Refund for Thunder | The Lone Ranger (05-20-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: Refund for Thunder

The Lone Ranger | May 20, 1953

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: April 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers the digitally restored Lone Ranger adventure “Refund for Thunder” (originally aired 05-20-53). The tale follows the masked hero as he outsmarts a wily swindler, Wink Tatum, to secure justice for the swindled ranch hand, Thunder Martin—and returns stolen funds to all of Tatum’s victims. The story abounds with classic themes of trickery, redemption, and frontier honor.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Scheme Exposed (04:06–06:10)

• Lone Ranger Seeks Information:
  The Lone Ranger visits Pepper Kneller, the local printer, to confirm if he printed a suspicious map.
  • Pepper Kneller (04:19): “You scared me so I swallered my tobacco. … If you're here to rob me—”
  • The masked man reveals the maps are being used for a gold swindle.
• Discovery:
  • Kneller admits he’s filled several orders for maps for a customer named Wink Tatum.
  • The maps are being shipped via the postmaster at Blue River Junction.
  • After the Ranger leaves, Kneller sends a fake reward notice about the Lone Ranger to the local sheriff, aiming to distract him.

2. The Swindle Explained (06:10–11:05)

• Victim Revealed:
  • At Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch, it’s revealed Thunder Martin was swindled by Tatum.
  • The group plans to go to Blue River Junction to confront the crook.
• Sheriff Involvement:
  • Sheriff Conley receives reward notices for the Lone Ranger (07:05): “$10,000 for information leading to the capture of a tall, slender, educated masked man who rides a white horse called Silver…”
• Connecting the Dots:
  • In a meeting, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, Clarabelle, Thunder, and the sheriff deduce the reward notice is a forgery, made using the same press that printed the fraudulent maps.

3. Setting the Trap (11:05–12:34, 12:34–17:08)

• Lone Ranger’s Plan:
  • They hatch a plot to lure Tatum into overextending himself:
    • Clarabelle offers to buy Sam Dawson’s rundown farm for $3,000 as a decoy.
    • The intent is to make it appear the farm is rich in gold.
• Baiting the Swindler:
  • Thunder Martin, playing a part, encounters Tatum and boasts about his new farm and finding gold—a ruse orchestrated by the group.
  • Tatum spots a “gold nugget,” alleged to come from Thunder’s farm.
  • Tatum asserts his right to a share based on a previous prospecting agreement.

4. The Showdown & Resolution (17:08–21:45)

• Legal Tussle:
  • Before Judge Kennedy, Tatum attempts to claim half the “gold,” but is outfoxed. The judge notes Tatum can only get the gold by owning the farm outright.
  • Thunder offers a price of $10,000, which Tatum hastily pays, believing he’s buying a fortune in gold.
• Justice Served:
  • After Tatum departs, Thunder delivers the $10,000 to the group.
    • Thunder Martin (17:25): “Here it is, folks—$10,000 cash.”
  • Clarabelle recoups her $3,000 investment; the rest is earmarked for Tatum’s victims.

5. Consequences for the Crooks (18:25–21:45)

• Printer Confronted:
  • Tonto brings Pepper Kneller and Tatum to the sheriff; their guilt is proven by matching print and handwriting.
  • Facing fines and unable to recoup their money, Tatum and Kneller are left humiliated.
    • Thunder Martin (21:32): “$10,000 for this run down worthless—here up.”
• Restitution:
  • The money is to be distributed to those Tatum swindled.
    • The Lone Ranger (21:39): “Sheriff. I gave you a list of the names of Tatum's victims.”
    • Sheriff (21:41): “Right, mister. I'll see that they get their money.”

6. Closing Moments (21:45–22:35)

• Departure & Legacy:
  • The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Clarabelle, and Thunder ride off, content with having restored justice.
  • Pepper Kneller, still in disbelief, mutters humorously after swallowing his tobacco upon learning he helped the Lone Ranger.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Thunder Martin's exasperation:
  • Thunder Martin (06:34): “Well, I'd sure like to go to Blue River Junction with you and Tado.”
• Sheriff’s dry wit:
  • Sheriff (07:08): “With that kind of cash at stake, someone's bound to capture the masked man just to collect the reward.”
• Tatum’s greed gets the best of him:
  • Wink Tatum (16:49): “I’ll pay you the $10,000 and take that land.”
• Thunder's glee:
  • Thunder Martin (17:25): “Here it is, folks—$10,000 cash.”
• Lone Ranger’s humility:
  • The Lone Ranger (21:54): “We wouldn't have accomplished anything without your cooperation.”

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Important Timestamps

• [04:06] — Lone Ranger confronts the printer about the fraudulent maps
• [07:05] — Sheriff discovers the fake reward notice for the Lone Ranger
• [09:11] — Team deduces connection between the maps and the false handbill
• [10:46] — Clarabelle finances the plan to buy the decoy farm
• [13:04] — Thunder Martin lures Tatum with tales of gold on the farm
• [16:44] — Thunder offers the decoy farm for $10,000; Tatum bites
• [17:25] — Thunder Martin delivers recovered cash; plan succeeds
• [21:09] — It’s revealed the “gold-dust chickens” were just part of the ruse
• [21:39] — Sheriff promises to return funds to the victims

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s language is classic 1950s Western—gruff, direct, and laced with sly humor and a sense of frontier justice. The camaraderie, homespun wit, and righteous anger of the townsfolk ground the morality play in familiar radio drama rhythms. The interplay between Thunder Martin’s bluster, Clarabelle’s sharp tongue, and the Lone Ranger’s calm assurance provides both laughs and heart.

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Summary

“Refund for Thunder” showcases The Lone Ranger’s ingenuity in turning a swindler’s trickery against him to restore stolen funds and deliver justice. With the help of loyal friends and clever planning, the Lone Ranger ensures that not only Thunder but all of Wink Tatum’s victims are repaid. The episode sparkles with radio Western charm—quick dialogue, larger-than-life characters, and a satisfying dose of poetic justice.

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Transcript

[Person Selling Car]

I sold my car in Carvana last night.

[Friend 1]

Well, that's cool.

[Person Selling Car]

No, you don't understand. It went perfectly. Real offer down to the penny. They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.

[Friend 1]

So what's the problem?

[Person Selling Car]

That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes as smoothly. I'm waiting for the catch.

[Friend 2]

Maybe there's no catch.

[Person Selling Car]

That's exactly what a catch would want me to think.

[Friend 1]

Wow. You need to relax.

[Person Selling Car]

I need a knock on wood. Do we have wood? Is this table wood?

[Friend 1]

I think it's laminate.

[Person Selling Car]

Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough.

[Friend 1]

Car selling without a catch.

[Friend 2]

Sell your car today on Carvana.

[Friend 1]

Pick up fees may apply.

[Thunder Martin]

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. 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 by special recording.

[Narrator]

Gentle Mills, makers of Wheaties breakfast of champions and Cheerios.

[Friend 1]

The Oat cereal ready to eat presents the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of

[Friend 1]

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

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, TTO the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in these early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can

[Friend 1]

one find a greater champion of justice.

[Narrator]

Return with us now to those thrilling days of yester year while the past

[Friend 1]

cometh undering hoof beats of the great horse Silver.

[Friend 2]

A Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver, let's go.

[Friend 1]

Cause champions are made, not born. Yes, sir.

[Thunder Martin]

Get on your way get on your

[Friend 1]

way get on your way With Wheaties. It's inspiring to know champions are made, not born. Just aim for the top. Like Bob Davies did in basketball. He's the great set shot artist for the Rochester Royals. Small Bob worked hard at basketball. Determined he would top them all. He learned to make that fast break play. And here's what helped Bob on his way. Wheaties for breakfast. Most every day Today, Bob sinks that payoff shot. And Wheaties still help him a lot. A Wheaties kid, a Wheaties man. That's Bob davies, wheaties eater, 22 years. Real man Food Wheaties. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Okay, Bob, lay it in there. Hey, hey, hey. He's on his way, on his way. He's on his way, on his way. Get on your Way with Wheaties. Cause champions I made. Yes, sir.

[Thunder Martin]

Get on your way. Get on your way.

[Friend 1]

Get on your way with sweeties. Breakfast of champions.

[Narrator]

The oil lamp hanging over Pepper Kneller's press flickered gently as the door at the rear of the shop opened and the Lone Ranger stepped into the poorly lighted room. As the elderly stoop shouldered Printer turned from his work, he reached for the twist of tobacco on his workbench. Biting off a chew, he adjusted it in his cheek and looked up to greet his visitor.

[Friend 1]

Howdy, mister, and good evening to you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good evening, Mr. Miller. Yeah. Take it easy.

[Friend 1]

Thanks. Thanks, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's wrong?

[Friend 1]

Your mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm sorry if I frightened you.

[Friend 1]

You scared me so I swallered my tobacco. I can see you never chewed, let alone swallowed, a chunk of the stuff. If you're here to rob me, I'm

[The Lone Ranger]

here for some information. Oh?

[Friend 1]

What kind of information?

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you print this map?

[Friend 1]

Let's see it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here.

[Friend 1]

Where'd you get this?

[The Lone Ranger]

Never mind that. Just tell me whether or not you did the printing.

[Friend 1]

It's my work.

[The Lone Ranger]

How many have you printed?

[Friend 1]

50 on the first order, 25 on the second. And right now I have another order from the same customer for 50 more. But I don't savvy why you're interested.

[The Lone Ranger]

The maps are being used to swindle people out of thousands of dollars.

[Friend 1]

Did my customer swindle you?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, but I've talked to several of his victims.

[Friend 1]

So he fleeced. Friends of yours?

[The Lone Ranger]

I want to see Wing Tatum.

[Friend 1]

Well, if you're gunning for him, why come to me?

[The Lone Ranger]

You know where to find him.

[Friend 1]

What makes you think I know where he is?

[The Lone Ranger]

The top order on your spindle is for Wink Tatum.

[Friend 1]

Oh, that's the 50 maps he wants me to send him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where will you send them?

[Friend 1]

Well, I'll have to see what the order says.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take the order, Mr. Kneller. All I want is the address. The order says you to send the maps to Wink Tatum, care of the postmaster in Blue River Junction.

[Friend 1]

He paid in advance for the work he do.

[The Lone Ranger]

To pay a lot more. Thanks for the information, Mr. Kneller.

[Friend 1]

Now, wait, you. You didn't tell me your name or explain that mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Friend 1]

Hey. Gone, huh? Well, I reckon. Doesn't matter. There was a lot I didn't tell you, mister. I've printed enough reward notices to know how it's done. I'll print one more. Mail it to the sheriff. Blue River. Dodging the law will keep that mask man too busy to interfere with Wink Tatum.

[Narrator]

After leaving the Lo Ranger joined Tahoe at Clarabelle Hornblows Ranch. He that Thunder Martin, Clarabelle's top hand, had been swindled by Wink Tatum. When he had bought one of Tatum's printed maps, the masked man said, tono

[The Lone Ranger]

and I are going to Blue River Junction to give Tatum a dose of his own medicine.

[Friend 2]

How do you plan to do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

We have several good friends there, Clarabell. I think they'll help us.

[Friend 1]

Will Thunder get his cash back?

[Narrator]

I hope so.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, I'd sure like to go to Blue River Junction with you and Tado.

[The Lone Ranger]

I counted on you to come with us.

[Friend 1]

You mean it?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Thunder.

[Friend 1]

Just give me time to saddle my horse.

[Friend 2]

Saddle line while you're at it. Thunder.

[Friend 1]

What, Clar Valley.

[Friend 2]

Don't argue, oversized glue. I aim to do all I can to help the Lone Ranger. Help you get your cash back.

[Narrator]

Several days later, Sheriff Conley in Blue River Junction received an unexpected package. His deputy, Hank Dixon, watched him open it.

[Friend 1]

What is it, Sheriff? Reward notices. Hank, who's wanted? Let's see. It says $10,000 for information leading to the capture of a tall, slender, educated masked man who rides a white horse called Silver God, Sheriff. What in thunder did he do to get a price like that set on his head? I don't know. Who sent the notice? Sheriff Miles in Copper County. That note from Miles? Yeah. He thinks the masked man's heading this way. I met him the last time he was in your office. Judge Kennedy was with us. That's right. Ed Miles is loco if he thinks that man's an outlaw. I wonder who put up the reward. $10,000 for the lone Ranger. What are you gonna do, Sheriff? I'll wire Miles for more information. I hope you get an answer, Prado. With that kind of cash at stake, someone's bound to capture the masked man just to collect the reward.

[Narrator]

Late that night, as Sheriff Conley sat working at his big roll top desk, he heard a light tap on the rear door of his office. A moment later, the door opened. The Lone Ranger entered, followed by Clarabelle, Thunder and Tonto.

[The Lone Ranger]

How are you, Sheriff?

[Friend 1]

All right. Glad to see you, mister. Howdy, Tanto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, sheriff. Sheriff, these are friends of mine. Ms. Hornblow and Thunder Martin.

[Friend 1]

Mister, I sent a message to Sheriff Miles about you this afternoon.

[The Lone Ranger]

What kind of message?

[Friend 1]

I asked him to explain why he sent me this note and hand bill. Now, read him while I draw the shade so no one will see in here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Friend 1]

The rest of you folks sit down.

[Friend 2]

Make yourselves.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, have you posted this anvil under ration?

[Friend 1]

No, I didn't want anyone to go gunning for you.

[Friend 2]

Well, why would anyone go gunning for the Lone Ranger, Sheriff?

[Friend 1]

To collect the $10,000 reward, ma'.

[Friend 2]

Am. Reward?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Clarabelle.

[Friend 2]

But Sheriff, Ed Miles knows you. Why he wouldn't send out reward notices for you.

[Friend 1]

Are you friends of Ed Miles?

[Thunder Martin]

We both know him mighty well.

[Friend 1]

In that case, you might be able to tell me if this is his handwriting on the note I got with the handbills. You recognize the writing?

[Thunder Martin]

Ed Miles didn't write it.

[Friend 2]

Why, that writin doesn't even look like his.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, compare the printing on the handbill with the printing on this map I brought with me.

[Friend 1]

Let's see it. Mr. Sure.

[The Lone Ranger]

The man who fitted the map knew I planned to come to Blue River Junction.

[Friend 1]

The hand bill and the map were printed on the same press? Yes.

[Thunder Martin]

Maybe.

[Narrator]

Printer work with swindler.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think you're right, Totto.

[Friend 1]

Who's a swindler?

[The Lone Ranger]

Man named Wink Tatum.

[Friend 1]

Wink Tatum? Tatum's in town? If you have proof he's a swindler, I'll jail him, Plato.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't have proof, Sheriff. But I have a plan to make him repay what he's stolen.

[Friend 1]

Does the plan include getting the sidewinder who sent me the letter and the handbills? Yes, sir. Good. What do you have in mind?

[The Lone Ranger]

Is there a farmer near town who wants to sell his property?

[Friend 1]

Sam Dawson wants to sell out and go east. But his place is run down. It's not worth much.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh? What's his price?

[Friend 1]

$3,000 for the house, the land and the livestock. But it's no bargain.

[Friend 2]

I'll put up the cash, Sheriff.

[Friend 1]

Hold on, ma'. Am. Have you seen the place? No, I don't think you'll want it. I'm not buying it for myself, Sheriff.

[Friend 2]

I've heard the Lone Rangers plan to outsmart Wink Tatum. And I think it'll work.

[Thunder Martin]

Clarabelle, as $3,000 is a lot of cash to lose if anything should go wrong with a plan.

[Friend 2]

Nothing will go wrong if you do your part, Thunder.

[Friend 1]

Yeah, but.

[Friend 2]

Besides, if I lose the cash, I'll just take it out of your way.

[Friend 1]

You mustn't. It'll take me forever to pay you $3,000.

[Friend 2]

Oh, calm down, Thunder. I'm not worried about the risk. The Lone Ranger's plan won't fail. Now, Sheriff, if you'll take me to see the banker, I'll make arrangements for my bank to get the cashier Prado so's the deal can go through.

[Friend 1]

All right, ma', am, But I don't See what buying Sam Dawson's place has to do with catching Tatum and his pal?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll explain that, Sheriff. You see, Thunder Martin signed a partnership agreement with Hatem.

[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.

[Friend 1]

This is Mel Allen, sports announcer. And I've been in this business long enough to know that champions are made, not born. Isn't that the way it should be? Gives every youngster a chance. Take Betty Shallow, figure skating beauty with the famous ship Stads and Johnson Ice Follies while she was learning to cut figure eights years ago. Been eating Wheaties since she was only chin high to her breakfast bowl. 20 years ago. That was Graham of the Cleveland Browns, who can thread a needle with a forward pass. Otto made himself a champion. Practiced hours every chance he had and been really going for that wheaties breakfast for 23 seasons. There's a doggone much honest energy packed into Wheaties. Nothing you pick at and push aside for Wheaties are downright goblin good. Let me say again what champions know. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. And don't you lose track of this fact for a minute. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties Breakfast of champions.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. While the Lone Ranger and his friends busied themselves setting a trap for Wink Tatum, the well dressed, prosperous looking swindler was also busy cultivating acquaintances he planned to victimize early one afternoon as he entered the hotel lobby.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, hi there, Mr. Tatum.

[Friend 1]

Well, look who's here. My old partner, Thunder. Thunder? Thundermire, of course. Have you found gold yet?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, no. I bought a little place a couple of miles north of here. It's not much of a farm.

[Friend 1]

Mom, I thought you were going crossing.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, I was, but I bought Sam Dawson's farm instead.

[Friend 1]

Oh, when did you buy it?

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, a few days ago. Place is all stocked. I bought his chickens and everything.

[Friend 1]

Well, if your heart isn't in prospecting, you're better off doing something else. That's right.

[Thunder Martin]

I've still got the Matthews old man here in my pocket. And here's the partnership agreement we signed. Looksy daisy.

[Friend 1]

Hey, what's that you drop?

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, nothing, nothing, Nothing at all, Ms. Tatum.

[Friend 1]

That's a gold nugget in a whole bunch. Now listen, nugget's mine. Hand it back. K. So you turned farmer, huh?

[Thunder Martin]

Yeah, I came to town today to deliver some chickens. The hotel as to cook, if you don't believe me.

[Friend 1]

Where did you get this nugget?

[Thunder Martin]

That's my business.

[Narrator]

What?

[Friend 1]

That's Clam, the hotel cook. Where'd you get the chickens you brought me?

[Thunder Martin]

Where do you suppose I got them? On the farm, of course. What's wrong with them?

[Friend 1]

Are you sure they came from your farm? Of course I'm sure.

[Thunder Martin]

Are they good enough for you?

[Friend 1]

Those chickens are good enough for anybody. Look what I found when I was cleaning them. Look, Thunder.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, I'll be doggone.

[Friend 1]

Gold, Thunder, you're rich.

[Thunder Martin]

But I I.

[Friend 1]

The gold must be laying on the ground at your place. Gold laying in the gravel?

[Thunder Martin]

The chickens must have picked that.

[Friend 1]

There's no use trying to act surprised, Martin.

[Thunder Martin]

But I don't sat.

[Friend 1]

We're partners, remember?

[Thunder Martin]

We're no such thing, Tatum.

[Friend 1]

You signed an agreement with me.

[Thunder Martin]

I didn't go prospecting for the gold you told me about.

[Friend 1]

We're partners. Whatever you find, we split 50. 50.

[Thunder Martin]

But I didn't find any gold.

[Friend 1]

You lying hypocrites. You knew all the time there was gold on that land. That's why you bought it in such a hurry. Oh, now, shimmer down, Mr. T. He's

[Friend 2]

trying to cheat me.

[Friend 1]

That's a lie. The nugget in your pocket proves it. A nugget doesn't move a hair. I have a written agreement saying we're partners. I'm holding you to it.

[Thunder Martin]

You try.

[Friend 2]

I'll sue you if I have to.

[Friend 1]

All right, Judge Kennedy's in town, Tatum. We'll take the argument to head. That suits me. Come on. We'll go to see him right now.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Wink Tatum and Thunder Martin visited the Lone Ranger's friend, Judge Kennedy. Wink showed his copy of the agreement with Thunder and said, martin's trying to swindle me.

[Friend 1]

Judge, it says here in writing that we split 50. 50 on any gold he found. The farm is nowhere near the country

[Thunder Martin]

shown on the map. You sold me.

[Friend 1]

The agreement doesn't say where you've got to find the gold.

[Thunder Martin]

I haven't found any gold.

[Friend 1]

That's a lie. The nugget was given to me. The gold's so thick on your farm that the chickens are eating it with gravel. Scratch. Now, just a minute, gentlemen. You came to me for an interpretation of your agreement. That's right, Judge. Well, according to this paper, Tatum, you're entitled to half of any gold Thunder Martin finds. It doesn't matter where he finds it. There, Martin. You just prove I found gold on the farm. Prove it? Oh, you can't bluff me any longer. I said Prove it. I don't have to. I'll go to your place.

[Thunder Martin]

Try to set foot on my property.

[Friend 1]

I'll be there with witnesses.

[Thunder Martin]

I'll have friends there to meet you with. 6.

[Friend 1]

Now, you don't scare me, Tatum. You can't trespass on Martin's property. You can't set foot on the land. Why, he's trying to cheat me. You can't set foot on the land if Martin doesn't want you to.

[Thunder Martin]

Unless.

[Friend 1]

Unless, of course, you want to buy it from him.

[Thunder Martin]

And you'll not do that, Tatum. So you see, you're stopped.

[Friend 1]

I'll not give up that easily, Martin.

[Thunder Martin]

What do you want to do, Buy my place?

[Friend 1]

How much do you want for it?

[Thunder Martin]

You wouldn't pay what it's worth.

[Friend 1]

Name a price. Well, put a price on it.

[Thunder Martin]

All right. Their price is $10,000.

[Friend 1]

I'll take it.

[Thunder Martin]

You what?

[Friend 1]

I'll pay you the 10,000 and take that land.

[Thunder Martin]

You'll have to pay in cash.

[Friend 2]

I've got the cash.

[Friend 1]

I'll be here with it as soon as I can get my money from the hotel safe. Judge, you draw up the paper.

[Narrator]

When the sale was completed, Wink Tatum left town hurriedly to investigate the property he purchased.

[Friend 1]

Thunder.

[Narrator]

Martin went to the sheriff's office, where the Lone Ranger and Clarabelle were waiting with the sheriff. The big ranch hand reached into his pocket and threw out a fistful of money.

[Thunder Martin]

Here it is, folks.

[Friend 1]

$10,000 cash.

[Thunder Martin]

Judge Kennedy drew up the papers and witnessed the sale.

[Friend 1]

So Tatum bought that wordless farm.

[Thunder Martin]

Yep. That grabby pull cap was so sure he was buying gold barren land, he couldn't get the paper signed fast enough.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Friend 2]

I told you, the Lone Ranger's flying at work.

[Friend 1]

I'll hand it to you, mister. You've hoodwinked him with the slicker deal than he ever pulled.

[Friend 2]

Hand over the cash, Thunder.

[Friend 1]

Now, wait a minute.

[Thunder Martin]

Wait a minute. $500 of its mine.

[Friend 1]

Take your 500, Thunder.

[Thunder Martin]

All right. And here's the $3,000. You load me to buy Dawson's place, Clar.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, the rest of the money will go to Tatum's victims.

[Friend 1]

They'll be downright glad to recover what they lost to that swindler.

[Thunder Martin]

What's going on outside?

[Friend 1]

Oh, the stage from Copper County's arrived.

[Thunder Martin]

Sheriff Miles will be aboard, and so will the printer.

[The Lone Ranger]

Pepper Kno is waiting at the station to meet Miller.

[Friend 1]

Well, dog off.

[Thunder Martin]

I'd like to be there to see what happens when Toto talks to that group.

[Narrator]

As Tupper Nellard smarted from the Concord coach He automatically reached for the twist of tobacco in his pocket. He bit off a generous chew as he watched Sheriff Miles get out of the stage and stride toward Sheriff Conley's office. Pepper was wondering what brought the lawman to Blue River Junction when Toto approached him. Are you Pepper Kneller?

[Friend 1]

That's right, Indian. Me have message for you about Wink Tatum. What about him? Him think him find gold. Yeah. Where did he find it?

[Narrator]

On farm not far from town.

[Friend 1]

Oh.

[Thunder Martin]

Gone.

[Friend 1]

Hey, change him, will you?

[Friend 2]

Take me to his place.

[Friend 1]

Ah, Me get extra horse. Take your frontal.

[Narrator]

Ed Miles had just entered Sheriff Conley's office when TRO rode past with Pepper Kneller. Moments later, the two lawmen, the Lone Ranger, Thunder and Clarabel, followed them.

[Friend 1]

Here, farm and there. Tatum fella. Yeah, I see him. Steady. Hi there, Tatum. Pepper, what are you doing here? I came as soon as I got your telegram. What telegram? The one you sent. Asked me to come to Blue River Junction. I didn't send you any telegram. You did so. I got it right here in my pocket. A fellow who send message. Come now. What are you talking about, redskin?

[Narrator]

You find out plenty soon.

[Friend 1]

What is this? Wink, that masked man. He came to my place asking about you. Thunder Martin Too Long and an oversized female.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hello, Mr. Deller.

[Friend 1]

Howdy, mister. What are you doing here?

[The Lone Ranger]

I came to see you.

[Friend 1]

And so did I, Pepper.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think you know Sheriff Miles.

[Friend 1]

I traveled all the way from Copper county with it. Sheriff Conley sent for me when he received the note and hand bills you sent him over. My signature. But I didn't write any note to Sheriff Conley. Well, I don't admit anything, Pepper. The law hasn't got a thing on it. The law didn't have anything on Nella until he started impersonating a lawman, printing false reward notices and sending notes with my name. I. I'm not admitting that I sent. We can prove you printed the hand bills. Just as we can prove you printed the maps Tatum sold.

[Thunder Martin]

You're a local.

[Friend 1]

They're printing press in your shop Will prove it for us.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right. Neor and a handwriting expert identify the handwriting on the note you sent Sheriff Conley. Why?

[Friend 1]

You mean I don't go to jail? Maybe not if you have cash enough to pay a fine. Tatum. Tatum, you have cash?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, he gave me his cash for this farm.

[Friend 1]

I'll pay the fine, Pepper, if they'll all wait till I find the gold on this land.

[Thunder Martin]

I told you there was no gold here, Tatum.

[Friend 1]

But that nugget you dropped, someone gave

[Thunder Martin]

it to me, I.

[Friend 1]

There's got to be gold here. The chickens were eating it.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, that. Well, well, you see, I heard that a little gold dust makes chickens mighty prime.

[Friend 1]

Well, so I paid in cash for

[Thunder Martin]

the dust that chicken ate.

[Friend 1]

No. Swindler.

[Friend 2]

You cheating, swindling, thieving crook.

[Friend 1]

We've been outsmarted. Wink. Can you pay the fine? No, of course we can't. And you'll go to jail. $10,000 for this run down worthless here up.

[Thunder Martin]

Tatum, I didn't. Keep your cash. It's going back to the folks you swindled with here. No account math.

[Friend 1]

Oh, no.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff. I gave you a list of the names of Tatum's victims.

[Friend 1]

Right, mister. I'll see that they get their money.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then tell them I'll be on our way.

[Friend 1]

Say, mister, if you're going our way, Thunder and I'll go with you.

[Friend 2]

It's time we got back to the ranch.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. We'll travel together. Clarabel. Adio, Sheriff.

[Friend 1]

So long, mister. And thanks.

[The Lone Ranger]

We wouldn't have accomplished anything without your cooperation.

[Friend 1]

Easy. I'm mighty proud to cooperated with the Lone Ranger. Take it easy, Miller. Slap him on the back. What ails him? He must have swallowed his chew in the back. What's wrong with you, Pepper? Oh, if I'd only known that mask man was the Lone Ranger.

[Friend 2]

Boxer Ben fights hard and fair. So in the ring you kids beware he dynamite because 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? The cereal shaped like little letter o's. You know, Cheerios is made from oats. And every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is a real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Have Cheerios every morning.

[Friend 2]

Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger A copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Twindle Campbell Incorporated, Directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills every Monday, Wednesday and

[Friend 1]

Friday at this same time.

[Narrator]

Be sure to listen. This recorded program has come to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcast trwestern 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.

[Narrator]

It.