On the Trail | The Lone Ranger (02-10-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – "On the Trail" | The Lone Ranger (02-10-41)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: December 21, 2025
Original Airdate: February 10, 1941
Digitally Restored and Presented by: Old Time Radio Westerns

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Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Andrew Rhynes brings listeners a digitally restored classic installment of The Lone Ranger—"On the Trail." The episode follows the high-stakes journey of Nellie Munson, her father Jeff, and their loyal ranch hands as they race against outlaws, rival ranchers, and time itself to bring their herd to market and save their ranch. The storyline highlights themes of courage, trust, betrayal, and quick wits on the untamed frontier, with the masked Lone Ranger and Tonto guiding events toward justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. A Ranch in Crisis (03:21–07:20)

• Setting the Stakes:

  • Jeff Munson, owner of the Triangle X outfit, summons his cowhands to share grave financial news: the ranch’s future rests on successfully delivering their cattle to market before a rival herd.
  • Nellie Munson, Jeff's daughter, insists she can serve as trail boss—even as the men express doubts about a woman handling such a risky job.

• Notable moment: The herds’ rush to get to North Junction becomes the only hope for financial survival.

  Quote:
  “You see me in this whole ranch. Your life, work for my girl Nellie's future, your jobs, everything depends on getting our herd to a buyer and selling for a good price.” – Jeff Munson (03:46)

  “If you say I can't go… it's just the same as saying you're giving up the ranch.” – Nellie Munson (06:23)

2. Nellie Becomes Trail Boss (07:20–09:35)

• Nellie's leadership is accepted by the crew, affirming her capabilities and resolve. Preparations begin for the drive north.

• The Lone Ranger, disguised as a cowboy, and Tonto discuss helping the Munsons.

  Quote:
  “Word of honor, boss. We'll take Nellie's order as same as if she was a man. And you can just bet none of the boys'd let anything happen to her.” – Triangle X Cowboy (06:39)

3. On the Trail: The Race to Market (09:35–13:30)

• The journey is challenging with obstacles like rough terrain, river crossings, and nervous cattle.

• A twist: Nellie and her crew arrive at North Junction ahead of their main rival, Hennessy’s Lazy M—but discover the buyer has already purchased cattle from a third party (Running W), thanks to the scheming Red Meaghan.

  Quote:
  “I brought Pa's herd all the way here. I was in full charge.” – Nellie Munson (12:34)

  “I bought a herd of running w cattle almost a week ago.” – Buyer, Mr. Grady (13:04)

• Nellie is heartbroken but receives encouragement from her men.

  Quote:
  “No girl who could take a trail boss's job could be a baby, young woman.” – Mr. Grady (13:23)

4. After the Setback: Plotting the Next Move (17:35–20:22)

• Defeated but undeterred, Nellie and the crew discuss wintering the herd or waiting for a messenger from Jeff, who hinted at a potential deal with a federal fort.

• Hostile confrontation with rival Hennessy, who tries to play both sides and reveals his cunning approach to business.

  Quote:
  “All's fair in love and war and business.” – Slick Hennessy (19:10)

5. Intervention of the Lone Ranger & Tonto (20:22–22:40)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto piece together that Larry Knight, the real messenger from Jeff, has been sabotaged by Hennessy.

• Discovery of evidence (the branded horse, the empty saddlebag, initials) exposes Hennessy's scheme.

  Quote:
  “He either had the messenger already, or he knew he could stop him... This means Hennessy has learned of it before Nellie Munson.” – The Lone Ranger (22:27)

6. Race to the Fort: The Final Challenge (22:56–29:07)

• The true messenger, Larry Knight, is delivered—wounded but alive—by the Lone Ranger. He brings orders to take the herd to the fort, where the military needs beef.

• The Triangle X and Lazy M herds arrive at the Comanche River. Hennessy, misled by Tonto’s directions, crosses to the wrong bank, effectively outsmarted by the Lone Ranger’s understanding of the river’s layout.

• Nellie and her crew, with the right directions from the Lone Ranger, end up on the correct side of the river and are able to reach the fort first.

  Quotes: “You told these people that you could easily keep them from crossing. Now the positions are reversed. They can hold you up.” – The Lone Ranger (28:51)

  “And all because the mast men in the engine gave us help when we needed it most.” – Nellie Munson (29:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nellie’s Courage:

  • “If something has to be done, who else is there to do it?” – Nellie Munson (06:23)

• On Justice:

  • “It was the Lone Ranger, more than any other man, who brought law and order to the lawless frontier.” – Narrator (01:36)

• On Outwitting the Rival:

  • “The river's made a hairpin turn... As a matter of fact, right now you’re on the bank you wanted to reach. Hennessy... ended up on the same bank from which he started.” – The Lone Ranger (28:20)

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:21–07:20| The Munson Ranch crisis and Nellie volunteering as trail boss | | 07:20–09:35| Trail preparations and the Lone Ranger’s secret plan | | 11:00–13:30| Arrival in North Junction; the blow of losing out to the Running W outfit | | 17:35–20:22| Discussions about next steps; confrontation with Slick Hennessy | | 20:22–22:40| The Lone Ranger and Tonto uncover Hennessy’s interference | | 22:56–29:07| The race to the fort; the river crossing and Nellie’s triumph with aid |

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Conclusion

This episode of The Lone Ranger delivers everything fans of golden-age radio westerns crave: feisty heroines, devious rivals, the power of teamwork, and the ever-watchful influence of the Lone Ranger and Tonto. The digital restoration enhances the nostalgia, bringing the suspenseful cattle drives and close calls to vibrant life. Nellie Munson’s perseverance and the masked man’s cunning assurance that justice will be done resonate as powerfully today as they did in the age of radio.

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“Come on, Silver! Hail Silver! Away!”

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]

Pile S by Hawaii A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty pile of Silver the Lone Reindeer. In the years following the Civil War, the Texas ranchers drove their cattle for hundreds of miles to reach a railhead or a market town. Outlaws and hostile Indians raided the herds almost at will, and it was not until the masked rider of the plains started his great fight for justice that the trails became safe. It was a lone Ranger, more than any other man, who brought law and order to the lawless frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. Come out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. We're heading for the Triangle Lakes. There's going to be trouble. Hail Silver. Ho.

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[Narrator]

Jeff Munson, owner of the Triangle X outfit, watched his cowhands file through the door and find chairs in the living room of the ranch house. Nellie Munson, Jeff's daughter, looked on with grave and anxious eyes, for she knew that her father was in financial difficulties. When the last man was seated, Jeff spoke.

[Jeff Munson]

I suppose Most of you get some idea why I asked you in for a confab.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jeff Munson]

Yeah, I guess we do, boss. But we're all behind you. Every last one of us. Thank you, lads. You see me in this whole ranch. Your life, work for my girl Nellie's future, your jobs, everything depends on getting our herd to a buyer and selling for a good price. If we don't, the bank forecloses on the mortgage, this better be sold to that eastern outfit and a whole new crew will be moved in.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, we just can't let that happen. We can't.

[Jeff Munson]

That's what we're here to talk about. As a matter of fact, we gotta buy. That is, if we can get the herd over the trail to North Junction before somebody else gets there with another herd. If we can, we're all right. If we can't, well, things won't be so good.

[Narrator]

What are we waiting for, boss? We got the trail herd all bunched.

[Jeff Munson]

Let's be getting on our way. Trouble is, somebody's got to go along with that herd that can make a deal with the buyer.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jeff Munson]

If it wasn't I was getting along in years, I'd go myself. As it is, somebody else got to handle the job. You fellas the best waddies anywhere in range country. But there's not a one here can read or write a line. Ain't that so, lads? I never figured before that schooling had anything to do with punching cows. Well, in this case, it sure enough has.

[Narrator]

Where's your foreman? Isn't he capable of handling the job?

[Nellie Munson]

That.

[Narrator]

That sneak couple of crossing varmints.

[Jeff Munson]

You were just tied on here yesterday, didn't you?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Jeff Munson]

Then that explains how come you don't know about him. He was rid off of this spread on a railroad. And if he ever shows his face around here again, it'll be the boot hill for him.

[Narrator]

I don't believe I've heard his name.

[Nellie Munson]

Red Meaghan. That's who he was.

[Jeff Munson]

You know what the polecat was doing, pard? He was drawing wages from Jeff here. And unbeknownst to us, drawing double wages from Slick Hennessy over to the Lazy M to interfere with the bosses getting the herd to market.

[Nellie Munson]

This new hand looks like a good read and writing figures. Maybe he'd be the man you want.

[Narrator]

I'd be glad to take it on Rick and Natty.

[Jeff Munson]

No offense, Matt, but this is something too important to be trusted to newcomers. It'll have to be someone I've known for a good long spell. You can see how it is, can't you?

[Narrator]

Of course. And what are we going to do, boss?

[Jeff Munson]

I don't know. I was hoping maybe one of you could make a suggestion. But, Pa. Yeah, honey.

[Nellie Munson]

Now, don't laugh at me. Please, Pa. But I could do it. I could go with the herd. Honestly could. And I could rough it while we're on the trail just as good as any other.

[Jeff Munson]

That's mighty nice of you, girl, but it wouldn't be hardly fit for you.

[Nellie Munson]

I knew you'd say that. I'll leave it to the men. Would you be willing to go along with me for the boss? Do you think I'd.

[Jeff Munson]

Doggone, Miss Nelly, you'd make the best trail boss this outfit ever had. Sir, you've not spoke, Miss Nelly.

[Narrator]

We'd admire to see you tackle it.

[Nellie Munson]

Bear. Pa?

[Jeff Munson]

No, honey, I'm afraid.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, you ain't even trying to consider it. You just made up your mind quick as I said a word. And now you're going to keep stubborn even if you know you're wrong.

[Jeff Munson]

Now, please, Popsy, it just don't seem right.

[Nellie Munson]

If something has to be done, who else is there to do it? That herd's got to be started first thing tomorrow. If you say I can't go long. Why. Why, it's just the same as saying you're giving up the ranch.

[Jeff Munson]

That's right, boss.

[Narrator]

You sure your cattle can be sold when they reach North Junction?

[Jeff Munson]

The only thing it'll stop it. If somebody beat me to it, then.

[Nellie Munson]

Poe, it's up to me.

[Jeff Munson]

Word of honor, boss. We'll take Nellie's order as same as if she was a man. And you can just bet none of the boys had let anything happen to her. You're a mighty fine crew. Now I got a girl to be proud of, too.

[Nellie Munson]

You mean you let me go? It.

[Jeff Munson]

It ought to be thought over a might warren.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, there's no time.

[Jeff Munson]

Better be decided right now. I feel as though I've been so to rushed into this. You give him a better judgment. Pit. Quiet, Ginger. She can do it. Welcome to the new trail. Then get your duffel ready. Line up your cayuses and see to your leather. You're starting north in the.

[Narrator]

That night, the new hand on the Triangle X left the bunk house and made his way to a cluster of willows. A great white stallion was waiting there. The man was the Lone Ranger. And as he rode to meet his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, he rid himself of his disguise and fitted a mask over his face. Come on, Silver, old fellow. We've news for T Silver away. The great horse raced toward a hidden camp in the faint glow of a small campfire. There, the masked man reined up. You'll not wear disguise. I'll not need it again. Kimasabe. I've learned all I can at the Triangle X. The drive for North Junction will start at daybreak. A feller named Hennessy, him ready to start, too. I was afraid of that. It'll mean a race and ruin for Jeff Munson if he loses that heat bad. He has to send out his herd with only his daughter in charge. She's a courageous girl, though. I didn't want them to think I knew too much about their affairs at the ranch. Tunder, I asked them to tell me about Red Meaghan. Did you get track of him? Him take her, too. You sure of that? Not Hennessy's lazy M? No, that not it. Jeff fire. Red and Hennessy not want him more. Red go to run. Running w get job there. Then it's a running W herd. Red's leading. That means there aren't two. There are three herds in the race. There are other bad news. What? Tyler Red start.

[Jeff Munson]

We go.

[Narrator]

Him get there to market first. A full week's start on the Triangle X, huh? Doesn't seem possible a lead like that can be overtaken. What kind of country is that up there? Kimasabe. Are you familiar with it? Oh, Pontano good. That near Comanche River. Tantano. Comanche River Heat good. Well, we're going to fight on Jeff's side. Cold Scout Tunder, here's Count. Steady, Silver. Where we go? We're going to ride ahead on the trail. And if an opportunity arrives to help the Triangle X outfit, we'll seize it. Ready? Come on, Silver. Early the following morning, Nelly Munson watched the Triangle X crew as they rounded up the herd and made ready to start the drive. Jeff stood beside the girl's pony and offered a last word of advice.

[Jeff Munson]

Remember, honey, give me a word. She'd run. No risk. It weren't necessary.

[Nellie Munson]

You can trust me. What's more, we'll get there and bring back the money the buyer pays us. Just as soon as ever we can.

[Jeff Munson]

Now lift and close. If anything happens to the market up here, if anything comes up so she can't sell the herd, you stick right close to North Junction and wait for a word from me.

[Nellie Munson]

Well, you weren't trying to drive the herd back anyhow.

[Jeff Munson]

I know, but. Now you listen. I ain't got all my eggs in one basket. I never said nothing about it. But I've been dickering with the federal soldiers. If I find a gunnerby, I'll send a messenger to tell you. And if you can't sell a North junction, you just can drive one across Comanche river to the fort.

[Nellie Munson]

I remember.

[Narrator]

Paul.

[Jeff Munson]

Nelly. Don't you let this Slick Hennessy and nobody else bluff you out of what's right for yours.

[Nellie Munson]

We're on our way, Miss Nelly.

[Jeff Munson]

Waiting for you, girl.

[Nellie Munson]

Goodbye, Paul. Get up. Get up.

[Jeff Munson]

Goodbye, honey. So long, fellas. Good luck to you. Good luck to you.

[Narrator]

It was a long, weary journey to North Junction. There were rivers to cross, hills to penetrate, grazing land to be found. Nervous cattle had to be soothed to prevent a stampede. Stragglers had to be urged along. Ailing cattle tended. One day, Tex raced up to Nellie with good news.

[Jeff Munson]

Miss Nelly. Miss Nelly.

[Nellie Munson]

What is it, Kate?

[Narrator]

Hold that.

[Jeff Munson]

Miss Nelly.

[Narrator]

Guess what?

[Nellie Munson]

What?

[Narrator]

I told you I was doing a back trail recollect and I've done that same. Miss Nellie Hennessey's Lazy M herd is two days behind us.

[Nellie Munson]

Two days and we're almost north duty ain't that great?

[Narrator]

Ain't it?

[Jeff Munson]

Huh?

[Nellie Munson]

Heck, it means we're going to win.

[Jeff Munson]

Just wait.

[Narrator]

Let's tell the rest of the boys.

[Jeff Munson]

Get up. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Triangle X herd held its margin over that of the Lazy M throughout all the remaining trip. There was still two full days in the lead and Nelly Munson's cowboys munched their cattle in the flats east of town.

[Nellie Munson]

Miss Nelly, you get right to town and look up that fire.

[Jeff Munson]

That cash is just as good as in your pork parker.

[Narrator]

Nelly made her way at once into town down the main street to the office of the buyer she's been instructed to see there. She rained up.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, boy. Now, you just wait here, Dusty. This won't take me long.

[Jeff Munson]

Come in.

[Nellie Munson]

Mr. Grady?

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Nellie Munson]

I. I'm Nelly Munson.

[Narrator]

Oh, indeed. Won't you sit down?

[Nellie Munson]

Thank you, no, I can't. I'm so excited I just couldn't sit down. You. You do recognize my name, don't you? Nellie Munson. Jeff Munson's my father.

[Narrator]

The Triangle X. Oh, yes, of course I do.

[Nellie Munson]

I can't keep it in any longer, Mr. Grady. I'm a trail boss.

[Narrator]

You are what?

[Nellie Munson]

I brought. Pa's heard all the way here. I was in full charge.

[Narrator]

A girl for a trail boss, eh? Well, now, that is something.

[Nellie Munson]

I think it is.

[Narrator]

Let me congratulate you.

[Nellie Munson]

Thank you, Mr. Grady. You see, Paul couldn't come.

[Narrator]

It does seem a shame that you had the trip for nothing.

[Nellie Munson]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

What? I would have liked to buy your cattle.

[Nellie Munson]

But Paul said you would. He said all we had to do was get here first. And we did. We did. The 8am herd won't be here until the day after tomorrow. You were just joking, weren't you?

[Narrator]

I bought a herd of running w cattle almost a week ago.

[Commercial Announcer]

No.

[Nellie Munson]

No, you.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry.

[Nellie Munson]

When I made that trip, I was so proud. I was going to tell poor how well I'd been there.

[Narrator]

Now I'm sorry. Truly I am.

[Nellie Munson]

I know I. I'm an awful baby.

[Narrator]

No girl who could take a trail boss's job could be a baby young woman.

[Nellie Munson]

Then you won't be needing any babies at all.

[Narrator]

I couldn't possibly buy more.

[Nellie Munson]

There's no one else in town? No other buyer who want our hurt?

[Narrator]

I'm afraid not, Ms. Munson. Believe me, I'd be only too glad to tell you if there were. There's Lige, one of your men.

[Nellie Munson]

Yes, come in.

[Jeff Munson]

You made the deal, Miss. Knowing everything's all set. We sure had a dandy drive, Mr. Grady. Yes siree.

[Nellie Munson]

No L. The deal hasn't been made.

[Jeff Munson]

Reckon you're saving that till after you freshened up a mite, huh?

[Nellie Munson]

Don't come. It don't look so happy. My God, I was a failure. I didn't get to hurt here in time. Mr. Granny had already fought Paul. Lose the ranch light, you and the men will all lose your jobs.

[Jeff Munson]

Oh, shucks. Now, Miss Nelly. Don't you go to Terry and own.

[Narrator]

So I've told her how sorry I am.

[Jeff Munson]

Sure, sure, we're all sorry. But it ain't nothing weird gonna let us get us down. Now look up at me, Ms. Nellie, and get the tears out of them pretty eyes.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, Lige, I can't. I just can't. A failure, Lige. A failure. Arnold.

[Narrator]

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[Jeff Munson]

Here we have the Limu Emu in.

[Narrator]

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[Jeff Munson]

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[Narrator]

Fascinating.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Commercial Announcer]

Cut the camera.

[Narrator]

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[Nellie Munson]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. Nelly Munson had made a courageous bid to get her father's cattle to market, only to find when they arrived that the only buyer had purchased all the beef he would need almost a week earlier. The disappointment of her crew when they learned the news made her more determined and she refused to admit final defeat. She talked over the situation two days later in the camp the men had made close to the grazing herd.

[Nellie Munson]

Something will come up. You wait and see.

[Narrator]

I don't know what it'd be, Ms. Nelly.

[Jeff Munson]

Of course, there ain't no call for me to butt in with my ideas. But I'd say we just got our choice of two things. Either we try and get this beef back over the trail before winter really sets in or make some arrangements for winter grazing around here.

[Narrator]

That last is about the only thing.

[Jeff Munson]

I can see to do.

[Nellie Munson]

Well, I can see more. I told you what Pa said before we left. How do we know there still ain't a chance to sell our cattle to the troops? We're not stirring an inch to that. Messenger gets here the PA said he'd.

[Jeff Munson]

Send, I ain't got much faith in.

[Nellie Munson]

It, but I'm still the boss.

[Jeff Munson]

You're that right enough. Who's that? Keller? I mean one of our boys.

[Nellie Munson]

It's Slick Hennessy, that pool cat.

[Jeff Munson]

I thought I seen a lazy M horse at the hitch rail in front of the cafe today.

[Narrator]

I'd like to.

[Nellie Munson]

Quiet.

[Narrator]

Howdy, folks.

[Jeff Munson]

Oh, there.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh.

[Jeff Munson]

Oh.

[Nellie Munson]

What do you want here?

[Narrator]

Just thought I'd have a look at the girl that's got herself famous for.

[Jeff Munson]

For bringing a trail herd all the.

[Narrator]

Way here where it ain't water.

[Nellie Munson]

We're no worse off than you are.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, I don't have to sell my critters like you do.

[Jeff Munson]

Why, you low down sidekick of a sidewinder. We wouldn't have to neither if it wasn't for you hiring Red Meaghan to turn crooked.

[Narrator]

Well, they say all's fair and love.

[Jeff Munson]

And war and business.

[Nellie Munson]

You know, some people seem to think so.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, there ain't no use getting mad. I didn't have nothing to do with Red bringing them running w cows here. You can bet on that. I was just as anxious to sell my herd as you was and not half as particular how you done it.

[Nellie Munson]

Red knew of the buyer here through working for Paul. That's how you knew of the market. He told you then when you wouldn't have nothing to do with him after he run off your place, he got another herd and beat the both of us. And I'm as glad as I can be that he beat you anyhow.

[Jeff Munson]

And now that you've stopped in and paid your compliments, maybe you'd better get back in that fancy saddle of yours and head back for folks that like your company better than we do. Yeah, Pard, you'd better make track easy.

[Narrator]

On them smoke holes.

[Nellie Munson]

They're sticking for me. Git.

[Narrator]

Well, we're both bunk hold together on this. Why can't we figure something out between the two of us?

[Nellie Munson]

Git. But we.

[Narrator]

The lady said git.

[Jeff Munson]

And here's something to help you get real spin.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Jeff Munson]

Ain't so on your way.

[Narrator]

Well, I tried to make friends.

[Jeff Munson]

And now you're going to learn what it means to have me for an enemy. You ain't never been nothing else.

[Narrator]

Get up. Get up.

[Jeff Munson]

Look at him sk now that he's.

[Narrator]

Get like he was told to. Miss Nelly. You made up your mind about our plan?

[Andrew Rines]

There.

[Nellie Munson]

Just what I said before. We don't move an inch till we hear from Paul.

[Narrator]

In the meantime. Meantime, the Lone Ranger in Tontohood kept a close watch on developments. There had been no way in which they could have brought the Triangle X herd to North Junction before that of the running W. They knew the messenger expected by Nelly. They stayed on hand to learn what Jeff Munson's instructions would be. This is a good place for our camp, Teller. They're plenty cover. I wasn't thinking of that so much. But from this spot we've got a good clear view of the trail over which Jeff's messenger must ride to reach North Junction. That's Right. I wish we knew more about what Hennessy is up to. Him plenty clever. He has a plan of some sort. Have you noticed that? The fact he arrived too late to sell his herd hasn't bothered him any. If he doesn't sell, he stands to lose a lot of money. Yet he acts as though he's still to make a profit. Red Megan, I think, is out of it. He sold his cattle. He had nothing to gain by plotting against either party. That's right. And still that's Silver. What is it, old boy? I see something. Come. Huh? I don't see. Wait. T. What matter?

[Andrew Rines]

You rope.

[Jeff Munson]

Quick.

[Narrator]

Huh? You get it.

[Andrew Rines]

Hurry.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Hero. Silver. Seen another horse, T? See behind that tree there. I want to get a rope on him before he's frightened away. Quiet, Silver. Now then, you get him. Come on, boy. There's nothing to be frightened of. Come on. Come on, boy. That's it, old fella. You'll not be hurt. Him make friends faster. Look at the brand he wears, Tutter. You see now why I was so anxious to get him Wear Triangle X. Right. And this isn't one of the horses that travel with the trail herd either. See if there's anything in that saddlebag. Nothing. Bag empty. Here. Mark though. Initials burned into the leather. L, R, K. L, R, K. Tado. Larry Knight. The young horse wrangler at the Triangle X. You know him? I met him those two days I spent at the ranch. He wasn't with the trail herd either, Taddo. And I'm willing to wager anything that he's the messenger sent by Jeff. And where him now, I don't know. I get an idea there's one man who does know, though.

[Andrew Rines]

Who?

[Narrator]

Him. Slick Hennessy. Here, Silver. Cold Scout.

[Jeff Munson]

Here's Scott.

[Narrator]

This must explain why Hennessy's been so self satisfied. He either had the messenger already or he knew he could stop him. And T and Jeff had found another market. This means Hennessy has learned of it before. Nelly Munson. Ah. Come on. We're going to find out what's up.

[Jeff Munson]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Come on, old fellow. Come on. It was early the next morning that a rider raced into the trail camp. Nelly hurried to meet him. This Nelly?

[Jeff Munson]

Yes.

[Narrator]

I'm the messenger from your par. I hoped I wouldn't have no trouble finding you.

[Nellie Munson]

You must be a new man.

[Narrator]

Yes. And here Paul was kind of shorthanded with this year crew away from the home spread.

[Jeff Munson]

Who's this fellow, Ms. Nellie? What's he want?

[Nellie Munson]

He says he's a messenger from Paul.

[Jeff Munson]

I never seen him before?

[Narrator]

No, just sayin. Mr. Munson hired me after you and the others left.

[Jeff Munson]

Well, what's the message?

[Narrator]

Well, Jeff says you're to stay here and get win arranged for the herd. He couldn't find no buyers. Oh, dear.

[Jeff Munson]

He just told you that? He didn't put it down in writing.

[Narrator]

Well, didn't figure it to be necessary, I reckon. Leastways, that's all I know about it.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, it'd be like Paul to do that, Lige.

[Jeff Munson]

What I can see is why he'd send a messenger all the way here just to tell us that we'd have done that much when we had to without being told. Seems kind of funny to me.

[Narrator]

Hey, you mean I ain't telling the truth?

[Jeff Munson]

Oh, I don't know what I mean. Except I mean, this is a funny way of doing business.

[Andrew Rines]

Yes.

[Nellie Munson]

A mask man and carrying someone across the saddle. What the.

[Narrator]

Steady the horse. Stay where you are. Don't get the last saddle.

[Jeff Munson]

You. Oh, my hair.

[Nellie Munson]

What?

[Narrator]

That man, he's from Hennessy.

[Jeff Munson]

I thought there was something funny about you. Take us where you are.

[Nellie Munson]

Look, it's Larry Knight, the wrangler. The ma man's got across his head.

[Narrator]

He's been wounded. He's the real messenger from your father, though.

[Nellie Munson]

Oh, Larry.

[Narrator]

Larry was conscious for a few minutes after I found him tied in the cap. Henness, he has left the camp. Henness? He left? Yes. He got the message that the soldiers would buy the first cattle delivered to the port. And A six is on his way with his herd already. Here, take Larry from the saddle. I got him. He'll be all right with a little care.

[Nellie Munson]

Hennessy's got a head start. We're. We're beat again, Ms. Munson.

[Narrator]

Get your herd on its way, headed for the Commancy River. The fort is on the other side. And I give you my word, your cattle will get there first.

[Nellie Munson]

You mean.

[Narrator]

Do as I say. I'll s. Confident that Nelly with your egg heard. Toward the fort, the Lone Ranger raced down the trail and rejoined Tonto. Come on, Tono. Hurry, Silver, hurry. They circled the herd, driven by Slick Hennessy, and did not stop until they'd reached the banks of the Comanche River. At the spot where they drew up, the river gave the appearance of being split by an island. Well, this is the spot you spoke of. Tandem port. Numberside river down that way maybe four, five miles. You not see it? It's out of sight. I'm just wondering if those trail herds will come this way, though. There's no other way. Your Only place to cross river. The way that land splits the river, Tuttle, it does look like an island. First water, then land and more water. Hennessy herd cross first water. Rest and land and cross second water. Go on, north. Yes. You'll wait here for Hennessy to arrive, then tata me wait and I'll ride on and get out of sight. Come on, Silver. Flick. Hennessy, riding ahead of his herd reached the near bank of the Comanche river to find Toto waiting for him. Oh, there. Howdy, engine. How this is a place to ford the commanche, ain't it, Engine? Huh? It bad river, though. Well, just so it's crossable. You cross to land, then cross from land to other bank. Oh, that's land. Well, that's an island there, is it? Yeah, it is all right. I can see the water on the other side. Well, thanks. I'll be getting back to the herd. Get up.

[VRBO Advertiser]

Get up.

[Narrator]

Soon the Lazy M herd showed up and under the prodding of the cowboys began a difficult cross crossing. As Tado had directed, the animals were sent to the land halfway across then urged into the water once more until they'd reached the far side. Hold them critters where they are. We're waiting for that triangle. That's outfit to show us. It was late in the day when Nelly Munson and her men reached the river. They saw Hennessy's herd on the far bank but sent their own cattle to the middle strip of land. This, however, was all the progress they could make.

[Nellie Munson]

And here comes Hennessy now. The street. He knows what his critters over there. We can't get more than halfway across.

[Jeff Munson]

Well, here we are meeting again.

[Narrator]

And you right in the middle of a river.

[Jeff Munson]

Move your critters on. You're holding us up.

[Nellie Munson]

You can't get away with.

[Narrator]

I am, though. Just a second. Let me tell you a few things. You had your fun with me over the north junction but it was great fun to drive me out of your can. Refuse to even talk business with me. All right, now, listen to this. That's my crew and there's my herd. And this is the only crossing along the river. Just the second you start pushing your herd off this island, a men start firing on you.

[Nellie Munson]

The law get you for that.

[Narrator]

I don't see no law right handy, do you, Miss Nelly?

[Nellie Munson]

Then. Then you won't let us again across. You won't mind the top man square?

[Jeff Munson]

No.

[Narrator]

Like I said, you're on this island and you're here to stay. Only this isn't an island. Has they met and arrest month and starts a cattle movie.

[Nellie Munson]

Don't you say we can't help?

[Narrator]

Don't try to cross over there. Swing your herd to the side. Follow the strip of land to the east.

[Jeff Munson]

But there ain't no force and them cows any place yet.

[Narrator]

That's where I caught it. And you plenty wrong. Tennessee. Suppose you take a look at the river. Both channels, a real close look. What's in a sea? It's just a r. Hey, I think you do see.

[Nellie Munson]

What is it? What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Look at the direction of the current.

[Jeff Munson]

The current?

[Nellie Munson]

Yippee.

[Jeff Munson]

See, Ms. Nelly, this strip of water we just crossed is flowing in one direction. And this water ahead of us is.

[Nellie Munson]

Thrown in the other. I don't understand.

[Jeff Munson]

Go on, Miss Nelly. If this was all just one channel split up by an island, the water would all be thrown in the same direction.

[Narrator]

The river's made a hairpin turn. You can't see where the actual turn is made. That's why it was so easy to think that this strip of land that you're on is an island. As a matter of fact, right now you're on the bank you wanted to reach. Hennessy by crossing both strips of water. Ended up on the same bank from which he started to reach the fort. He's got to come back again. Why, that dog. Conrad's. He was the one that told me to go all the way over there. No, you don't. No coverage. Drop that gun back in this hole. All right, you got the drop on me. But I'll get my men and start my herd back. And I'll trim the ears out this bunch. You might. Except for one thing. Huh? You told these people that you could easily keep them from crossing. Now the positions are reversed. They can hold you up.

[Jeff Munson]

Just as he said, Slick Hennessy, we got you dead to rights. We're getting to the fort with the cattle and you're going to trail behind. Just like you thought to make us do.

[Nellie Munson]

And all because the mast men in the engine gave us help when we needed it most.

[Narrator]

Oh, Silver. Ha.

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[Narrator]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Commercial Announcer]

Corporate megastores are spending millions lobbying D.C. politicians on one sided policies that send small businesses tumbling. They want to enact harmful credit card mandates that take resources away from your local credit union and community bank, leaving Main street businesses with less access to credit, making it harder for your family to pay for everyday goods like gas and groceries. Tell Congress to guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates.

[Narrator]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Commercial Announcer]

D.C. politicians want to enact harmful credit card mandates that could take away your cash back and rewards points perks that stretch your budget and make life a little easier. Losing these benefits means less money for your family's everyday essentials like gas and groceries. The perks you rely on could disappear, leaving you with higher costs and fewer options. Tell Congress to guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates.

[Narrator]

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[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Nellie Munson]

Foreign.

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Politicians want to enact harmful credit card mandates that could take away your cash back and rewards points perks that stretch your budget and make life a little easier. Losing these benefits means less money for your family's everyday essentials like gas and groceries. The perks you rely on could disappear, leaving you with higher costs and fewer options. Tell Congress to guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates.

[Narrator]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Commercial Announcer]

Corporate megastores are spending millions lobbying D.C. politicians on one sided policies that send small businesses tumbling. They want to enact harmful credit card mandates that take resources away from your local credit union and community bank, leaving Main street businesses with less access to credit, making it harder for your family to pay for everyday goods like gas and groceries. Tell Congress to Guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates.

[Narrator]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Commercial Announcer]

D.C. politicians want to enact harmful credit card mandates that could take away your cash back and rewards points perks that stretch your budget and make life a little easier. Losing these benefits means less money for your family's everyday essentials like gas and groceries. The perks you rely on could disappear, leaving you with higher costs and fewer options. Tell Congress to guard your card and oppose the Durbin Marshall credit card mandates.

[Narrator]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition.