Price of Treason | The Lone Ranger (04-30-52)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns: "Price of Treason" | The Lone Ranger (Aired 04-30-52)

Overview

In this digitally restored episode, "Price of Treason," the Lone Ranger and Tonto work to thwart a treacherous gun-running plot on the volatile Texas-Mexico border, set during the tense days before the Mexican-American War. Facing a cunning outlaw gang led by Buck Jackson—who colludes with Mexican officers to smuggle stolen rifles—the masked hero must uncover their plan, bring them to justice, and prevent an incident that could spark war.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Gun-Running on the Border (03:15–09:09)

• Setting the Scene: Tensions are high as war nears between Mexico and the United States. Captain Lampazos of the Mexican army seeks illicit arms to prepare for the looming conflict.
• The Proposition: Captain Lampazos employs outlaw Buck Jackson, known for his lack of loyalty, to smuggle 100 rifles and ammunition from Texas into Mexico, using wagons under the guise of grain shipments.
  • Notable Quote:

    “You want me and my men to turn gun runners for you, is that it?”
    — Buck Jackson (06:02)

• Negotiating the Price: Jackson boldly demands $5,000 for the job, settling at $4,000 after tough negotiation.

2. The Lone Ranger Investigates (09:29–10:56)

• Suspicious Activity: The Lone Ranger, disguised so he can move freely in Laredo, and Tonto note reports of masked bandits and suspect cross-border arms trafficking.
  • Quote:

    “Running into Mexico would be a profitable business right now for crooks who are willing to take the chance.”
    — Lone Ranger (10:17)

• Foreshadowing War: The masked hero fears an incident could ignite full-scale conflict.

3. The Café Encounter (11:31–12:45)

• Observation: At a local café, the Lone Ranger and Tonto overhear Jackson and his men paying with Mexican bills and acting cagily about their plans.
  • Quote:

    “The tall one, Buck, seemed afraid of being overheard. That convinced me they were up to something.”
    — Lone Ranger (17:19)

4. The Grain Wagon Deception (13:29–15:05)

• Border Crossing: Jackson and his gang cross the border with three wagons, supposedly full of grain. The Lone Ranger, suspicious, challenges the guards’ cursory inspection.
  • Memorable Exchange:

    “You didn’t check the sacks on the bottom, soldier.”
    — Lone Ranger (14:12)
    “Who are you to be buttin’ in, mister?”
    — Buck Jackson (14:14)

• Confrontation: Buck attempts to intimidate the Lone Ranger with a whip, only to be bested and embarrassed publicly (14:40).

5. Tracking and Sleuthing (17:07–19:55)

• Following the Trail: The Lone Ranger and Tonto backtrack the wagons, finding an abandoned farm used as a hideout. They narrowly avoid an ambush from the gang.
• Discoveries: There are clues: army blankets, black hoods, and evidence tying the men to previous raids.

6. The Sting & Capture (20:40–26:46)

• Staking Out: The next day, Tonto is sent to summon the cavalry, while the Lone Ranger observes the gang loading long crates—likely rifles—into wagons, sprinkled with grain sacks.
• Inside the Hideout: The Lone Ranger sneaks in, discovers the black hoods and rifles, but is captured and unmasked.
  • Key Reveal:

    “Wait a minute... He’s got mighty fancy guns, and the bullets are made of Silver. Silver bullets. Holy mackerel... He helps the law. He’s called the Lone Ranger.”
    — Buck Jackson & Gang (24:54–25:20)

• The Showdown: The Lone Ranger stages a daring escape, subdues a gang member, and is saved as Tonto returns with soldiers, who surround the outlaws.

7. Justice Delivered & Aftermath (26:46–29:23)

• Resolution: The Lone Ranger directs the soldiers to the evidence and arranges for the outlaws’ arrest.
  • Notable Quote:

    “Men like you, Buck Jackson, don’t deserve to live in a decent country. The price of treason comes high.”
    — Lone Ranger (26:59)

• Restoring Order: The gang is apprehended, and war is averted—thanks to the Lone Ranger's quick thinking and unwavering sense of justice.

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Scathing Moral:

  “War is never good. But it may be necessary in this case to stop Perithes from reclaiming part of Texas, as he seems determined to do.”
  — Lone Ranger (10:22)

• Unmasking the Legend:

  “He’s got mighty fancy guns, and the bullets are made of Silver... He’s called the Lone Ranger.”
  — Gang Members (24:54–25:20)

• Final Rebuke:

  “Men like you, Buck Jackson, don’t deserve to live in a decent country. The price of treason comes high.”
  — Lone Ranger (26:59)

---

Timeline & Timestamps

• [03:15] Mexican officers plot with Buck Jackson.
• [06:02] Jackson agrees to smuggle rifles for $4,000.
• [09:29] Lone Ranger and Tonto learn of the gang’s activity.
• [11:31] Suspicious encounter in the café.
• [13:47] First wagon crossing, interrupted by the Lone Ranger.
• [14:40] Lone Ranger overpowers Buck with the whip.
• [17:19] Sensing a deeper plot, the Lone Ranger investigates the hideout.
• [20:40] Tonto departs to get help; Lone Ranger surveys the farm.
• [24:06–25:20] Lone Ranger is unmasked; his identity is revealed.
• [25:37–26:46] Rescue and capture of the outlaws.
• [26:59] Lone Ranger’s final rebuke: “The price of treason comes high.”
• [29:23] Credits & episode close.

---

Tone & Style Captured

The episode bursts with suspense, drama, and the iconic Lone Ranger trademark—a blend of noble purpose, quick wit, and unwavering moral clarity. Dialogues are brisk, punctuated with Old West bravado and frontier justice, bringing to life the untamed setting and high-stakes intrigue.

---

Summary

“Price of Treason” is vintage Lone Ranger—a tale of deception, heroism, and frontier justice. With war on the horizon, he and Tonto must outsmart a clever criminal enterprise, preserving peace and reaffirming the values of loyalty and courage. The episode’s rich sound design and sharp restored audio immerse listeners in a bygone era of Western adventure.

---

Transcript

[Tonto]

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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hio. Silver. The Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sat Indian companion Tonto.

[Narrator]

The daring and resourceful masked 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 hoop beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let's go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Big fellow.

[Tonto]

I owe Silver away.

[Narrator]

A short time before war broke out between Mexico and the United States a Mexican officer, Captain Lampazos, who had camped with a company of soldiers in Mexican territory a few miles from the border paced nervously in his headquarters tent.

[Tonto]

Caramba. The sergeant should have returned before this with the Americano gunman. Perhaps the gringo has changed his mind about helping us, Lieutenant.

[Buck Jackson]

I feel certain he will come, Capadan. Remember, this fellow Buck Jackson is an outlaw in his own country. He will do anything for money.

[Tonto]

He is the type of man we need to get what we want. I understand he has several outlaw followers. We must persuade him to use his gang for our purposes.

[Buck Jackson]

That must be the sergeant with Buck Jackson now, capitan.

[Tonto]

Bring him right in. Very well, capitan.

[Buck Jackson]

So you have come at last, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

The capitan is waiting for both of you. Come in, come in.

[Buck Jackson]

Si, senor.

[Tonto]

Lieutenant, this is Senor Jackson. So you are Senor Buck Jackson, eh?

[Buck Jackson]

That's right.

[Tonto]

I am Captain Lampazos and that is Lieutenant Hanus, my aide.

[Buck Jackson]

Glad to meet you, captain. Now, suppose we get right to the point.

[Tonto]

I see you are a man of action, Senor Jackson. Sit down, please, and I shall explain.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure, go ahead.

[Buck Jackson]

I'm listening.

[Tonto]

I shall be as brief as possible, senor. These are troublesome times. It may be that war will come. Word has been received that the United States has annexed Texas and has admitted it as a state. The Mexican minister has withdrawn from Washington.

[Buck Jackson]

Mm. Reckon your country is still sorry that Texas won independence a few years ago and it riles you to have it join the United States. But what's all that got to do with me? Personally, I don't care who's running things across the border.

[Tonto]

You are perhaps one of few across the border who is not bothered with Such a feeling as a loyalty, senor.

[Buck Jackson]

Now, if that's supposed to be an insult, you can find someone else to do your dirty work, Captain.

[Tonto]

Do not be angry, Senor Jackson. It is only because you lack such a feeling that you will be of value to us. You'll be well paid for your trouble.

[Buck Jackson]

All right.

[Tonto]

All right.

[Buck Jackson]

Go on with the explaining. Senor Jerkinson, I must ask you to have respect for Capitan Lampazos, an officer.

[Tonto]

Of the Mexican army.

[Buck Jackson]

I'm not in the Mexican army. I came here for a man to man talk. Now, if I have to think about bowing and scraping.

[Tonto]

I am sorry, senor. Forget it. I shall continue, Senor Jackson. His Excellency, el Presidente Paredes has called for preparedness. Now, here is where you are needed, senor. I have requisitioned more rifles and ammunition. A dispatch came to me stating that there were none to spare. I must arrange in some other way to get guns and ammunition.

[Buck Jackson]

Oh, I'm beginning to savvy. Now, you want me and my men to turn gun runners for you, is that it?

[Tonto]

That is putting it bluntly. My friend the sergeant told me he worked with you a few years ago and he mentioned some of your activities.

[Buck Jackson]

Carlos had no business shooting off his mouth anyway, whatever he told you.

[Tonto]

Don't be alarmed, senor. We are not concerned with those who break the laws of the United States. My main concern is getting rifles and ammunition, as I told you. And I'm inclined to think you and your men could get them for us.

[Buck Jackson]

Maybe we could, but it'll cost you plenty.

[Tonto]

We are ready to pay. You know where you might buy them in quantity, without suspicion.

[Buck Jackson]

When Carlos met me in Laredo last week, I told him I knew where to get him. That ought to answer your question, Captain.

[Tonto]

Of course. By the way, senor, did the American authorities recover the two wagon loads of rifles and ammunition that were stolen in a raid a couple of weeks ago?

[Buck Jackson]

Just what you talking about?

[Tonto]

I understand some outlaws working with hostile Indians raided a small wagon train. Two of the wagons were said to Contain rifles for Fort McIntosh near Laredo. Everyone with the wagon train was massacred.

[Buck Jackson]

Listen, Captain, if you want rifles, don't ask so many questions. Savvy?

[Tonto]

Have it your way, senor. Carlos tells me you're clever, but you'll find a way to get them across the border.

[Buck Jackson]

My men and I are smart. We always wore black hoods when we went into action. We're not known as outlaws by sight in Texas.

[Tonto]

Good. Have you a plan?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not yet.

[Tonto]

Perhaps I have. So Far our people are permitted to bring in corn and grain from across the border. Well, the sergeant posing as a Mexican rancher already purchased several wagon loads of grain and sacks from a farmer outside of Laredo. He also arranged for wagons to transport the grain across the border using his own drivers to load it and bring it over.

[Buck Jackson]

Just what's that got to do with our proposition?

[Tonto]

You and your men will load the grain and bring it over. Senor, tomorrow you'll make your first trip using three wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

Go on.

[Tonto]

The border guards at the bridge will inspect the load and find it is really all grain. Tell them there is more to come but the rifles. The following day you'll come through again. But then you'll have the rifles and ammunition in the bottom of the wagons covered over with tarpaulins. On top of that, you'll load more bags of grain. The guards are sure to remember you and let you through without examining too closely.

[Buck Jackson]

That might work all right, Captain.

[Tonto]

I feel certain it will, senor.

[Buck Jackson]

Now, how do I know we'll get paid? I want half the money now, just to be sure.

[Tonto]

We haven't agreed on a price.

[Buck Jackson]

There'll be 100 rifles and the ammunition. I'll settle for $5,000.

[Tonto]

Too much.

[Buck Jackson]

I'll pay 3,000 and we're taking the risk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Forget it.

[Tonto]

Say 4,000. No more.

[Buck Jackson]

Well, all right. Half now.

[Tonto]

Half now. And if you do not carry out your bargain, senor, remember we know much the authorities in Texas would like to.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Toto had been in the northern part of Texas when they heard reports of the gang operating near Laredo. They arrived on the outskirts of Laredo on the afternoon of the day. Buck Jackson had talked to the Mexican captain as the Lone Ranger. Disguised his features so that he could appear around town without his mask. He discussed the situation with Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

I understand the crooks use hoods to hide their identity. Toto. Uh huh.

[Tonto]

When we hear a raid, when them steal rifles, me think maybe them Mexicans who come across border and get help from renegades.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's possible, but the border is so closely watched these days. I doubt that a gang of Mexicans could cross so often without suspicion. That gang has committed several robberies in the past month.

[Tonto]

May not think of that gun.

[The Lone Ranger]

Running into Mexico would be a profitable business right now for crooks who are willing to take the chance.

[Tonto]

You think maybe war come?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I think it may start at any time. Even a slight border incident might cause one side or the other to take up arms. That not good war Is never good. But it may be necessary in this case to stop Perithes from reclaiming part of Texas, as he seems determined to do there. Think this disguise will be all right?

[Tonto]

And what we do now?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll go into town and look around. We'll leave the horses here and go on foot.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto left their camp and walked through the town as far as the bridge across the Rio Grande. They noticed that two soldiers from the nearby fort were on guard. Later, the masked man and Indian went to the cafe and entered. The two men sat at a table near the end of the bar. The Lone Ranger casually observed the crowd. He had no reason to notice Buck Jackson and two of his gunmen standing at the bar until his attention was drawn by a short conversation with the bartender.

[Buck Jackson]

I'll pay for what we had, barkeep. Give us each one more. Take it out of this.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold on, mister. You've been in here before. You ought to know we don't take Mexican bills. Right now.

[Buck Jackson]

A Mexican bill. Looks like you've got a couple more.

[The Lone Ranger]

Of them in that wad of yours, too.

[Buck Jackson]

All right, forget it. Here's the United States gold back. You can't squawk about that.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take one of them any day, mister. Now get your drink.

[Buck Jackson]

Hey, Buck, they jiffed you.

[Tonto]

Make sure when you get the rest of the cash, they.

[Buck Jackson]

Shut up, Shorty.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger noticed that Buck looked around hurriedly at the crowd as though worried that someone might be listening. Then he gulped his drink and spoke to his two companions.

[Buck Jackson]

Come on, let's get out of here. Got a few things to talk over with you and Kel before we leave in the morning. Shorty, I'm ready to leave.

[Tonto]

Yeah, sure am I. But I still don't know how you plan to go through with the deal.

[Buck Jackson]

As far as I Forget it for now. Let's go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those men, especially the tall one, seemed on edge about having the Mexican bills teller.

[Tonto]

Was it not strange other times we hear them take Mexican money in cafe stores?

[The Lone Ranger]

I know. That's why I can't quite figure out why that fellow should seem upset about having some of the money. Well, perhaps I'm being overly suspicious.

[Buck Jackson]

Let's get back to Camp Tano.

[Narrator]

The following morning, the Lone Ranger, again wearing a disguise, walked with Tonto along a side street of Laredo. The two men paid little attention to three loaded wagons which were being driven toward the border bridge until a vaguely familiar voice caused the Lone Ranger to look sharply at the wagon drivers.

[Buck Jackson]

Get a movie up there, Bud. Oh, Keep your shirt on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get up there, Otto. The men driving the first two wagons are the ones who were talking in the cafe last night.

[Tonto]

That right? You remember tall fella. Him give man at bar Mexican Bill.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're heading for the bridge to Mexico. Wonder what they have in those wagons.

[Tonto]

Me wonder, too.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll walk down to the bridge and watch them as they pass the guards. Come on.

[Narrator]

Since the three wagons moved slowly, the Lone Range are un tonto reached the American end of the bridge almost as soon as the wagons. As the two men arrived, the guards were questioning Buck Jackson.

[Tonto]

What do you have in those sacks, Mr. Graham?

[Buck Jackson]

Here's the bill of sale.

[Tonto]

This calls for a lot more than you have on those three wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Buck Jackson]

We'll bring through the rest of the sacks tomorrow morning.

[Narrator]

The guard and his assistant went from one wagon to another, poking the sacks on the top layer in a lackadaisical sort of way. Then, initialing the paper, he handed it back to Buck, saying.

[Tonto]

Reckon you're carrying grain all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

You didn't check the sacks on the bottom, soldier.

[Buck Jackson]

Who are you to be buttin in, mister?

[The Lone Ranger]

Just a citizen who wants to make sure no contraband is going through, that's all.

[Buck Jackson]

Don't pay any attention to him, Buck. It goin'.

[The Lone Ranger]

I still think you should examine the contents of those wagons more closely. Guard.

[Buck Jackson]

Listen, mister, he already told us to go ahead. Now step back out of the way or I'll give you a taste of this whip.

[The Lone Ranger]

You seem mighty anxious to get across.

[Buck Jackson]

I told you to shut up and stand back. And this will show. I mean it.

[Narrator]

Buck raised the heavy whip to lash the Lone Ranger. But as the end of it snaked out toward him, the masked man grabbed it and yanked hard. The unexpected strong pull on the whip, which was looped around his wrist, dragged Buck from the high seat and sent him sprawling to the ground. As he sprang to his feet, he reached toward his holster.

[Buck Jackson]

I'll fix you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't draw. Hold it, Buck.

[Buck Jackson]

No use having trouble now.

[Narrator]

Buck stood a moment, glaring at the Lone Ranger. Then he slowly mounted the wagon seat.

[Tonto]

Don't leave yet, mister. We're going to have a look at the other sacks.

[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.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. The two guards again examined the contents of the wagons, but this time more closely. The Lone Ranger and Tottle watched intently until they'd finished.

[Tonto]

They're carrying nothing but grain, mister. Seems like you were mistaken. In thinking they might have contraband.

[The Lone Ranger]

I apologize for my suspicions.

[Buck Jackson]

I don't like hombres who interfere in my business. Mister. I'll make it a point to see that we meet again sometime soon. And when we do, you'll be sorry for trying to make a fool out of me. Get up.

[Narrator]

After the three crooks left with the wagon loads of grain, the Lone Ranger and Toto went to their camp on the edge of town. The Lone Ranger put on his mask. Then as he and Tottle saddled Silver and Scald, he spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

There was something about those men that caused me to suspect them. Toto. I was rather embarrassed when the guards found the wagons carried nothing but grain. One of them said last night at the cafe that he didn't see how they intended to go through with the deal. And the tall one buck seemed afraid of being overheard. That convinced me they were up to something.

[Tonto]

You think now we make big mistake.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not sure.

[Tonto]

Toto, what we do.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll backtrack on those wagons and find out where they got that grain.

[Narrator]

The masked man and Indian easily backtracked on the wagons along the side street. And before long they approached a deserted farm. They cautiously followed the wagon tracks to the old barn where they dismounted. Easy scouting.

[The Lone Ranger]

The house and buildings are all in very bad condition. Ah.

[Tonto]

May not see any horses. May not think anyone here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Remove cautiously in case someone might be watching. First we investigate the barn. Here's some sacks of grain. Not enough to fill those three wagons again, though.

[Tonto]

That right?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll count the sacks quickly.

[Narrator]

The two men counted the remaining sacks. There was nothing else of interest in the barn, so they cautiously approached the house on foot. Careful investigation showed no one was there, so they entered.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hmm. Someone's been staying here from the looks of things.

[Tonto]

Isn't that right?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll search the place. We may find something that will help us.

[Tonto]

Men, come.

[The Lone Ranger]

We don't want to be trapped in here. We'll go out the back door. Come on out to the kitchen and hurry.

[Buck Jackson]

The wagons went through all right the first time. Tomorrow they will carry some.

[Tonto]

Hey, somebody went out the back way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Tonto]

Look.

[Buck Jackson]

I see two omers out through the window. They're heading for the barn. Use your guns. Quick.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Buck Jackson]

Don't waste bullets. They went around back of the barn. Let us go after them. No, they'd shoot us when we went toward them. They're riding away from behind the barn. It's useless to try to shoot them now. I hope they not discover the rifles in the cellar.

[The Lone Ranger]

We better see if they broke the.

[Narrator]

Lock to the cellar door.

[Buck Jackson]

Padlock is still here. We got here just in time. We'll go behind the barn and pick up their trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Long Range Ranger and Toto use their experience to cover their tracks before they finally return to their camp near town and pull to a halt.

[Tonto]

You think we on wrong track, Kimasabe?

[The Lone Ranger]

It's possible. That farm is deserted that's being used for some purpose.

[Tonto]

Do not think men who come there same ones who drive wagon.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. They didn't have time to go across the border and get back. We'll keep out of sight until tomorrow. I want to see the wagon loads they take to the bridge at that time.

[Narrator]

Early the next morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto left their camp near town and rode to a wooded grove from which they had a clear view of the farm. Though he had again disguised his features, the Lone Ranger wore his mask. The two men noted that the three wagons were drawn up at the back door of the house.

[Tonto]

There are more than three men, Kimasabe. Then bring long boxes from house and put them in wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those boxes are similar to the ones in which rifles are shipped. Tono. Ah. I figure they intend to put a layer of the grain sacks on top of those boxes. Then they'll attempt to get by the guards at the bridge.

[Tonto]

Maybe if we wait at bridge, we get guards to search wagon like before.

[The Lone Ranger]

It would be better to close in on those men here than all those.

[Tonto]

Involved would be caught them too many for us.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know. The fort is only three miles from here, not far from town. I'll give you a note to Colonel Hart. He knows we were coming down this way and he'll remember you.

[Tonto]

Maybe wagons leave before me get back.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think those men will wait a couple of hours before leaving so that the same guards will be on duty at the bridge. I'll ask the colonel to send enough soldiers back with you to capture them. I'll wait here for you and watch them. Now I'll write the note.

[Tonto]

Get him off scout soon.

[Narrator]

Tonto left hurriedly with the note. The Lone Ranger watched for some time while Buck and his men loaded the three wagons. Then the wagons were driven to the barn to be loaded with the remaining sacks of grain. The Lone Ranger decided he'd have a chance to get inside the farmhouse and do some more investigating. He cautiously moved along through the tall brush and then, with gun ready, pushed open the front door and entered.

[The Lone Ranger]

They must all be at the barn now.

[Narrator]

The masked man went into the kitchen and saw the cellar door standing open.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look down there. That's where they must have hidden the guns.

[Narrator]

He found several bundles of army blankets in one corner.

[The Lone Ranger]

Army blankets. This begins to tie in. These men must have been the ones who rented the army wagon not long ago. Something on that shelf. Black hoods. We've found the hooded outlaws.

[Narrator]

The masked man turned and went back upstairs. As he stepped through the doorway into the kitchen, he suddenly felt a gun at his back.

[Tonto]

Freeze, mister. I'll plug you.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Tonto]

I saw you get down there when I looked through the back window as I came towards the house it parked. You hombres are just in time. Yeah, I happen to see him going into the cellar. I wait until he came up and I got the drop on him.

[Buck Jackson]

Good work, Cal. Loosen your gun belt, mister, and let it drop. Go on.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Buck Jackson]

Keep him covered, man. I got his gun belt. Let's take him out into the front room. Get moving, you. Now sit down.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah. Now what?

[Buck Jackson]

We must find out why he come here, Senor Buck. Yeah, but first I'm going to take off his mask. All of you keep him covered so as he can't try any tricks.

[Narrator]

With five others standing with drawn guns. The Lone Ranger decided it would be useless to resist. Moreover, his identity was protected by the disguise under his mask. He merely smiled as Buck stepped to him and cautiously removed the mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Buck Jackson]

Hey, you're the same man who tried to interfere at the bridge yesterday.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, but I wasn't satisfied to let the matter rest. Now I know the truth, but it.

[Buck Jackson]

Isn'T going to do you any good. You'll not get away to tell anybody what you found out.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger looked around at the group. He realized that Tonto should be back by then. But he wanted to stall for more time.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who said I wanted to tell anyone?

[Buck Jackson]

That's the only reason you'd be snooping, mister. You were too anxious to get us picked up at the bridge yesterday.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe I caused a commotion knowing that the guards wouldn't find anything so that they'd pass you through this time without any bother.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Buck Jackson]

And why would you do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, you can't blame a man if he tries to get in on a good deal.

[Buck Jackson]

Perhaps he's one who might be of use to us, Buck. Look, Carlos, he's not fooling me. The reasons he gave are too flimsy. Yeah, but since he wears a mask, he must be an outlaw. Or maybe after all. Wait a minute. I've been looking at this gun belt of his. He's got mighty fancy guns, and the bullets are made of Silver. Silver bullets. Holy mackerel. What do you make of that? I make plenty of it. I've heard of an hombre who wears a mask and uses silver bullets. He helps the law. He's called the Lone Ranger. You think this man is the one? You've heard about, Buck? I sure do. And he's going to be sorry he came snooping. Get up. You go stand with your face to the wall over there.

[Tonto]

Get up.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Buck Jackson]

What are you gonna do, Buck? Use him for a target. And we'll bury him in the cellar where he'll never be found.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger thought quickly. He was determined not to go down without a fight. Yet he was without his guns. As he walked toward the wall, he passed close to Shorty. Suddenly his hand flashed downward striking Shorty a paralyzing blow on the gun wrist.

[Buck Jackson]

I'm not dead yet.

[Tonto]

Come here, you.

[Narrator]

At the same time, the Lone Ranger swung behind the outlaw and grabbed him as a shield.

[Buck Jackson]

That isn't gonna save you. No shot came through the wind.

[Tonto]

You drop guns.

[Narrator]

The other gunman, afraid of hitting Shorty, had held their fire. Now they saw troopers behind Toto and others standing in the kitchen doorway.

[Tonto]

Stop your guns or my men will.

[Buck Jackson]

Shoot every one of you.

[Tonto]

We haven't got a chance. They're more at the windows.

[Buck Jackson]

We must not be taken to fight them. You better drop your guns before we're all plugged.

[Tonto]

All right.

[Buck Jackson]

Pick up the guns, man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tahoe, you arrived just in time.

[Tonto]

Tell me, come on foot to look round me. See trouble, get others.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lieutenant, you and your men will find wagons at the barn in which these men have hidden army rifles. Black hoods are on a shelf in the cellar along with bundles of army blankets. They intended to drive the wagons to Mexico.

[Tonto]

These must be the men who are.

[Buck Jackson]

Known as the hooded outlaws.

[Tonto]

The same ones who raided those army wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, I agree with you.

[Tonto]

Here. Gun belt. Kimasabe.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Tonto. Tono and I'll ride ahead to the fort. Lieutenant. We'll wait there until you bring these men in the wagons.

[Tonto]

All right, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Colonel.

[Tonto]

We want to thank you in person for finding these men.

[Buck Jackson]

Hadn't been for that interfering masked man, we'd have been all right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Men like you, Buck Jackson, don't deserve to live in a decent country. The price of treason comes high. We'll see you later, Lieutenant. Come on.

[Tonto]

All right. Some of you men go get the wagons. We'll take along the blankets and the hoods as proof that these men were guilty of the raid in which some of our men were ambushed, but I.

[Buck Jackson]

Was not with them. I am a soldier, a sergeant in the army of Mexico. We had a dispatch that war will soon be declared. You will have a chance to state.

[Tonto]

Your case at the fort.

[Buck Jackson]

It's a good thing for the United.

[Tonto]

States that we have such a fine, loyal American here in the West. The Lone Ranger Sam. It's Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Tonto]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Tonto]

Sam.