Railroad to Prison | The Lone Ranger (12-23-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Railroad to Prison"

The Lone Ranger (Original Air Date: 12-23-1953)

Podcast Episode Date: July 16, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger, titled "Railroad to Prison." The gripping story thrusts the masked hero into a high-stakes battle against a gang of ex-convicts led by Slim Northcott, who plot to steal a locomotive and use it to break into Bluefield Penitentiary to free convicts and rebuild their outlaw gang. The episode weaves together themes of justice, camaraderie, and clever tactics, showcasing the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they race to prevent chaos and uphold the law in the Wild West.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Sequence

1. Setting the Stage: The Threat Emerges

• [05:08] The story opens at track walker Mike Moran's shack, where he is confronted and overpowered by Slim Northcott and his gang.
  • Northcott reveals his intention to use a locomotive to smash into Bluefield Prison and free dangerous inmates.
  • Notable line:
    "We're gonna rip that pen wide open and free a lot of the convicts. Including some lifers who hanker to join my gang."
    — Slim Northcott ([06:15])

2. The Lone Ranger & Tonto Arrive

• [09:02] The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Mike Moran tied up and learn of Northcott's jailbreak scheme.
  • The Lone Ranger disguises himself as a railroader and sets a plan in motion: Tonto and Moran are sent on horseback via a shortcut to warn the prison, while the Lone Ranger attempts to intercept the locomotive.
  • Notable moment:
    "I'll wear them over my own clothes and disguise my face to look like a railroader."
    — Lone Ranger ([09:43])

3. Intercepting the Train

• [11:13] Using railroad torpedoes, the Lone Ranger stops the eastbound locomotive and warns its crew about the imminent hijacking attempt.
  • He strategically gains their trust by assuming the identity "Smith" and joins them.
  • Notable exchange:
    "I'm the man who's taken over Mike Moran's responsibility for the safety of this locomotive."
    — Lone Ranger as "Smith" ([11:52])
    "You must be a railroad detective."
    — Engineer ([12:15])
    "That's a logical conclusion."
    — Lone Ranger ([12:17])

4. The Outlaws Board the Train

• [17:03] As planned, Slim Northcott and his men flag down and board the train. The Lone Ranger is recognized and overpowered.
  • In a brutal turn, he is tied to the front of the locomotive, intended to be collateral damage when the train smashes through the prison gate.
  • Chilling rationale:
    "We'll tie the detective to the front of the engine. Then when we run the engine against the prison gate..."
    — Slim Northcott ([19:33])

5. Tonto Alerts the Prison

• [21:08] Tonto and Mike arrive in time to warn the warden, who sets a trap:
  • All inmates are locked in their cells.
  • Guards are positioned inside the gate and along the track.
  • The warden is familiar with the Lone Ranger’s heroics from the past.
  • "A masked man and Tonto here were instrumental in sending Northcott to prison for the term he just completed." — Warden ([21:43])

6. The Trap Springs

• [22:28] The train, with the Lone Ranger tied to the front, roars toward what the outlaws think is an undefended prison gate.
  • The gates swing open, revealing the guards lying in wait.
  • The train glides right into the middle of a crossfire as the outlaws realize too late that it’s a setup.
  • Northcott exclaims:
    "It's a trap. Set the brakes. We're not stopping... We're sliding right through the gate!"
    — Northcott ([23:17])

7. The Final Showdown

• [24:00] Tonto rushes forward, cuts the Lone Ranger free, and a shootout ensues. The guards prevail and the gang is recaptured.
  • The villains bicker and blame each other as they are rounded up.
  • Mike Moran and the Warden realize the "detective" was, in fact, the Lone Ranger.
  • Signature reveal:
    "Why his mask?... He's the Lone Ranger!"
    — Mike Moran and Warden ([25:00], [26:12])

8. Moral Closure & Farewell

• The Warden reflects on the Lone Ranger's example:
  "If everyone believed and behaved as that masked man does, there'd be no criminals, convicts nor prisons. He's the Lone Ranger." ([26:12])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Slim Northcott's Plan:
  "We're gonna rip that pen wide open and free a lot of the convicts. Including some lifers who hanker to join my gang." ([06:15])

• Lone Ranger’s Dedication:
  "We'll try to do it again, Mike." — On jailing Northcott ([09:37])

• Standoff on the Train:
  "You're a smart railroad detective. You should be able to figure it out." — Lone Ranger, holding his ground ([17:37])

• Villainous Intent:
  "We'll tie the detective to the front of the engine. Then when we run the engine against the prison gate..." — Northcott's ruthless plan ([19:33])

• Clever Trap at Bluefield Pen:
  "The gates are swinging open. The yard's full of guards. They got rifles and shotguns. It's a trap. Set the brakes. We're not stopping." ([23:10]–[23:34])

• The Unmasking:
  "Why his mask?... He's the Lone Ranger!" — The true identity is revealed ([25:00]–[26:12])

• The Warden’s Tribute:
  "If everyone believed and behaved as that masked man does, there'd be no criminals, convicts nor prisons. He's the Lone Ranger." ([26:12])

---

Important Timestamps

• [05:08] First confrontation between Mike Moran and Slim Northcott
• [09:02] Lone Ranger and Tonto find and rescue Mike Moran
• [11:13] Lone Ranger warns the train crew
• [17:03] Northcott and outlaws board the engine and subdue the Lone Ranger
• [19:33] The Lone Ranger is tied to the front of the locomotive
• [21:08] Tonto warns the prison warden; a trap is laid
• [23:02] Prison trap is sprung as the train enters the gates
• [24:00] Shootout and Lone Ranger’s rescue
• [25:00]–[26:12] Lone Ranger is unmasked and honored by the Warden

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Tone and Style

The episode is dramatic, suspenseful, and heroic, featuring high-stakes Wild West action, sharp dialogue, and moments of both humor and tension. The Lone Ranger’s resourcefulness and Tonto’s loyalty are on full display, and the program closes with moral clarity as law and order prevail.

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Summary Conclusion

"Railroad to Prison" delivers a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure. Listeners are treated to tense action—from daring rescues and clever tricks to the moral comeuppance of the would-be outlaws. The episode is a showcase of sharp wit, classic radio theater energy, and a satisfying portrait of Old West justice brought to life in digitally restored clarity.

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Transcript

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Fore.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

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]

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[Lone Ranger]

haughty high o silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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.

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From out of the past come the

[Narrator]

thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver.

[Lone Ranger]

The lone ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. I am sil.

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[Narrator]

In the early days of the western railroads, track walkers kept a constant watch over the rails, living in isolated shacks and patrolling sections between wood yards where locomotives refueled. They worked seven days a week, regardless of the weather. Old Mike Moran was one of these track walkers. He was about to leave his shack one Sunday morning. He had a rolled red flag under one arm and was about to take his gun from the wall rack when the door flew open and a man said.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Hoist your hands, you old goat.

[Narrator]

Reach.

[Lone Ranger]

My hands are up. Don't shoot.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Take his gun. Let the right Frisco you take his flag and the keys to the switches.

[Narrator]

We might need him.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you want with those things? They're railroad property.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

So are trains, Mike. We aim to steal a train.

[Lone Ranger]

What?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Keep your hands up.

[Lone Ranger]

I remember you. You're Slim Northcott. You work for the Union Pacific until you turned train robber and went to prison.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

You got a Good memory, Mike.

[Lone Ranger]

I suppose you broke out of the

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

penitentiary now, Frisco, Lefty and I served our term. We were released on a Bluefield pen last week.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll go back to prison.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Oh, we plan to go back, but not the way you think.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you mean?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

We're gonna rip that pen wide open and free a lot of the convicts. Including some lifers who hanker to join my gang. What's the train schedule today?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm not telling you anything.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Maybe this will loosen your tongue.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll pay for this.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Talk or I'll clip you again.

[Lone Ranger]

Save your knuckles, Slim. It's a slate that tells what trains are running today.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Ah, good. What's it say?

[Lone Ranger]

10 this morning. A fast rate to do to pass here going west at 11. East bound freight is due at 11:45. An engine and tender running without cars.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's the one we want.

[Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Tie and gag Mike while we go over our plans to make sure we haven't slipped up on anything.

[Lone Ranger]

The track walker will hear our plan.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's all right. You'll have no chance to interfere.

[Lone Ranger]

Somebody might find him here.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Slim, no one's likely to. No one ever comes this way except trains that pass. I think we ought to put a

[Lone Ranger]

bullet to his head. No, no, no.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

For old times sake. I'm leaving Mike alive.

[Lone Ranger]

He'll probably starve to death.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Oh, that's different than shooting them. Time gang. I'm good and tight.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Slim, if you say so. Lie down on that bunk. You'll never get away with it, Slim. Shut up and put your hands behind your back.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

All right, boys, listen. We'll stop that locomotive just this side of where the spur track to the Bluefield pen branches off the main line. That's where we board the locomotive and

[Lone Ranger]

switch it off the main line and onto the spur.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Right.

[Lone Ranger]

Is that the spur track that runs through the prison gate?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Lefty, that gate's never opened except when a train comes through to bring supplies or pick up goods that have been made in a prison shop.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's right. Those trains never arrive except when the convicts are at work or in their cells. But this afternoon it'll be different being Sunday. All the boys will be in the prison yard when the locomotive busts through the gate.

[Lone Ranger]

Slim, you sure it'll smash the gate?

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Yeah.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

No gate strong enough to stand up against a locomotive.

[Lone Ranger]

The guards on the wall will know there's something wrong. When they see the engine coming. They'll probably fire at us.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

The engine cat will protect us till we're inside the wall after that. When the gate's down, every convict in the yard will make a break and

[Lone Ranger]

the guards will be shooting at everyone.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

Have all the boys in our gang been tipped off?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yep. They'll rush to the locomotive where we'll have guns for them. We'll help them shoot the way to where we have the horses hidden. Are you through tying and gagging Mike?

[Lone Ranger]

Yep.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

He's all tied all right. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Leaving old Mike tied and gagged, Slim Northcott and his two companions rode east to await the eastbound locomotive and tender at a point near the branching spur track to the Bluefield Prison. Later that morning, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, also riding east drew rein in front of the track walker's cabin.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Why we stop? Kayak walkers are generally good sources of information, Toto. We see if this one's at home. He may know something about all the horses that have been stolen recently. Not answer. Rap? Maybe walking the track, Maybe sleeping. We look inside.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Taho found old Mike tied and gagged. After releasing him, they learned of North Cotton plan to smash the prison gate.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I don't. I jail Northcott once, We'll try to do it again. Mike, you have some old clothes here.

[Lone Ranger]

Got overalls and jacket in that closet.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

All right. I'll wear them over my own clothes and disguise my face to look like a railroader. What you do then? I'll stop the locomotive and warn the two men in the cab. We'll be ready for Northcot and his partners. Me go with you now, Totto. I want you to go to the Bluefield Penitentiary. Take Silver and Mike with you. Use the trail through the hills. It's much shorter than the railroad route. Me savvy?

[Lone Ranger]

Why do you want me to go to the prison?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

To report Northcott's plan to the warden and ask him to be ready for the locomotive. I have a plan. Please listen carefully.

[Narrator]

After listening to the Lone Ranger, Tottle loaned his horse to the track walker and mounted Silver. When the two had started for the prison the Lone Ranger pulled Mike's shabby overalls and jacket over his own clothes then removed his mask and disguised his face with stain and soot. He found a pair of goggles in the shack and put them over his eyes. A pocket of the overalls yielded several of the railroad torpedoes. Mike used to stop trains when he discovered a defective piece of track. By that time, it was nearly noon. The Lone Ranger heard the engines whistle in the distance and placed three of the torpedoes at intervals along one Rail. The big engine approached rapidly, maintaining a steady speed until one of the wheels exploded.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

The torpedoes.

[Narrator]

At the danger signal, the engineer closed the throttle and applied the brakes. With the locomotive halted, the engineer and fireman looked through the window.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't see old Mike around. There's a man in overalls coming toward us.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

He's waving.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe he's a new track walker wearing goggles. Hey, you. Did you put torpedoes on the track? Yes. What's wrong?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Nothing wrong with the track. But I have something important to tell you. I'll join you in that camp.

[Lone Ranger]

Who are you?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'm the man who's taken over Mike Moran's responsibility for the safety of this locomotive. Three men are waiting for you near the Bluefield spur. Intend to steal this engine and use it to smash through the penitentiary gate.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah. You sure?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yes. One of the men is Slim Northcott.

[Lone Ranger]

That crook?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I thought he was in prison. He's out.

[Lone Ranger]

Then why does he want to bust back in?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

He wants to release other convicts who will join his gang.

[Lone Ranger]

You must be a railroad detective.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's a logical conclusion.

[Lone Ranger]

What's your name?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Well, I use several names to suit my convenience. Just call me Smith.

[Lone Ranger]

Suits me. Where's Mike Moran?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I sent him away. He's too old to be involved in gunfire.

[Lone Ranger]

Gunfire?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yes. You're both wearing guns. Can you use them?

[Lone Ranger]

Of course.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'll ride with you. If you stop the engine, the Northcot flag you. We'll take him and his partners by surprise.

[Narrator]

Right now.

[Lone Ranger]

Get underway. You want to watch the track ahead?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yes, I'd like to. That's why I wore goggles.

[Lone Ranger]

Then stick your head through the window on the fireman's side of the cab.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Right.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, everybody.

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to be filled with F words when you're hiring.

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[Lone Ranger]

He is strong and he is bold. He can capture outlaws cause he knows he's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got Go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios.

[Narrator]

That's Cheerios all right. The nourishing Oat cereal that's shaped like little letter O's. The ready to eat cereal with a wonderful choice toasted old flavor. What's more, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. That's right. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. And these good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Yes, Cheerios is made to give you real go power. So try Cheerios, the famous oat cereal that needs no cooking. And soon you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue. With his head. Outside the window, the disguised Lone Ranger peered through the goggles at the track ahead and presently saw three men standing beside their horses near the Bluefield spur. One of the men waved a signal flag.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

There they are.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, they're alongside the switch.

[Narrator]

As the engineer closed the throttle and applied the brakes, the Lone Ranger recognized the man who signaled.

[SpinQuest Disclaimer]

He.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Slim.

[Lone Ranger]

That's what I.

[Narrator]

When the locomotive halted about 10 yards from the conspirators, the fireman behind the Lone Ranger's back spoke sharply.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't touch your guns.

[Wheaties Advertiser]

What?

[Lone Ranger]

Ice your hands and turn slow. I got you covered. Keep your hands high.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Mr. Smith, what does this mean?

[Lone Ranger]

You're a smart railroad detective. You should be able to figure it out.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Hi, boys. You're a little late.

[Lone Ranger]

Come up here, Slim. We got a surprise for you.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Who's that critic?

[Lone Ranger]

A railroad detective. Yeah.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Cinder dick, huh? Come on, boys. Car aboard.

[Lone Ranger]

Go ahead, Lefty.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'll follow you.

[Lone Ranger]

Slim, you better take that critter's guns.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yeah. These look like good shooting eyes. I think I'll keep them. Where'd you pick up this critter?

[Lone Ranger]

He stopped us at Mike Moran's shack. That's why we're a little late. He stopped us to warn us that you and the boys planned to steal this engine.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Wanted to warn you, eh? And that's he didn't suspect we were

[Lone Ranger]

in on the plans. He didn't want to take any chances, so he kidding them along until we knew you'd be here to meet us.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

So you're a railroad detective, then. You heard what the fireman said. I hate railroad detectives.

[Lone Ranger]

I hate him. You hold it. I got his arms.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Oh, you thought you'd slap me back.

[Narrator]

You'll pay for that slap.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yeah, I'll give you something else.

[Lone Ranger]

How's this?

[Narrator]

To make room in the cab for Northcott's swinging fists, the engineer and fireman moved back toward the fuel supply. In the tender, the Lone Ranger, whose arms were held by Frisco and Lefty, had no chance to defend himself. The cruel blows to his chin and body were more than human endurance could tolerate and he soon lost consciousness.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Just it. All right. Let go of him, boys. Yeah.

[Narrator]

The Lone Rangers slumped to the floor of the cab and lay there motionless.

[Lone Ranger]

I sure gave him a beating, Slim. He's out cold.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I hate detectives. That's easy to see.

[Lone Ranger]

What'll we do with him, Slim? Throw him out of the engine cab.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'm thinking he's still alive, Slim.

[Lone Ranger]

How about putting a bullet through his head? Can't let him stay alive.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Boys, I've got an idea.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, what is it?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

We'll tie the detective to the front of the engine. Then when we run the engine against the prison gate. Figure it out for yourself, Slim.

[Lone Ranger]

The guards on the prison wall is sure to see him and know something's wrong.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

They'll know it anyway. As soon as the engine swings around the bend in the view of the guards, they'll know there's something wrong.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, I reckon you're right.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Before they figure things out, the gate will be smashed. After that, there'll be plenty of confusion and gunplay. Oh, that reminds me. You bring the guns for our pals inside the wall?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, they're in the toolbox.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Good. Now find some rope so we can tie this detective in front.

[Lone Ranger]

I've got some spare bell rope right here.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Good. Let's go. You, Lefty, lug that critter to the front of the engine. Tie him there.

[Lone Ranger]

All right. Come on, Lefty, grab his feet. Right. Want help? No, no, we'll manage. You gonna leave your horses where they are, sleeping?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Yeah, they're tied to trees. They'll be all right.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger regained consciousness and found himself in front of the locomotive held there by ropes around his chest and hips. His hands were lashed to the headlight and his feet rested on the cow catcher. He heard Slim Northcott saying, you set

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

the switch to take us out of the blue field first?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Then we're set to roll. Climb aboard. Let's go.

[Narrator]

The locomotive moved ahead, turned onto the spur track and gathered speed. Meanwhile, at the Bluefield Penitentiary, Toto and Mike Moran, the track walker, stood near guards on top of the prison wall overlooking the gate and the railroad tracks

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

that led to it.

[Narrator]

The warden approached, saying, mike, you didn't

[Lone Ranger]

tell me the identity of the man who sent you and Tonto here with suggestions. I told you he wore a mask, warden, but I couldn't tell you who he is because I don't know. I checked the prison records and found that a masked man in Tonto here were instrumental in sending Northcott to prison for the term he just completed. Yeah. That last man's on our side of the law, right, Tonto? That's right.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

You do what I'm saying?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I've had all the convicts Taken from

[Lone Ranger]

the prison yard and locked in their cells.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Isn't that good?

[Lone Ranger]

And all available guards have been stationed inside the gate and along the section of track within the prison wall.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Warden? Yes?

[Lone Ranger]

I see smoker. Looks like the engine's coming.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

You're right. I'll alert the guards below.

[Lone Ranger]

You men at the gate get ready. When I give the signal, you know what to do.

[Narrator]

At that moment, the big locomotive headed toward the prison with its crew of desperados in the cab and the Lone Ranger tied to the front. The engine, with his head out the window and his hand on the throttle, called, almost there.

[Lone Ranger]

Hang on to something so you won't be trolled when we hit the gate. I'd hate to be the critter on the front.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

As soon as we're inside the wall, the boys will rush toward us. Have the guns ready to toss to him.

[Lone Ranger]

They're ready, Slim. I see the guards on top of the wall.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Are they gonna shoot?

[Lone Ranger]

They don't act like it. I see the warden. He's standing beside an engine. Now he's waving his hand.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Waving to us.

[Lone Ranger]

Looks to me like he's waving to someone inside the gate. Yeah. Now he and the engine are leaving the wall. Get set.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Hang on, boys.

[Lone Ranger]

Brace yourselves. Hey, the gates are swinging open. Here.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Let me see.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm looking out this side. The gates are wide open. The yard's full of guards. They got rifles and shotguns. It's a trap. Set the brakes. We're not stopping. I'm standing the rails. We're sliding right through the gate. Do something. Stop it. Back out.

[Narrator]

Skinning over the rails with smoking brake shoes the big engine and Tender slid past the wide open gates and well within the prison yard.

[Lone Ranger]

We're trapped, surrounded. We gotta shoot. Shoot. Run for the gate.

[Narrator]

As the engine came to a stop near the end of the track the outlaws leaped from the cab with guns in hand and open fire.

[Lone Ranger]

The gates fight to the gate. They shut it behind us. Shoot it out, boys.

[Narrator]

While guns barked, TTO Ran to the front of the locomotive with his knife in hand, cutting the strong cords that held the Lone Ranger.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'm all right. TTO I make you out of these overalls. I work silver. Him over there near building.

[Lone Ranger]

I quit. I don't want to die. Oh, my leg.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Sounds like the fight's about over.

[Lone Ranger]

Well done, you gums. You will drop every one of them. All right, I've had enough. Oh, you crooks. Keep your hands high. Search him in. In time. I never should have listened to you, North. You got me in the prime and end of this. Ah, shut up. Well, North Cap, looks like you're back in prison for a long time. We were ready for you. Thanks to the information sent by the man you had tied to the front of the engine.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'm just sorry I didn't put a

[Narrator]

bullet through the head of that railroad detective.

[Lone Ranger]

What railroad detective you talking about, Northcott?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

You ought to know, Mike. He said he took your place.

[Lone Ranger]

Shucks, he's no detective. Don't tell me.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That's right, Northcott.

[Lone Ranger]

See for yourself. Here he comes. Without the overalls and jacket. Why? Why his mask?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

That man.

[Lone Ranger]

You mean that cheese White stallion.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

The tu's leaving. Well, Northcott, you weren't long out of prison. I owe you a beating. I think the law will take care of your punishment. All I want from you is a pair of guns. Right there on the ground where he dropped the pole. Thanks, Warden. I was firing your guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Firing silver bullets, Northcott. You didn't know that, Phil.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

For ready, King Masali. All right, Totto. Well, Warden, that seems to settle this affair.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, all but one thing. Why were you tied to the front of a locomotive?

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Northcott thought that would be a unique way to kill a detective. If I'd known who you really are. But I'll get you. There'll be another day. If you ever get out of jail, Northcott, I'll be waiting for you. He'll not get out. Neither will anyone else.

[Lone Ranger]

Mike told me his old gang was counting on escape. So from now on, we'll be more careful than ever.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Good. Adios, Warden.

[Lone Ranger]

Goodbye and thank you.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, Mike.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

Easy, Teddy.

[Lone Ranger]

Big fellow. Open the gate for the masked man in tato. Warden, you know who that masked man is, but you didn't tell me.

[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

I'll tell you this, Mike.

[Lone Ranger]

If everyone believed and behaved as that masked man does, there'd be no criminals, convicts nor prisons. He's the Lone Ranger. Foreign

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[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger A copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is produced by Pendle Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer Fred Foy. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special Recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.

[Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines (Podcast Host)]

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 Tom 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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[Slim Northcott / Railroad Detective (Lone Ranger Character)]

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