Orders for the East | The Lone Ranger (01-04-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger - "Orders for the East" (01-04-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Orders for the East | The Lone Ranger (01-04-52)
Air Date: September 1, 2025
Digitally Restored Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This thrilling episode of "The Lone Ranger" centers around a dangerous threat to the Pony Express, as saboteurs attempt to stop critical British Admiralty dispatches from reaching the East. The masked hero, The Lone Ranger, teams with his steadfast companion, Tonto, to ensure law, order, and justice prevail on the perilous overland trail. Deception, espionage, and courage abound, highlighting the drama of America's wild frontier and the heroic spirit that protected it.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Dramatic Encounter on the Trail [04:45–07:33]

• Incident with the Pony Express Rider:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Johnny Lane, a Pony Express courier, injured on the trail with his mustang lamed.
  • Medical Aid: The Lone Ranger and Tonto set Johnny's broken arm and help with his sprained ankle.
  • Sabotage Revealed: They find a horsehair braid tied around the mustang’s leg, causing the lameness—described as “an Injun trick,” though The Lone Ranger suspects others may be to blame.
  • Suspicion: The pair suspect foul play, possibly from the new relay station manager, Hank Meredith.

2. Tense Exchange at Bar W Ranch [07:49–09:20]

• Transfer of the Mail:
  Johnny is delivered to the Bar W Ranch, where the mail pouch is transferred for continued delivery.

  • Bert Wilson, the ranch owner, expresses concern about Johnny's unusual lateness and the presence of a masked man (the Lone Ranger).
  • Upon realizing the masked stranger's identity, Wilson trusts The Lone Ranger’s judgment and leadership.

• Key Quote:
  “Now I understand why he's going to investigate what happened.” – Bert Wilson, [08:59]

3. Wider Conspiracy Uncovered [09:29–12:35]

• British Dispatches at Stake:
  The Lone Ranger reveals that England and Russia are at war, and the British will be using the Pony Express to send critical dispatches east.

  • The U.S. Army is to quietly assist by securing the route, without slowing mail service.
  • The true villain is revealed: Roger Kane, aka Baron Orloff—a Russian spy intent on intercepting the dispatches. The Ranger’s mission is to stop him.

• Key Quote:
  “His real name is Baron Orloff. He's a Russian spy.” – The Lone Ranger, [10:51]

4. Sabotage and Deceit at Mountain City [12:35–15:16]

• Relay Station Destroyed:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto find Meredith’s relay station burned down. Tonto notes that the evidence points to horses with shoes, implying white men, not Indians, are responsible.

  • Suspecting that Meredith himself set the fire to cover his sabotage, the Lone Ranger theorizes Hank is in league with Orloff.

• Key Quote:
  “Suppose Hank Meredith is working with him [Orloff]… If I'm right at all, I'm right all the way.” – The Lone Ranger, [14:13]

5. Double-Crosses and Eavesdropping [16:54–20:03]

• Suspicion Grows in Town:
  In Mountain City, Hank Meredith lies about an Indian attack, then resigns abruptly, fueling suspicions.

  • The Lone Ranger meets secretly with Jeff Harding (Pony Express district manager), but Bob Turner, the backup rider, eavesdrops, revealing his own duplicity.

• Key Quote:
  “I bet he's been sent here to get Orloff. Hank and the Russian must be warned.” – Bob Turner’s internal monologue, [20:03]

6. Villainous Plot Revealed [20:58–23:17]

• Turner Joins the Villains:
  Bob Turner meets Meredith and Orloff, confirming their alliance to ambush the mail.

  • Turner proposes ambushing the dispatch at the halfway point, increasing the payment offer for the stolen pouch.
  • Tension grows as it's clear a major betrayal by Turner is imminent.

• Key Quote:
  “Those dispatches mean a great deal to me. I shall be there with you.” – Orloff, [22:47]

7. Ambush and the Lone Ranger’s Countermove [23:17–27:16]

• Thwarted Attack:
  The Lone Ranger intercepts Larry Keane before he enters an ambush, sending him on a safe, alternate route to the Bar W Ranch.

  • At the ranch, Bob Turner’s true colors are revealed as he holds up Bert, Johnny, and Larry, shooting Bert and Larry in the leg to prevent pursuit.
  • Turner absconds with the valuable mail pouch.

• Key Quote:
  “I'm gonna anchor you to the ground… Let's see how you two can manage with a bullet in your leg.” – Bob Turner, [25:23]

8. Pursuit and Capture [27:28–28:35]

• The Chase:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto track down Turner, cutting across steep terrain to head him off.

  • In a dramatic exchange of gunfire and a clever use of a lasso, the Lone Ranger captures Turner before he can escape with the dispatch.

• Key Quote:
  “You live, Turner. You live to go to jail.” – The Lone Ranger, [28:36]

9. Justice Restored and The End of an Era [29:02–30:26]

• Aftermath:
  With the villains apprehended, the dispatch safely continues its journey east. The future of the Pony Express is discussed, hinted to be ending soon with the coming of the telegraph.

  • The Lone Ranger’s legend is cemented among the riders and townsfolk.

• Key Quote:
  “Still, there’s one of our riders who’ll always be remembered… I’m talking about the man who’s carrying the mail right now. The Lone Ranger!” – Johnny Lane, [29:44]

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "His real name is Baron Orloff. He's a Russian spy."
  — The Lone Ranger [10:51]

• "Suppose Hank Meredith is working with him… If I'm right at all, I'm right all the way."
  — The Lone Ranger [14:13]

• "Those dispatches mean a great deal to me. I shall be there with you."
  — Orloff [22:47]

• "I'm gonna anchor you to the ground... Let's see how you two can manage with a bullet in your leg."
  — Bob Turner [25:23]

• "You live, Turner. You live to go to jail."
  — The Lone Ranger [28:36]

• "Still, there’s one of our riders who’ll always be remembered… I’m talking about the man who’s carrying the mail right now. The Lone Ranger!" — Johnny Lane [29:44]

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Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger's medical skills, applied on the moonlit trail, underscoring the hero’s compassion as well as strength. [05:15–06:03]
• The discovery of clear sabotage—horsehair braid on the mustang’s leg—sparking the mystery. [06:34–06:48]
• Turner’s betrayal and cold-blooded efficiency in shooting his friends, then attempting escape with the mail. [25:23–25:38]
• The moonlit pursuit down the pass, with The Lone Ranger’s quick thinking and lariat roping Turner to safety and justice. [27:42–28:35]
• Discussion of technological change—the telegraph encroaching on the Pony Express—signaling the end of an era. [29:02–29:44]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:45] – Lone Ranger and Tonto aid Johnny Lane, learn of sabotage
• [09:29] – Secret discussion about British dispatches and Baron Orloff
• [12:35] – Burned relay station found; suspicions mount against Meredith
• [16:54] – Bob Turner eavesdrops, plot thickens
• [20:58] – Turner joins with villains, scheme finalized
• [24:31] – Turner hijacks mail at Bar W, shoots Bert and Larry
• [27:42] – Lone Ranger and Tonto pursue and capture Turner
• [29:02] – Villains defeated; Pony Express future discussed

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a classic Lone Ranger adventure, blending suspense and moral clarity with the fast-paced action of Western radio drama. It highlights not only the perils of the Pony Express era but also themes of loyalty, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a rapidly changing world.

"Hi-yo Silver, away!"

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Transcript

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[Johnny Lane]

Thanks for selling your car to Carvana. Here's your check. Whoa. When did I get here? What do you mean?

[Narrator]

I swear it was just moments ago that I accepted a great offer from Carvana online.

[Andrew Rines]

I must have time traveled to the future.

[Johnny Lane]

It was just moments ago. We do same day pickup. Here's your check for that great offer. It is the future. It's it's the present and just the convenience of Carvana. Sorry to blow your mind. It's all good. Happens all the time. Sell your car the convenient way to Carvana. Pick up. Times may vary and fees may apply. 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.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Johnny Lane]

It's sa.

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[Narrator]

For this faithful Indian companion, Tottle, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.

[Johnny Lane]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. That's what we call Silver Hooray.

[Narrator]

It was a moonlit night, and as the Lone Ranger and Tonto topped their eyes, they saw a strange sight on the trail ahead. A mustang Was rearing on his hind legs. A man lay prostrate on the ground in front of him. It seemed that the horse turned outlaw was trying to kill the man. And the Lone Ranger and Tonto urged their mounts to greater speed. But as they drew closer, they could see that the man on the ground had a tight hold on the horse's reins and that the mustang was only trying to get away. Took a tight hold on the mustang's bridle as the Lone Ranger dismounted.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can't get away.

[Johnny Lane]

Oh, yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

So you've hurt your arm.

[Johnny Lane]

There's United States mail in that pouch. If you touch it.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's no need for the warning. We only want to help you. So you're a Pony Express rider?

[Johnny Lane]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

What happened?

[Johnny Lane]

The mustang went down. I went with him. I managed to hold onto the reins. Hitch pony. Take a look at leg in lame. Yes. Oh, my.

[The Lone Ranger]

You hurt your leg too?

[Johnny Lane]

Yeah, I can't stand up. My ankle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sorry. It's only a sprain, though. Now let's see the arm.

[Johnny Lane]

No, don't touch it.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't have to know that it's broken. We'll set it and apply a splint.

[Johnny Lane]

For outlaws, you're mighty obliging.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're not outlaws. Take it easy while I find a splint.

[Narrator]

With Tottle's help, the Lone Ranger set the Pony Express rider's broken arm. They placed it in a sling and bandaged the sprained ankle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Glenn, how are you feeling now?

[Johnny Lane]

Better. But how am I going to get the mail through? Is the imp very lame?

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you heading east?

[Johnny Lane]

Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

How far is the next station?

[Johnny Lane]

It's only a few miles. Bar W Ranch.

[The Lone Ranger]

You may ride with me. What?

[Johnny Lane]

You take me into the station wearing that mask?

[The Lone Ranger]

As a matter of fact, my friend and I were heading for the Bar W Ranch. Bert Wilson should be expecting us.

[Johnny Lane]

You're a friend of Bert's?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not exactly. We'll leave you to bring in the mustang. Toto.

[Johnny Lane]

Ah, look, Kimasabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's horse hair. Braided. Ah.

[Johnny Lane]

We find it tied tight round left foreleg above fetlock. It make legs swell. That's why mustang go lame. A thin horsehair braid. Tighter on the leg. It's an Injun trick.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's been used by others. I suppose you picked up this mount at the station west of here?

[Johnny Lane]

That's right, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

The man in charge must be rather careless.

[Johnny Lane]

Hank Meredith. Well, he's new, but horsehair tied like that is hard to spot. If some engine slipped into the stable.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonight, it doesn't sound likely to me. However, we'll investigate.

[Johnny Lane]

You will?

[The Lone Ranger]

What's your name?

[Johnny Lane]

Johnny Lane.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Johnny, I happen to be as interested as you are in seeing the mail go through. I can't tell you any more than that, but believe me, it's true. I will get you into the saddle. Hey, what's the matter?

[Johnny Lane]

You picked me up as if I were a tumbleweed.

[The Lone Ranger]

You aren't very heavy. Steady, Silver. There you are. Easy, big fellow. I'll wait for you at the ranch. Totto.

[Johnny Lane]

Ah, he leaves mustang plenty slow.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll have finished my business with Wilson by the time you get there. Come on, Sylvia.

[Narrator]

Burt Wilson, the owner of the Bar W, was waiting in front of the ranch house with Larry Keane, the express rider who would carry the mail from the ranch east to Riverdale. His mustang was saddled and ready to go, and he consulted his watch.

[Johnny Lane]

Johnny's overdue Five minutes. First time for him. Well, here he comes. See him? Top of the rise. That isn't one of our horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Johnny Lane]

Big white horse carrying double. That's Johnny, though, waving to us. Better get mounted. I'll switch the mailbag. Right word. A man who's riding with Johnny's wearing a mask. You keep your gun in your holster. An outlaw. You just mind your own business. I'll vouch for the mask man. Here they come. Get ready to ride.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ho, Silver.

[Johnny Lane]

Ho.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, big fella. Here's the mail pouch.

[Johnny Lane]

Got it.

[Narrator]

In a matter of seconds, the mail pouch was transferred to Larry's mount and he spurred off toward the east along the moonlit overland trail.

[Johnny Lane]

Get up. Get up there, boy. Get up.

[Narrator]

Then the Lone Ranger dismounted.

[The Lone Ranger]

You said it, big fella.

[Narrator]

And lifted Johnny from the saddle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here you come.

[Johnny Lane]

What happened to you, Johnny? Imp went lame and took a tumbler. I went down with him. Good thing a friend came along to pick you up. And this masked man is a friend of yours. I never saw him before in my life, but I've heard of him and I've been expecting him. Is it all right to tell him who you are, mister?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm sure Johnny can be trusted.

[Johnny Lane]

Johnny, this is the Lone Ranger. What? Well, I'll be hornswogging. Now I understand why he's going to investigate what happened. Bert, this Aubrey's injured friend found some braided horsehair tied tight around the imp's left foreleg. He was deliberately lamed. Is that so?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll talk about it later, Bert. Now, I think we should get Johnny to bed.

[Johnny Lane]

This way, mister.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Burt Settle down for their talk in the office of the ranch house.

[The Lone Ranger]

You received General Warren's letter, Bert?

[Johnny Lane]

Yes, I have it right here. But he didn't say much. Just that there might be trouble and that you would be paying me a visit.

[The Lone Ranger]

But I'll explain. As you know, England and Russia are at war.

[Johnny Lane]

What's that got to do with us? With the pony Express, England's our friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

Time was, but times have changed. England's our friend. And the British Admiralty is going to use a pony express to send dispatches from London to their Far Eastern fleet.

[Johnny Lane]

You don't say.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a great deal faster than sending them by ship around Cape Horn. The State Department has asked the army to cooperate to make sure the dispatchers get through.

[Johnny Lane]

You mean the army is going to send escorts along with the pony riders? Why, it'll slow the service to a war.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, that isn't the idea. The Army's main job will be to keep the overland trail free of marauding Indians.

[Johnny Lane]

We haven't had much trouble with them lately.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know. I've been given a specific job which doesn't concern the Indians at all. You may be able to help me.

[Johnny Lane]

Sure thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

A man named Roger Kane showed up in Mountain City a few weeks ago. Since then he's disappeared. But it may be that he's hiding somewhere along this stretch of the express route. If he is, we can expect trouble. My job is to find him before he has a chance to make any.

[Johnny Lane]

He's a crook.

[The Lone Ranger]

His real name is Baron Orloff. He's a Russian spy. Well, now, here's his picture. Have you ever seen him?

[Johnny Lane]

Fancy looking, dude.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't imagine he'll be wearing clothes like that out here. He may have grown a beard. Take a good look at the features.

[Johnny Lane]

No, I've never seen him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Tottenham, I'll patrol the trail from here to Mountain City until Orloff is found.

[Johnny Lane]

Are the British dispatches coming through already?

[The Lone Ranger]

No. By the way, what's the name of the rider who just left for Riverdale?

[Johnny Lane]

It was Larry Keane. He's due back day after tomorrow.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. He'll be carrying the first of the dispatches on the trip after this one. I'm telling you in the strictest confidence.

[Johnny Lane]

Burke, I won't breathe a word of it. But do you figure this Russian knows when they'll be coming through?

[The Lone Ranger]

He may.

[Johnny Lane]

And he means to hold up the mail between here and Mountain City.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's possible.

[Johnny Lane]

It's a long stretch of trail and a rough one. There are lots of places Where a rider could be ambushed.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now that Johnny's hurt, who'll be riding in his place?

[Johnny Lane]

Why, there's an extra rider standing by in Mountain City. Bob Turner. I'll send my wrangler, Duke Headley, on with the next pouch. After that, Bob will take over.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder if someone wanted Johnny out of the way.

[Johnny Lane]

Huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

His horse was lame. Whoever tied the hair around the imp's leg Hoped that he'd fall, that Johnny would be hurt.

[Johnny Lane]

But you're not accusing Hank Meredith of a trick like that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I'm accusing no one. However, I have a few questions I'd like Hank Meredith to answer. Will you give me a note to him?

[Johnny Lane]

Sure.

[The Lone Ranger]

And one to the express agent in Mountain City.

[Johnny Lane]

Sure thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

As soon as Tono gets here with the imp, we'll be heading west.

[Narrator]

At dawn. When the lone ranger and Tottle reached Hank Meredith relay station, they found only the smoking embers of what had once been a cabin and stables. They dismounted and searched the ruins. They found nothing.

[The Lone Ranger]

If this was an Indian attack, Hank Meredith made his escape.

[Johnny Lane]

May not think Indians burn station.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why, Taro well grounded.

[Johnny Lane]

Plenty soft. You look at hoofprints? All horses wear shoes. Not many Indian ponies wear shoes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, whoever burned the station drove off the horses.

[Johnny Lane]

That's right. Trail lead to north. It easy to follow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go then.

[Johnny Lane]

Look here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here.

[Johnny Lane]

Fresh hook print. Head west. One horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

The one Hank Meredith road, perhaps.

[Johnny Lane]

Maybe so.

[The Lone Ranger]

It would be natural for him to head for Mountain City to report to the district manager. We will follow the trail to the north first. Totto.

[Andrew Rines]

Easy said.

[Johnny Lane]

It's gone easy, fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

It was hill country to the north of the station. And the lone ranger and Tontle followed the trail all day long. At dusk, they drew rein on the rim of an upland valley. Below them, a band of horses were grazing.

[The Lone Ranger]

The mustangs from the station?

[Johnny Lane]

That's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not a man in sight. They weren't driven off.

[Johnny Lane]

Somebody turn them loose at station?

[The Lone Ranger]

Indians wouldn't have done that. I'm convinced now that Hank Merritt has set fire to the cabin and the stables himself. There's absolutely no evidence of anyone else being around the place.

[Johnny Lane]

Why him do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I can only guess.

[Johnny Lane]

Toto, what do you think?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, we're practically certain that Orloff is somewhere around here. That he means to hold up the Pony Express when the British dispatches start coming through. Suppose Hank Meredith is working with him. It wouldn't surprise me if Hank has gone to Mountain City to report that Indians have attacked his station. If everyone Believes there are renegade Indians around. Then Indians will be blamed as a matter of course. If there's a hole left.

[Johnny Lane]

Not if Pony Express riders say different.

[The Lone Ranger]

But Johnny Lang has been hurt. From now on, it will be a substitute rider called Turner. Will be carrying the mail between the Bar W and Mountain City. If I'm right at all, I'm right all the way. If Hank Meredith is working for Orloff and was responsible for Johnny's accident. Then the man who's scheduled to take Johnny's place. This Turner. Is someone Orloff and Meredith can trust.

[Johnny Lane]

Maybe so.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's a chance we may be able to find out for sure in Mountain City.

[Johnny Lane]

Come on, Silver. Come up.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Hank Meredith was making his report to Jeff Harding, the district manager of the Pony Express. And Bob Turner, the standby rider in Mountain City.

[Johnny Lane]

There are about 50 of them. I couldn't make out from their paint what tribe they were from. But I saw them in time and hightailed it. I didn't stop riding until I got to the ridge west of the station. I watched them from there. What did they do? Burned the station to the ground and drove off the horses. Which way did they go? North. I'll send word to Fort Lincoln by the next mail. And I'll send some men back with you, Hank, to rebuild the station. Not so fast, Jeff.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm all through.

[Narrator]

You quitting?

[Johnny Lane]

Folks will say you're turning yellow, Hank. I don't care what they say. I was told there weren't any more Indians in the hills. I was told wrong. One narrow escape is enough. Pay me off, Jeff. I'm finished.

[Narrator]

Jeff Harding and Bob Turner shared the living quarters in back of the express office. Early the following morning, Jeff was wakened by Bob calling to him.

[Johnny Lane]

Jeff, wake up. What's the matter? There's someone out by the barn. Leaf and cactus. It's a masked man. A red skin. Horse thieves. I'll show him. Not much, you ornery coyotes.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Johnny Lane]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. As Bob Turner opened fire, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe took shelter behind the barn. The masked man took the note Bert Wilson had written from his pocket and then picked up a good sized stone from the ground. He wrapped the note around it.

[Johnny Lane]

What you do, Kimasabe?

[The Lone Ranger]

This is Wilson's note to the manager. I mean to deliver it.

[Johnny Lane]

Better you not show yourself.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll only do it for a second. Long enough to throw this stone to the window. Well, here goes.

[Johnny Lane]

That's plenty dangerous.

[The Lone Ranger]

We must talk with the manager, then not shoot anymore.

[Johnny Lane]

Yes, I've read the note from Burt. I'm sorry we fired on you.

[The Lone Ranger]

May we come in?

[Johnny Lane]

Of course. Open the door for the boss.

[Narrator]

When the Lone Ranger had related the facts concerning Johnny's accident and expressed the conviction that Hank Meredith must have been responsible not only for that but also for the burning of the station, Jeff Harding lost his temper completely.

[Johnny Lane]

Why, the ornery hop Toad. The yellow coyote. The dirty sidewinder. What's he been up to?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm more interested in what he's up to now. Where can I find him?

[Johnny Lane]

He's gone.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where?

[Johnny Lane]

I don't know. I paid him off at sundown. He left town. Oh. Do you have any idea where he went, Bob? No, he didn't say anything to me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, Meredith's actions may not seem to make sense, but I have some information which may cast a light on them. May I speak to you alone?

[Johnny Lane]

You don't have to worry about Bob.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is extremely confidential.

[Johnny Lane]

All right, Bob. How about making us some coffee? Oh, sure. Sure thing.

[Narrator]

Bob left the room and closed the door of the kitchen behind him. But he listened closely, trying to hear what the masked man had to say to Jeff. He was unsuccessful and disgusted as he moved away from the door.

[Johnny Lane]

I bet he's been sent here to get Orloff. Hank and the Russian must be warned.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger and Tottle left Martin City before dawn. Their purpose to find Orloff and Meredith. They had no clue as to either man's whereabouts. But the Lone Ranger was convinced they were together and probably hiding somewhere in the tangled hills between Mountain City and the Bar W Ranch. The search continued for several days without any success. It was on the day before Larry Keane was scheduled to leave Riverdale with the first of the Admiralty dispatches that Bob Turner left the Bar W Ranch. He rode steadily into the hills, making sure that no one was following him until he finally reached the box Canyon, the entrance of which was almost completely choked with undergrowth.

[Johnny Lane]

Get up Come on, get up. Now get up.

[Narrator]

Forced his way through and a short distance from the opening, two men jumped to their feet.

[Johnny Lane]

Hold it, Baron. It's Bob. Ho. Ho. Hold it. Ho. Easy. Why have you come your turn? It was a mistake. You'll think different when I tell you why I'm here. What's going wrong. For one thing, you've been branded a liar. How? It's now accepted as a fact that you were the one to blame for Johnny's horse going lame and throwing him. Well, what's the difference as long as he's out of the way and you'll be carrying the mail from the Bar W to Mountain City. It's also been established that you were the one to burn the station. No one can prove that. The horses you drove off are found no Indians anywhere near them. Oh, that changes things, doesn't it? If I showed up in Mountain City now and told Jeff I'd been held up by Indians, would he believe me? No. Well, I'm not gonna tell any such story. Who cares what story you tell? There's something else you should know.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Johnny Lane]

The Lone Ranger's moved into the district.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Johnny Lane]

He's looking for you, Hank. The Lone Ranger. You heard of him? Orlov? Yes, I have. It wouldn't surprise me if he were looking for you too. And not only that, I'm not sure he trusts me. It wouldn't surprise me if he and his Indian, Pale Towner rode with me all the way from the ranch to Mountain City. How would you like to hold up that pair?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not me.

[Johnny Lane]

I have offered you each a thousand dollars for those dispatches. I now raise my offer to 2000. If Bob's riding alone, you'll get him. The Lone Ranger's with him. You can forget the whole deal. $2,000.

[The Lone Ranger]

You heard me. I.

[Johnny Lane]

Look. Will you pay 2,000 for an idea? Olaf, I pay for the papers. 2,000 if you get them by using my idea. All right, what is it? Don't wait until they get to the ranch. What? Why? You won't have them until then. No. Larry Keene will be bringing them from Riverdale. Take him away from him. He knows me. One shot could stop him from identifying you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah?

[Johnny Lane]

What about you? Are you in on it? I'll have to be waiting at the ranch for Larry to come in. The Lone Ranger may be there. If I'm not, he may get suspicious. Yes, it is the best way to do it. Now, hold up Larry before he gets to the ranch. You're not supposed to do that alone. I shall Be with you, Hank. Those dispatches mean a great deal to me. I shall be there with you.

[Narrator]

It was late the next afternoon and the light was failing as Larry Keane raced towards Sunset Canyon. Suddenly, two men rode out from a grove of trees at the side of the trail. And Larry went for his gun.

[Johnny Lane]

Larry, the masked man. Good thing you shouted, mister. I was gonna let you have it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bert has told you who we are?

[Johnny Lane]

Yeah, sure. Bob Turner said you were up in the hills looking for Hank Meredith. Did you find him?

[The Lone Ranger]

We found him, but not in the hills. He and a man named Orloff are waiting for you in that canyon ahead.

[Johnny Lane]

For me? They're after the mail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Toto and I are going through in your place.

[Johnny Lane]

You want me to give you the pouch?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Larry. Turn back. Take the trail up to the top of the ridge and follow the ridge to the Bar W Valley. Wait at the ranch for us.

[Johnny Lane]

Wait.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stay there. And don't let the pouch out of your possession.

[Johnny Lane]

Bob Turner be expecting to go on with it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't give it to him.

[Johnny Lane]

All right, mister, get around there. Get up, boy. Get up.

[Narrator]

As it grew darker, Burt Wilson grew more and more nervous. Pacing the veranda of the ranch house. Johnny sat on the top step while Bob Turner walked his saddled mustang back and forth in front of the ranch house.

[Johnny Lane]

I'm sure I heard shooting a while back. I didn't. Well, Larry's late. There's no getting around it. Only a few minutes. I'll make up the lost time. You don't know? Know what? Never mind. I sure wish I knew where the Lone Ranger was. I told you. That was days ago. Where is he now? Well, I don't know where the Lone Ranger is, but here comes Larry. Where? I don't see him. You're looking in the wrong direction. He's coming up the valley from the south. What kind of route did he take from Riverdale? I'm wondering about that myself. Well, as long as he made it. Ready to go, Bob? Yep. Ride him, cowboy. Oh. Oh, boy. I'll get the pouch. Not so fast. You're late. Hand it over. The pouch stays right here until the masked man shows up. Those are his orders. You seen the Lone Ranger? Just as I was heading into Sunset Canyon. Seems he and Tono spotted an ambush waiting for me in there. An ambush? Hank, Meredith and somebody called. Was it Orloff? So Hank and Orloff are working together. Who's Orloff? You'll be told all about it when the right time comes. Meanwhile, what the masked man says Goes the pouch stays right here. Oh, no, it doesn't. Hey, you covered. Drop your pistol belt, Larry. You too, Bert. Hurry up. So you're another one. Never mind the talk, Johnny. Use your eyes. I'm not wearing a gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good enough.

[Johnny Lane]

These guns go in my saddlebag first. Now we changed the parts from your horse to mine, Larry. I warn you, Bob, that's United States mail. Yeah, and there's one envelope that's worth a fortune. He's gone local. Don't forget the Lone Ranger will be on your trail. Yeah, maybe he will, maybe he won't. Hank and Olaf are both crack shots. And the masked man and redskin may be in the canyon full of lead. Maybe it'll be Hank and Orloff will try to follow me. But there's one thing I'm sure of. None of you will. You're not gonna kill us. I'm gonna anchor you to the ground. Johnny can't ride with that broken arm. Lets see how you two can manage with a bullet in your leg. That easy. Adios. Get up. Get up. Help. Help.

[Narrator]

Burt's cowhands hadn't come in from the range yet. And only the cook and the wrangler answered Johnny's call for help. But together they managed to get Bert and Larry inside the ranch house. The cook had finished bandaging their wounds when Johnny heard horses outside. He ran out on the veranda. It was the Lone Ranger and Tottle. And with them were Hank, Meredith and Orloff, their hands tied behind their backs.

[Johnny Lane]

You captured them? Yes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't Larry get here with a mail pouch?

[Johnny Lane]

He's inside. Wounded.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wounded?

[Johnny Lane]

Bob Turner shot him in the leg. Then he shot Burt inside.

[The Lone Ranger]

You two, they're all right now.

[Johnny Lane]

Cook's bandies. Mister, Bob's got the mail pouch.

[The Lone Ranger]

Which way did he go?

[Johnny Lane]

I don't know. North. The last I saw him, he was heading for the pass. He only has a 15 minute start.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here's Hank's gun. Johnny, guard the prisoners until we get back.

[Johnny Lane]

Right, mister.

[Narrator]

It took the Lone Ranger and Tonto an hour to reach the top of the pass. But then, by the light of the rising moon, they could see the trail for miles ahead. Twisting down the steep slope of the ridge, Tonto pointed to a bend in the lower trail.

[Johnny Lane]

There, Turner.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now we'll have to head straight down this slope to cut him off.

[Johnny Lane]

Bank plenty steep.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll leave Silver and scout here. Easy set.

[Johnny Lane]

Easy scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, fella. Better take your Larry.

[Narrator]

Slipping and sliding and digging in every now and then to keep from plunging. Heads first. Down the steep bridge, the Lone Ranger and Tottle made the descent to the lower trail. But the small rocks they dislodged, rolling down the slope ahead of them warned Turner of their approach, and he went for his gun. He fired. The Lone Ranger's gun answered. Turner began to slip from the saddle, perilously close to the edge of the trail. Now the Lone Ranger was close enough to use his lariat. However, the noose whipped out and settled over Turner. Turner was pulled from the saddle and away from the brink of the precipice. A moment later, the Lone Ranger kneeled beside the still form of the outlaw while Tato roped the tired mustang, who had stopped only a short way down the trail. By the time Tottle led him back, Turner's eyes were open.

[Johnny Lane]

You got me, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

You live, Turner. You live to go to jail.

[Narrator]

Later that evening, Turner joined the casualties in the Bar W ranch house, and the Lone Ranger and Tonto set out for Mountain City carrying the precious mail pouch.

[Johnny Lane]

There they go, splitting the wind. Good riddance. They'll be back, Hank. They'll be taking you and Orloff and Turner to Fort Lincoln. You'll find out what it means to try and stop the mail from going through. Yes, it's going through, but they say next year they're going to build a telegraph all across the country. That'll mean the end of the Pony Express. It could be. Still, there's one of our riders who'll always be remembered. You, Larry? Not me. I'm talking about the man who's carrying the mail right now. The Lone Ranger SA.

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[Johnny Lane]

SAM.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, Produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTR Western 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.