate Warren]

Oh, boy. Injun. Hi there, Injun.

[Matt Warren]

What? What matter?

[Nate Warren]

Speak English, eh? Good. Give me a hand to get down. Reckon I'm some shakier than I figured to be.

[Matt Warren]

You get hurt?

[Nate Warren]

Nothing like that, Injun. Just old and stove in here. Just kind of hold me steady while I slide out of this here saddle. Thanks. Thank you kindly. Wait a second. Nope. I'll never make it by myself. Injun. What do you think of an old mossy horn like me that can't even walk by itself without asking help? Wouldn't think a fellow like me was good for much, huh?

[Matt Warren]

Where you go?

[Nate Warren]

Just inside there. Engine just far enough to scotch a snake. Don't savvy that, do you? Well, maybe it's just as well. You don't look you mind? Help me get to the door.

[Matt Warren]

Me help.

[Nate Warren]

What's your handle?

[Matt Warren]

Me name Tonto.

[Nate Warren]

All right, then, Tonto. Let's go.

[Matt Warren]

Ah.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Nate Warren]

Don't open It I can make it inside when I'm ready. Now then, let me see here. Better have a look at my shooting iron first. Uh huh. All primed.

[Matt Warren]

What you do with gun engine?

[Nate Warren]

You can ask me lots of things, but that ain't one of them. Now let me give you a word of advice. Eh?

[Matt Warren]

What's that?

[Nate Warren]

Make tracks? Cause I got a notion the farther you travel inside the next two minutes, the less you're gonna have to explain.

[The Lone Ranger]

It was still later that same evening when Matt Warren burst into the parlor where his mother was seated in.

[Matt Warren]

Ma. I thought you said Pa turned in.

[Hattie Warren]

My lands, ain't it?

[Matt Warren]

His room's empty.

[Hattie Warren]

Why, son, you must be mistaken.

[Matt Warren]

I ain't. I tell you. I looked. I looked in his room to see if he was sleeping comfortable. And he warn't there. Even his bed hadn't been touched.

[Hattie Warren]

Well, what could have become of him?

[Matt Warren]

That's what I'd like to know. You think he'd have been local enough to try going outside without telling anybody?

[Hattie Warren]

Why? Don't seem like he would.

[Matt Warren]

I'll take a look. Maybe. Hey, Ma.

[Hattie Warren]

Yes, Matt?

[Matt Warren]

Did you help him do his room?

[Hattie Warren]

Well, now, that's a silly question to ask.

[Nate Warren]

Did you?

[Hattie Warren]

Of course I did.

[Matt Warren]

And helped him to bed too.

[Hattie Warren]

Don't I owe a son? Since your pa's been crippled, I think you better.

[Matt Warren]

And if you helped him to bed like you say you did, how do you explain his bed not being touched? What, Ma? You know something about his disappearing. You must. Where'd Pa go? What happened to him, Matt?

[Hattie Warren]

You're talking, fool.

[Matt Warren]

No, I'm not. There's only two ways to explain about his bed. Either you never helped him in there, Ma, or you did. Then he left afterwards and you made his bed again when he was gone. Either way, you'd have to know about it. Now, what's this mean?

[Tonto]

Carry him in.

[Matt Warren]

Say what?

[Hattie Warren]

The masked man. Oh, Nate.

[Nate Warren]

Thorn's got his engine. Why'd you have to do now?

[Matt Warren]

What in blazes?

[Tonto]

One moment. Put Nate in that chair, kimosabe.

[Nate Warren]

Dad. Dammit. Why couldn't you let me be Injun? Why'd you have to go and spoil it anyway?

[Matt Warren]

Aw, what's happened?

[Nate Warren]

Ain't none of your business.

[Tonto]

I'll explain if your father won't. Map. He tried to call on Thorne tonight, but luckily for him it was Tado. He asked to help him to the office.

[Matt Warren]

He was calling on Mr. Thorne with a six gun. Oh, you didn't mean to.

[Nate Warren]

What I meant to do is my affair.

[Matt Warren]

But look here, Matt.

[Tonto]

He Meant to help you, even if he doesn't want to admit it. Talos stopped him, brought him to me, and I got the story out of him.

[Matt Warren]

Oh? Was trying to help me. How?

[Tonto]

He would have shot Thorn, taken the note he holds and destroyed it.

[Matt Warren]

Did you go crazy?

[Nate Warren]

No such thing. Why shouldn't I have drilled this skunk? Don't he mean to put you out of business?

[Matt Warren]

But you'd have been jailed.

[Nate Warren]

What if I was?

[Matt Warren]

You are loco.

[Nate Warren]

Quit calling me that. I ain't. Would have saved you, wouldn't I? What's the difference between jail and any place else when you're too stove in to get around anyhow?

[Matt Warren]

You'd have gone to jail for me.

[Nate Warren]

If Tonto hadn't meddled.

[Matt Warren]

I don't know what to say.

[Nate Warren]

Then don't say nothing. It's for you, tanto. You too, Mr. Masked Man. I wish to heaven that way.

[Tonto]

You'd stayed out of this. I know, but would you feel better about it if I told you we can help Matt without having to kill to do it?

[Nate Warren]

Huh?

[Matt Warren]

You'd help me?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Matt Warren]

What fur. What are my troubles to you?

[Tonto]

Thor needs a lesson. Perhaps he's within the law this time. But I've heard enough about him to know the law doesn't mean much to him, inside or out of it. He's a money grabber and then some. But I wait, Mad. As I understand it, an officer is coming here to buy your horses for the army.

[Matt Warren]

But he won't get here till after that note's due. Thorn will get my horses for half of what they're worth to make up what I owe them. I'll be left with nothing.

[Tonto]

You have nothing else with which to pay?

[Matt Warren]

Not a thing. You see, I lease my land and pay rent for these buildings. The horses I raise are all I own.

[Tonto]

Thorne couldn't just take your stock without your permission? The sheriff would have to put them up for sale. And Thorne take his money out of what they brought in.

[Matt Warren]

But there ain't a market for fine stock around here. That's why selling to the army'd be my only chance to stay in business till things get better. But now what'll happen is Thorn will bid in them horses hisself dirt cheap. He'll likely end up owning them with me still in debt to him.

[Tonto]

When is that note due?

[Matt Warren]

In four days.

[Tonto]

And when can Captain Ives get here?

[Matt Warren]

Not for a week yet.

[Tonto]

Very well. Promise me one thing. Don't let the sheriff put your horses up for sale until the note is due.

[Matt Warren]

I wouldn't have anyhow.

[Tonto]

Good. Come, Tunder.

[Matt Warren]

Hold on. You said you'd help.

[Tonto]

I will.

[Matt Warren]

How can you, Matt?

[Tonto]

That's something you'd better not know. Good night.

[The Lone Ranger]

1 do.

[Tonto]

I think we'll do what Thorne's done several times, Kimosabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Tonto]

That we'll step outside the law. Ready? Then let's go.

[Nate Warren]

Come on, old fellow, get up. Silver. Away.

[The Lone Ranger]

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 now to continue our story. Four days passed. The note held by Thorne fell due. And immediately afterwards a money lender took steps to seize Matt Warren's stock. Both Thorne and Matt appeared before Judge Luther.

[Nate Warren]

And Judge, that note's past due.

[Narrator]

Matt owes me $1,000.

[Matt Warren]

Can't pay.

[Judge Luther]

That's so, Matt. Can't you pay it?

[Matt Warren]

Well, I can't now, but I would have thought it'd give me another week.

[Judge Luther]

Well, Thorne, why don't you?

[Narrator]

Why should I?

[Judge Luther]

Well, I sure wouldn't say you needed that thousand real bad. I always understood you was right.

[Narrator]

Well off if I am, it was my letting folks owe me money. Beg off from paying it.

[Judge Luther]

No, no, I reckon not.

[Matt Warren]

Doggone it, I'm not begging off. I want to pay it. And I will if you don't.

[Narrator]

If I'll let you take your time about it. Well, that's not the way of doing business.

[Matt Warren]

No, Your way of doing business is to grab a profit, no matter who gets hurt by it.

[Narrator]

That's a lie. Blast, Joe.

[Judge Luther]

Here, here. Stop it, both of you. Now then, any more of that. Now tell the sheriff to get in the fight. He'll handle you both Hear that, Sheriff?

[Nate Warren]

Sure did, Judge.

[Judge Luther]

Remember it.

[Matt Warren]

Well, I'm sorry, Judge, but doggone it, you'd be mad too if you was me. The only reason Thorne's making me trouble is cause I was idiot enough to ask him for just a week to get that thousand in. That showed him I was figuring to make a deal. So he decided to make it hisself.

[Judge Luther]

Matt. Right, Thorne?

[Narrator]

I don't know what he's talking about. And neither does he.

[Matt Warren]

I suppose if the judge tells the sheriff to auction off my horses, you won't bid them in yourself?

[Nate Warren]

I'll have to.

[Narrator]

I don't know why anybody else would buy them.

[Matt Warren]

You'll get them for almost nothing.

[Narrator]

I'm not in the horse breeding business. They ain't worth much to me.

[Matt Warren]

But you've got a darn good notion you'll find out where I figured to sell Them, ain't you?

[Narrator]

I don't know what.

[Matt Warren]

Maybe you'll be able to bid in my stock for less than a thousand. Then while I still owed you the difference, you'd hunt out the bar I had in mind. Sell the horses to them, make a big profit. And all the time with me still in debt to you.

[Narrator]

Why, confound you? I'll show you. I wasn't going to say anything.

[Nate Warren]

Then don't act like you was, Judge.

[Matt Warren]

You aren't gonna let my horses be put up for sale, are you, Matt?

[Judge Luther]

I'll have to admit, I'm kinda. I kind of sympathize with you.

[Matt Warren]

Well, then, can't you do something for me?

[Judge Luther]

You owe Thorne money. You can't pay it. So he's entitled to get his cash the best way he knows how.

[Matt Warren]

But it ain't fair, I tell you.

[Judge Luther]

Sheriff.

[Nate Warren]

Yeah?

[Judge Luther]

I'm authorizing you to seize Matt's horses. Advertise an auction to sell them off.

[Matt Warren]

Right.

[Judge Luther]

From what you take in, you'll take out whatever the sale costs the county. Plus any taxes maybe Matt owes. Then you'll give Thorne what he's got coming. Or what you kin of it. After that, there's any cash left.

[Matt Warren]

There won't be.

[Judge Luther]

As I was saying, if there's anything left after that, it belongs to Matt. See that he gets a show.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Judge. Now, I would like to.

[Nate Warren]

Ben.

[Judge Luther]

What's the idea of busting here without being told to Sheriff? See that Ben gets well.

[Matt Warren]

I gotta see Matt a second, Judge.

[Nate Warren]

It's important.

[Matt Warren]

Well, you can't see what Ben wants, Judge. It. It wouldn't take but just a second and maybe it is important.

[Judge Luther]

All right. But then tell him to get out.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Judge. Well, about the auction. If it could be real soon, I. I'd appreciate it.

[Judge Luther]

Anxious to get them horses, huh?

[Narrator]

Not exactly that, but.

[Matt Warren]

Then there ain't gonna be no sale, huh?

[Judge Luther]

You threaten me, Matt?

[Matt Warren]

No.

[Judge Luther]

Then just what you mean by what you said.

[Matt Warren]

Only what I told you. There won't be no sale. Cause there ain't no horses. Ben just brought the word. They've been stolen.

[Narrator]

It's a trick.

[Matt Warren]

No, I tell you.

[Narrator]

They were stole, Matt. Stole him himself. He stole him and cheat me out of what's rightfully mine.

[Matt Warren]

Look here, Tony.

[Nate Warren]

You don't work, blast you.

[Narrator]

I'll see that you go to jail for it. You're nothing but a sneak and thief.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thorne left the courtroom and hurried on foot to the cafe a block distant. There he sought out a dark, heavyset man named Fresno, and taking him to a corner table, told him what had just happened.

[Tonto]

You figure Matt stole them horses himself?

[Narrator]

Thorn, of course he did.

[Tonto]

Why would he steal what belonged to him in the first place?

[Narrator]

To keep them horses from being sold to me, you fool. To stop the auction. Oh, but I told him he wouldn't get away with it, and he won't. Fresno, I'll have that fella jailed. I don't blame you, but that'll take care of itself. What's important right now is getting them horses back. Yeah, and in a hurry.

[Tonto]

The sheriff will hunt for a morning.

[Narrator]

Yes, but so will you.

[Matt Warren]

Me? The sheriff?

[Narrator]

Can't you understand they have to be found in a hurry? Can't you get it through your head that I can't wait for the sheriff to take his time finding them? What have you learned about Matt's deal?

[Tonto]

Nothing.

[Matt Warren]

Nothing at all. He ain't talked.

[Narrator]

Didn't you go out to his place?

[Matt Warren]

Sure, but none of them talk.

[Narrator]

Well, there you are. I know someone must want to buy or Matt would never have asked for extra time to meet my note. If them horses can be put up at auction, I'll get title to them. Whoever that buyer is, he'll come to me. He'll have to.

[Tonto]

And what are you worrying about?

[Narrator]

I'm not worrying because I don't know the buyer. I'm worried because I don't know how soon he'll get here. What if he got here in time to bid against me? Then where'd I be? I couldn't bid more than he does, or I'd never be able to sell them to him at a profit. If I bid less, he'd get the horses and I'd just get them out of the note.

[Tonto]

And you want more, Ned, eh?

[Narrator]

I want every last penny I can make out of this deal.

[Tonto]

So I'm to look for them horses myself?

[Narrator]

You're to look for them and find them. You need money?

[Matt Warren]

I was born needing it.

[Narrator]

Then locate that herd and there'll be a hundred dollars in it for you. But find it within two days, then there'll be a hundred more. Now get busy. Go out to the Warren place and pick up the trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

For the next few days, the countryside was thoroughly searched for a clue to the disappearance of Matt Warren's horses. Fresno, the sheriff and Matt himself led parties of expert trailers, but with no success. The animals were followed without difficulty until their trail crossed a wide expanse of hardened lava. And there all signs vanished. Tonto, the faithful Indian companion of the Lone Ranger, kept an eye on These searching parties without allowing himself to be seen. Then late one afternoon he heard himself hailed by the masked man.

[Matt Warren]

Oh, they're steady. Who?

[Tonto]

Where are the search parties?

[Matt Warren]

Over that way.

[Tonto]

Still investigating those blind canyons off the lava field, huh? Them not Pine horse though. But they will soon taddle them Pine Trail. Not that I doubt they could find the horses in the next month without a hint. That's right. But it's time they got a hint.

[Matt Warren]

What?

[Tonto]

You mean Captain Knives is on the Stockton stage? Oh, he'll be in town before nightfall.

[Matt Warren]

That good?

[Tonto]

So now's the time to carry out the rest of our plan. Ta. But we'll have to take care. Matt's under suspicion. We must be sure the law doesn't become certain he's behind what we've done. Come on, Silver.

[Nate Warren]

Get him up, Scott.

[Tonto]

Hurry, old fellow.

[Nate Warren]

Hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

When the stage arrived at Stockton, Captain Ives in civilian clothes descended, inquired the way to the Warren place and arrived there just after dark. Matt's mother opened the door in response to his knock and.

[Hattie Warren]

Yes?

[Narrator]

Good evening. This is where Matt Warren lives.

[Hattie Warren]

I'm is Moore. Step in, won't you?

[Matt Warren]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

I'm Captain Ives. Your son has probably mentioned me. Oh, good evening, sir.

[Nate Warren]

Howdy, Cap. Have a chair, won't you?

[Narrator]

Thank you, I will. Sure.

[Nate Warren]

Sit down. Make yourself comfortable. Matt's my son. Right now he's cleaning up in the saddle all day. Call him, won't you, Ma?

[Hattie Warren]

Uhuh.

[Nate Warren]

He'll be here in a second. But Cap, I'm afraid you got here too late.

[Narrator]

Too late? But I thought he understood that I was coming.

[Nate Warren]

He knew when he'd get here. Cap, that ain't it.

[Narrator]

But surely he hasn't sold his stock without letting me know.

[Nate Warren]

Tain't that either. This is him now, Cap. Maybe he'd better tell you about it. This is that army fellow you was expecting, son.

[Matt Warren]

Howdy. I wish I could say I was glad to see you.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid I don't understand.

[Nate Warren]

I ain't told him what happened yet, Max.

[Matt Warren]

Oh. Well, Captain, you made a long trip for nothing. Right now I couldn't sell you a horse if you offered me hold of cash. In Texas Crook stole every critter I own.

[Narrator]

No.

[Matt Warren]

Sorry, but that's the way it is. Can't find no trace of them. It's like they've been swallowed up. That's what I've been doing today. Trying to pick up the trail.

[Narrator]

Well, that is too bad.

[Nate Warren]

Maybe you had a long trip all for nothing, Cap. But Matt's flat busted, is that true?

[Matt Warren]

Yep. This cleans me out. But of course, that don't concern you. And I'm right sorry you've had to waste your time. You still have to get horses somewheres, though, I suppose.

[Narrator]

Yes, we need remounts badly.

[Matt Warren]

Well, I'll give you the names of a couple fellas I know in the States you might look up. But you'll be staying the night, won't you? You must be right tired.

[Narrator]

Frankly, I'm tired enough. And I'd like to stay, but I'm afraid I can't. You see, I haven't much time. If you'll give me the names of those men you mentioned, maybe I'll still have a chance to catch tonight's stage.

[Matt Warren]

Oh, sure. Let me see. Oh, over near Grover, there's Max Duncan. He's got some mighty fine horses. Ridge Lawson's got a place over by the trench. The horses?

[Hattie Warren]

What man outside they found.

[Nate Warren]

What's that?

[Hattie Warren]

Ma, do you think there's all them horses? And I see Mr. Thorne and the sheriff. That's them now.

[Nate Warren]

Well, I'll be a hop tor.

[Matt Warren]

Come in.

[Nate Warren]

Hang on, Fresno. Bring him on in here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Matt Warren]

You found the horses.

[Narrator]

Howdy, folks.

[Matt Warren]

Yep.

[Nate Warren]

Everyone. Matt, my deputies are turning them into your corrals right now. Watch it. Say, and what's more, here's one of the crooks that stole them. Me not crook, by thunder, it's Toto.

[Tonto]

And it was me that seen them and trailed them to the canyon where they'd had the horses hidden.

[Nate Warren]

Yep. It was Fresno tipped us off. Likely they was holding the horses till they seen their chance to run them across the border.

[Matt Warren]

But you got them back, Sheriff. I wish I could tell you how much I'm appreciatin this.

[Nate Warren]

Sharks, man. So fast, huh?

[Narrator]

I guess you're forgetting that court order, Matt. Them horses are gonna be put up at auction. They don't belong to you anymore. As a matter of fact, your guess was right. I'm gonna bid them in.

[Nate Warren]

Sheriff.

[Matt Warren]

Yeah?

[Nate Warren]

Phone.

[Narrator]

I demand that you hold the auction at the first possible moment. Good.

[Matt Warren]

Huh?

[Tonto]

Who are you?

[Narrator]

Captain Ives of the United States Army. Commissioned to buy cavalry remounts. Then you're the fellow Matt was going to deal with.

[Nate Warren]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I'm willing to pay $5,000 if his stock meets with army specifications. Are you prepared to go over that figure?

[Matt Warren]

5,000. Of course he ain't. It was you, Captain. He figured to sell them horses, too. Oh, think of it. 5,000. It'll pay the thousand I owe and leave us 4,000 over.

[Nate Warren]

Ain't that fine.

[Matt Warren]

And you can just bet those horses will be what you're looking for, Captain. You won't find better anyway.

[Narrator]

This ain't right. He ain't got no right.

[Nate Warren]

You want to, Thorne, but I'm a scared. Them horses were found too late to do you any good.

[Narrator]

But don't you.

[Matt Warren]

That don't mean you don't owe me.

[The Lone Ranger]

A hundred for finding them.

[Tonto]

Just the same, you'll pay up. Or I'll take it out of your hide.

[Narrator]

This ain't legal. I'll see Judge Luther. I'll show you up.

[Matt Warren]

Or I'll see the Judge. What? You told everybody in town I'd stole my own stock. Try to spoil things now and I'll sue you for every dollar you got.

[Nate Warren]

And Matt'll have a good chance to get it.

[Matt Warren]

Finding the engine with a horse's proves you lied about me.

[Narrator]

I didn't mean it, Matt. I. I never meant to call you a thief. You won't sue, will you?

[Matt Warren]

Not if you don't meddle.

[Narrator]

The horses are yours if you want them. But Redskin, I'll see that you hang as high as a kite.

[Matt Warren]

Up with your hands. Everyone.

[Tonto]

Now outside.

[Matt Warren]

Quickly.

[Narrator]

That masked man's one of the crooks, Sheriff. Arrest him.

[Matt Warren]

Go after him.

[Nate Warren]

He's the one that's him to follow.

[Tonto]

But you won't find us.

[Nate Warren]

Adios, Sheriff. I don't.

[Narrator]

Check him out, Trick.

[Matt Warren]

Those are the two fellows that promised to help me. And instead they tried to rob me.

[Nate Warren]

Well, son, I. I'm wondering about that. Uh huh. I'm wondering a lot.

[The Lone Ranger]

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 the following ranch hand, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.