Rio Grande Gun Runners | The Lone Ranger (03-19-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Rio Grande Gun Runners"

The Lone Ranger | Originally aired 03-19-1952

Restored and presented by host Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling episode, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto uncover and destroy a gun-running operation along the Rio Grande. Set against the turmoil of U.S.-Mexico border tensions, the story follows their attempt to expose a network of outlaws, stop a dangerous flow of rifles into Mexico, and protect both American and Mexican communities from escalating violence. With betrayal, secret codes, and a climactic cross-border showdown, this is classic Western radio at its finest.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Problem: Repeating Gun Thefts

• A series of armed attacks on U.S. Army wagon trains supplying rifles to border forts.
• Suspicion arises about how outlaw Kyle Ferris and his gang know in advance about each shipment (03:41–04:21).
• Outlaws successfully rob a decoy shipment headed to Fort Adams, proving there are leaks in army operations (04:48–05:33).

2. The Enemy Alliance

• Outlaw Kyle Ferris partners with Mexican criminal Ignacio "The Hawk" Gonzalez, exchanging stolen rifles for gold (05:33–06:36).
• With new American rifles, Gonzalez’s gang wreaks havoc across Northern Mexico (06:14–06:36).

3. Investigation at Fort Rayburn

• Lone Ranger and Tonto set out to find the source of the leaks, focusing on Fort Rayburn (07:06–07:31).
• Captain Peacock, fort commander, devises a secretive route for the next shipment, only sharing the plan with trusted Mexican official Arturo del Rio and the wagon commander (09:00–09:49).
• Discussion centers on Peacock’s mysterious cook, Toscoza, a supposedly deaf-mute Native American cook who never leaves the quarters (08:40–09:49).

4. Smoke Signals and Betrayal

• Tonto observes suspicious smoke signals from the fort’s kitchen chimney in the morning (10:23–10:50).
• Lone Ranger and Tonto deduce that someone is relaying information to the outlaws using native smoke codes (10:50–11:02).
• Upon confronting Captain Peacock, the Lone Ranger explains his suspicions. Peacock is incredulous, but Del Rio suggests questioning Toscoza (12:14–12:53).

5. Unmasking the Spy

• Through clever trickery, Tonto reveals Toscoza is neither deaf nor mute, and is not of the Zuni tribe, as claimed (13:06–13:43).
• Under pressure, Toscoza confesses, having betrayed vital information via smoke signals to Ferris’ gang (17:15–18:07).
• "He’s not deaf, captain. That little trick of mine proved that, didn’t it?" — Tonto (13:13)

6. A Daring Counter-Plan

• Despite the leak, the Rangers use the situation to their advantage, devising a plan to lure Ferris and Gonzalez into a trap with a "bait" wagon train (19:07–19:32).
• Lone Ranger and Tonto volunteer to hide inside one of the wagons, armed and ready to surprise the outlaws (20:46–21:19).

7. The Ambush

• Ferris’ gang successfully attacks and captures the wagon train; unknown to them, two "drivers" are actually U.S. soldiers in disguise (21:53–22:49).
• The real plan is in motion: As the wagons cross into Mexico, Mexican troops lie in wait, tipped off by the American forces (22:49–23:37).

8. The Showdown

• In the bandits’ mountain hideout, Ferris and Gonzalez celebrate.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto spring their trap, firing from their hidden position inside the wagon, targeting the gang’s leaders (24:50–25:25).

• "Aim at their gun arms, Tonto, you ready? And fire. And continue to fire now." — The Lone Ranger (24:50)

• Mexican cavalry attacks from the mountainside, rounding up most of Gonzalez’s gang. Ferris and a few wounded outlaws escape north, pursued by Lone Ranger and Tonto who purposefully fire over their heads, herding them back to the U.S. (25:25–26:34).

9. Justice Served

• On the American side, Ferris and his remaining men find themselves surrounded by U.S. cavalry under Captain Peacock and Lt. Courtney (26:33–26:48).
• Ferris surrenders: "No, no, I'm not reaching. Neither my men. We surrender. I'm wounded. I need a doctor." — Kyle Ferris (26:48)
• The episode closes with Lone Ranger and Tonto riding away, unsung but recognized as the true heroes.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Outlaw Tactics:
  "It's almost as if the outlaws knew when gun shipments are made and by what route they're sent." — Colonel Palmer (03:52)
• On Toscoza’s Exposure:
  "He’s not deaf, captain. That little trick of mine proved that, didn’t it?" — Tonto (13:13)
  "Please not kill me. Not make me die. Please. Senor Capitan, if you let me speak, I tell you everything." — Toscoza (17:38)
• Strategy and Sacrifice:
  "It’s what I think you soldiers call a calculated risk." — Lone Ranger (20:28)
• Lone Ranger’s Leadership:
  "Tonto and I'll try, captain." — The Lone Ranger (19:29)
• Final Recognition:
  "As to who he is, I'll tell you that now. He's the lone ranger." — Captain Peacock (27:24)

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Timeline of Major Segments

• [03:41–04:21] — Suspicion of information leaks begins
• [05:33–06:36] — Outlaws successfully arm Gonzalez
• [08:40–09:49] — Intrigue regarding the fort's cook
• [10:23–11:02] — Smoke signals spotted; suspicion falls on Toscoza
• [13:06–14:01] — Toscoza is unmasked as a spy
• [17:15–18:07] — Toscoza confesses his betrayal
• [19:07–19:32] — The Rangers devise their plan
• [21:53–22:49] — Outposts and crossings are coordinated
• [24:50–25:25] — The Lone Ranger's ambush at outlaw camp
• [26:33–26:48] — Final round-up and surrender

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode moves with urgency and tension, driven by clever deduction and quick-witted heroics. The interplay between the stoic Lone Ranger, practical Tonto, skeptical military officers, and the treacherous but ultimately outwitted villains, infuses the story with classic Western drama: loyalty, betrayal, and frontier justice.

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Listen to this episode for:

• Intricate plotting and classic radio suspense
• Larger-than-life characters and dramatic confrontations
• The soundscape of restored Old Time Radio at its richest: thundering hooves, gunfire, and the iconic “Hi-yo Silver!” riding to justice

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Transcript

[The Lone Ranger]

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 hi O. Silver, the lone ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's Sam.

[Narrator]

With his feet Indian companion Totto, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse. Silver.

[Kyle Ferris]

The lone ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow.

[The Lone Ranger]

I am, Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

When a single shot heralded the arrival of wagons at fort Adams near the Mexican border it was evident that they had made the journey from fort Rayburn safely. During the months prior, many trains had been attacked by the outlaw Kyle Ferris and his gang. After the latest arrival, colonel Palmer, commandant of fort Adams, was talking to young lieutenant George Courtney.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's too bad they didn't send us those new rifles from fort Rayburn on this last shipment.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Perhaps there would have been an attack if they had. The only time Ferris and his gang seem to go after the wagon trains is when there are guns being carried.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're right, lieutenant. It's almost as if the outlaws knew when gun shipments are made and by what route they're sent. What about those new rifles, lieutenant? When is captain Peacock shipping them from Rayburn?

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Well, they're on their way here now, colonel, in pop Garry's wagon.

[The Lone Ranger]

What? Captain peacock is sending a rifle shipment in that battered old wagon that pop Gary owns?

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Oh, yes, sir. New gun shipment is a small one. Captain peacock thinks no outlaws would figure our sending guns like that.

[The Lone Ranger]

Always trying to outguess the outlaws. He and his subtle planning. Lieutenant, Captain peacock is a brave man. I know that. But I'm beginning to think he lacks good sense. You say the rifles have already left Raybone?

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Yes, sir. Pop Garry was to set off from the fort three days after we did, sir. He must be halfway here by now.

[Narrator]

Pop Garry, with a single companion to ride with him had found the first half of his trip to Fort Adams without incident. Then on a back trail, Kyle Ferris and his outlaw gang attacked the wagon with a hail of bullets. Ferris climbed into the rear of the wagon and found the rifles which had been covered by pots and Pans.

[Kyle Ferris]

Yeah. Here are the guns. Just like we expected once we knew which way the wagon was heading. That poor captain at fort rayburn trying to fool us.

[The Lone Ranger]

He'll never learn.

[Kyle Ferris]

That captain will never learn.

[Narrator]

Late that night, at a remote spot along the rio Grande, Kyle ferris and his men crossed into Mexican territory. Before dawn, he transferred the stolen gun shipment to the mexican outlaw Ignacio Gonzalez, known in his country as the hawk. Gonzalez watched the rifles unloaded and looked happily at Ferris.

[Kyle Ferris]

Ah, my friend Kyle, you have done it again. It gives me great satisfaction to pay you gold for this gun. And it gives me satisfaction to get the gold.

[Tonto]

You and your men will be able to do a lot with these rifles.

[Kyle Ferris]

Gonzales.

[Narrator]

During the next weeks, Gonzales, the hawk became the scourge of all Mexico. He and his men, armed with new rifles, attacked estates and towns and finally a garrison of federal troops. The raid was a success and the men had become the greatest menace in Mexico.

[Kyle Ferris]

Look what we have done now. Soon we will take bigger garrisons. And who knows? If my friend kyle continues, I shall be the leader of all Mexico. Then after that, we take back Texas. Oh, the future is bright.

[Narrator]

Hundreds of miles away, the lone ranger and toto had entered the state of Texas and were making their way south towards the Rio grande.

[Tonto]

We should be near fort rayburn within four or five days. Toto. We stop there. Kimasabe. Most gun shipments in the north and east are funneled through that post. Most of the gun that have been lost were shipped from there. We start there. If we're to try and help put an end to the ferris Gonzales combination, it's the only place to start. Come on, get him up to come.

[Narrator]

Four days later, as the lone ranger and Tonto were nearing the hills above fort Rayburn, a man was dining with captain Gregory Peacock, the officer in charge of the small post. The visitor was Arturo del Rio, a representative of the mexican government. As they neared the end of the well prepared meal, Del Rio side, captain.

[Arturo del Rio]

This indeed has been a most satisfying dinner.

[Narrator]

Captain peacock looked at the stern faced indian servant who hovered near the table and made a gesture of congratulations with his hands.

[Captain Peacock]

Well done, taskosis.

[Arturo del Rio]

You speak to him? Is he not, as you said before, a deaf mute?

[Captain Peacock]

He is. He neither speaks nor hears, but usually when I make some gesture of approval or congratulations to Toscosa, I find myself using words as well.

[Arturo del Rio]

You say he is an indian of the zuni tribe?

[Captain Peacock]

Yes. My former cook was returning to Mexico and recommended Toscosa as the finest cook he knew. Naturally, I was happy to get him. He Prepares the most exotic dishes I've ever come across. And he's at the stove from early dawn until late at night. If I have two or 20 persons for dinner, it makes no difference.

[Narrator]

The next evening, the lone ranger and Tonto camped in the hills above fort Rayburn. At that moment, captain peacock sat on the porch of his quarters finishing outlines for another plan to outwit the gun stealing outlaws. Arturo del Rio had helped complete the arrangements which would go into effect the next day. Del Rio was enthusiastic.

[Arturo del Rio]

One thing is sure. Only you and I know what the plan for tomorrow is. The wagon train of rifles due for delivery here at the fort will not arrive here.

[Captain Peacock]

Correct, senor. Instead, it'll bypass his place by circling 50 miles southeast of here. Then the wagons will go along the Tex Mex road to fort Adams. Only you, I and the officer in charge of the wagon train know about this plan.

[Arturo del Rio]

Excellent, captain. If something should go wrong this time, it will be easy to learn where. Captain, There was someone over there in the dark.

[Captain Peacock]

That's only toscosa. He's like a watchdog. Always around me when he's not in the kitchen.

[Arturo del Rio]

Good thing he has not the hearing to know what we have said or the power of speech with which to repeat it. Else there would be four of us who knew the gun shipping plans and not just three.

[Captain Peacock]

But we have further security as far as Toskosa is concerned. You see, he never leaves these quarters, much less the post. But what was it you started to say, Senor Del Rio?

[Narrator]

The lone ranger and Tonto awakened at dawn next morning. The sun rising in the sky formed a perfect background for the small but picturesque fort rayburn. In the valley below, smoke was beginning to pour from the chimney of one small structure and its spiral upward compelled attention.

[Tonto]

Toto, there's something beautiful about smoke like that in the early morning. It's as if.

[Arturo del Rio]

Watch.

[Tonto]

Smoke.

[Arturo del Rio]

Watch close.

[Tonto]

Yes, Toddo, I see what you mean. The smoke is going upward in spurts. Long, short, short, long. Those are smoke signals.

[Arturo del Rio]

That's right.

[Tonto]

They have telegraph instruments in fort Rayburn.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Tonto]

They use smoke signals?

[Arturo del Rio]

You may not know. Kimasabe.

[Tonto]

Peculiar. We know the gun shipments are usually lost after they are sent from fort Rayburn. I wonder if it's possible that someone inside the fort is a traitor.

[Arturo del Rio]

You mean someone sent a message about guns by smoke?

[Tonto]

That was my thought. I think it might set us clear on that point. If we go to the fort at once, we'll learn then whether or not there's reason to be suspicious.

[Narrator]

A short time later, The Lone Ranger and Tonto appeared before the gates of Fort Rayburn. The sentry on duty took one look at the masked man and Indian and reached his own conclusion.

[Kyle Ferris]

Get your hands at both of you. Corporal of the guard, host number one.

[Narrator]

Captain Peacock and the Mexican legate Arturo Del Roy were at the breakfast table when the corporal of the guard brought the Lone Ranger and Toto to the officer's quarters. Captain Peacock and Del Rio leaped to their feet and the officer looked from the masked man and Indian to the corporal.

[Captain Peacock]

What's this, corporal? Who are these men? Where'd you find them? They rode up to the gate, sir.

[Tonto]

We came to see you, captain. We're not outlaws. My Indian companion and I are trying to help run down the outlaws who've been attacking the wagon trains that leave here. Eh, that's true, sir. We thought we might be able to assist. Captain, who is it that sends smoke messages from here?

[Captain Peacock]

Smoke messages? Why, no one. What nonsense is this?

[Narrator]

The lone Ranger related how he and Tonto had recognized the smoke signals and concluded.

[Tonto]

I'm captain. I'm certain they were smoke signals such as Indians use. I'm equally certain now that I saw your quarters as we were brought here that the smoke signals came from the chimney of this building.

[Captain Peacock]

You're insane. There's no 10.

[Arturo del Rio]

Please hear the stranger through. It is possible he knows something and may be able to help us. If he does not, what does it matter? Or he loses a few minutes while you listen to him. Do not forget your servant Tascosa is an Indian. He has been in the kitchen since dawn. That is where the chimney is. Captain.

[The Lone Ranger]

What?

[Tonto]

Captain Kato and I are sure that the smoke signals came from here. You, captain, say they didn't. Would you mind, sir, if we asked your servant about.

[Captain Peacock]

He's deaf and dumb. We couldn't ask him.

[Narrator]

I.

[Captain Peacock]

Well, I'll prove something. Corporal, go into the kitchen. Have Tascosa come here. Yes, I'll prove to this man how absurd his statements are.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the corporal returned to the room leading the Indian Toscoza. The captain spoke with a note of disdain in his voice to the Lone Ranger.

[Captain Peacock]

This is my cook and servant, Toscosa. The only one who's been in my kitchen this morning. He's a deaf mute. We exchange ideas in Panama using gestures. We use the signs used by the Zuni Indians. Since Tascosa is a Zuni.

[Arturo del Rio]

No, him not Zuni Indian. Me? No.

[Tonto]

By clothes him wear and by beads on shirt.

[Arturo del Rio]

Him from Mexican tribe. This is most interesting, captain. You have told Me? It was a mexican who suggested tascosa for the position he holds with you.

[Captain Peacock]

I know that. Of course, I know nothing about indian tribes. I'm from georgia and I haven't been here long.

[Tonto]

But nevertheless, Captain, did you notice the second button on toscoza's shirt? No. Why should.

[Narrator]

The captain gasped as he saw toscoza raise his hand instinctively to finger the button on his shirt.

[Tonto]

He's not deaf, captain. That little trick of mine proved that, didn't it? Toscoa?

[Captain Peacock]

Toscoa, you're able to hear. You gave yourself away by reacting to what this masked man said.

[Arturo del Rio]

I hate to intrude again, captain, but this toscosa, he listened to all we said last night about today's gun shipment.

[Captain Peacock]

I was just thinking of that.

[Tonto]

It's no secret, captain, that gunrunners have stolen arms from the wagon train that leave this fort. If this indian, toscosa, had the information about routes and times and conveyed the information to confederates by smoke signals.

[Captain Peacock]

Corporal, keep watch on toscosa for a moment. Stranger, come to the other side of the room, please. You, senor del rio, and I will have some privacy there. I'd like to discuss this matter with you.

[Tonto]

I'll be glad to, captain.

[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. Captain peacock asked the masked man to identify himself. When the lone ranger did so by word and documents from law officers whom he had helped in the past, Captain peacock and del rio were greatly impressed. After a brief discussion and with the captain's permission, the lone ranger walked over to tonto. Toscosa could not see the lone ranger smile as he spoke low to tonto.

[Tonto]

I'm about to try something. Play through with it.

[Narrator]

The lone ranger now raised his voice so that everyone in the room might hear his words.

[Tonto]

Taro, we have just talked about the case of this spy. Toscosa. Captain peacock and met's men have gone to death because of the messages toscoza sent to his gun stealing friends in the past. He agrees with senor del rio and me the justice of having you, another indian, punish toscosa by putting him to death.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. No.

[Tonto]

When we do this, kimasabe this moment, here in this room, Me do it.

[Narrator]

Coscosa's eyes became wide with fright as tato approached, knife hand raised high. Suddenly, the mexican indian began to speak.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. No. Not kill me, please. Not fair to kill.

[Tonto]

All right, tano, that's all. There you are, captain. Proof that the man Is able to talk as well as hear.

[Captain Peacock]

Yes, and it's all the proof I need to know what you said about the smoke signal is true. Dascosa, you're a spy. There's only one penalty for spies.

[Tonto]

Death.

[The Lone Ranger]

Please not kill me. Not make me die. Please. Senor Capitan, if you let me speak, I tell you everything.

[Captain Peacock]

Would you care to question him with me, senor Del Rio?

[Arturo del Rio]

I shall be grateful for the privilege.

[Captain Peacock]

Then we'll talk to him. What action I take later will depend on the information he gives us. Corporal, take taskosa into the other room. We'll talk with him there.

[Narrator]

After talking to tascosa, Captain peacock and Arturo del rio returned to the main room and told the lone ranger what the indian had revealed.

[Captain Peacock]

He told us everything. You were right about the smoke signals. He listened to my talk about gun shipments and relayed the information to a lookout in the hills.

[Arturo del Rio]

It was a very simple code they had.

[Captain Peacock]

Yes, a prearranged code. Simple spurts of smoke in the chimney were all the outlaws needed to know the plans for shipping guns.

[Narrator]

After sending Taskosa to the guardhouse, Captain peacock spoke ruefully to the other men.

[Captain Peacock]

We were too late to keep him from getting his message to confederates about tonight's shipment. Kyle ferris probably knows about it by this time.

[Arturo del Rio]

There must be something you can do, captain.

[Captain Peacock]

Yes, there is. I'll send a telegraph message to colonel palmer at fort Adams and tell him what happened. It may mean my transfer later, perhaps.

[Arturo del Rio]

He will send men from fort adams eastward along the Tex mex road.

[Captain Peacock]

I'm going to request that. Meanwhile, I'll take my men south to Tex mex and follow the main road west. If and when the outlaws attack, we'll be on both sides of them. This is our great chance to catch fez.

[Tonto]

You'll get both him and gonzales if you let me do something.

[Arturo del Rio]

Gonzales too, you say?

[Tonto]

Yes. It'll involve the use of soldiers on both sides of the border. But not as openly as you'd planned on this end, captain.

[Captain Peacock]

Well, what's your idea? I'd like to hear it.

[Narrator]

The lone ranger outlined a plan to which both men agreed. When he had finished outlining it, captain peacock said, you'll be in great danger.

[Captain Peacock]

But if you get away with it.

[Tonto]

Tato and I'll try, captain.

[Captain Peacock]

Then count on my help.

[Arturo del Rio]

The mexican army will be happy to assist you in your plan also. I shall make certain of that within a matter of minutes.

[Tonto]

Thank you, sir. Captain, if you let me have the letter you promised, I'll take tonto and we'll set off for the town of Tex mex at once. Will the wagon train be there tonight? Yes.

[Captain Peacock]

I'll give you orders to the lieutenant in charge of the shipment. Then I'll send a telegraph message to Colonel Pop.

[Narrator]

The lone ranger and Tonto took every known shortcut as they rode ceaselessly to the town of Tex Mex at the east end of the Tex mex trail. They arrived there late in the night. The lone ranger, after some interruptions by guards, found himself before Lt. Courtney, a leader of the train. He gave Lt. Courtney, who was dressed in civilian clothes, the letter from captain Peacock. When Courtney read the lengthy orders, he was puzzled but agreeable.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

It says here that colonel Palmer agreed to this.

[Tonto]

Yes, he did, by telegraph after captain Peacock and senor del Rio made contact with him. It's what I think you soldiers call a calculated risk.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Yeah, but I wouldn't calculate to risk breaking my back like you and tondo are going to do. You'll be in those wagons covered by those guns for at least an entire day, mister.

[Tonto]

Yes, I realize that. Just tell your men when they pack the guns on top of us to give us breathing space.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Yeah, I'll make them pack the rifles loose around you too so you'll be able to move when the time comes.

[Narrator]

Lieutenant Courtney placed the lone ranger and Tonto inside the third wagon, the one that would travel in the middle of the five wagon train.

[Tonto]

Lieutenant, did you do as I suggested with the rifles?

[Arturo del Rio]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

You'll find there are open crates in the spot where you and Tanda will hide. There are about a hundred rifles in those crates loaded with cartridges.

[Tonto]

Thanks. I'm sure we'll have to use some of them.

[Narrator]

The drivers were sworn to secrecy about their human cargo and shortly after the five wagons started west along the Tex Mex trail in the direction of fort Adams, Kyle Ferris and his outlaws attacked the train late in the afternoon at the most isolated spot along the seldom traveled road. There was only token resistance by the drivers of the wagons and Ferris, now that another raid had succeeded, gave orders.

[Kyle Ferris]

Don't kill the drivers. They were smart enough not to fight back. So just tie them up, gag them, leave them in the bushes. I will cross the rio after sundown. At the spot below, bade.

[Narrator]

A soldier whose task had been to follow the wagon train at a distance found the drivers a short time after the bandits drove off with the wagon. The first one he assisted was lieutenant courtney. When his civilian clothes had driven. One of the vehicles courtney released was jubilant.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Thanks, Nas Man's plan is working so Far. We'll ride over the hill to the telegraph wires, cut in on them and get a message to Fort Adams. They'll know that Ferris and his gang are crossing the river at Bordero. The Mexican army can pick them up at that spot and follow them. Too bad we weren't allowed to take Ferris while we had the chance.

[Narrator]

When darkness fell, Kyle Ferris and his outlaws guided the five wagons through a shallow crossing and headed southward on Mexican soil. They were on a road that led into the mountain, and as they passed, a man emerged from the underbrush nearby. He was a Mexican soldier, and he ran to where he'd left his horse earlier in the evening, mounted, and rode away on delay. Within a few minutes, he reached the company of Mexican cavalry in the spot where they had been waiting since receiving a telegram from the American Fort Adams. He gave quick instructions.

[The Lone Ranger]

Really? We are on the trail of Ignacio Gonzales. Soon we shall be led to his headquarters somewhere in the mountains. We shall receive a signal, and when it is given, we proceed to fight and fight hard. I have given you instructions about not clashing with the Americanos who lead us to the Hawk. So we ride. Now. Get ready.

[Narrator]

Outlaw Gun Gonzales. The Hawk laughed happily as his American counterpart, Kyle Ferris, led the stolen covered wagons into the Mexican's mountain hideaway.

[Kyle Ferris]

Oh, my friend Kyle, you have done it again. This time, even more better. There are guns in all the five wagons. All five of them. But before we look at them and unload them, let's have some drinks, huh? It's cold here in these mountains. But certainly we drink, my friend. Tequila. Plenty tequila. We celebrate getting the guns that make Ignacio Gonzalez the leader of all Mexico.

[Narrator]

At that moment, in the third of the five wagons, the Lone Ranger and Toto cautiously pushed away the last of the rifles that had been piled loosely over them since leaving the town of Texmex.

[Tonto]

Otto, all these guns in the open crates are loaded. Get ready to use them one after the other. Take a rifle and start to fire.

[Captain Peacock]

When I say the word.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger cautiously lifted the canvas at the side of the wagon. A short distance away, men were gathered around a campfire, and two of them were conspicuously the center of attention.

[Tonto]

That's fares on the left and gondolas on the right. They get them first, the rest of this task may be easier. Aim at their gun arms. Totto, you ready? And fire. And continue to fire now.

[Narrator]

The first shot sent Paris and Gonzales to the ground. In a matter of seconds, the gaiety in the outlaw's camp gave way to wild confusion. Men Reached for guns, but shots from the wagon sent many of them to the ground, wounded. The others sprawled to the ground and started to fire into the darkness where the wagons were. Then there was a blast of a bugle from the mountain road.

[The Lone Ranger]

They come.

[Narrator]

Mexican soldiers charged in from the road, shooting.

[The Lone Ranger]

Surrender. Surrender or you die. Consulis tragic. Left their pen on ground. He is consulist. The hawk. We have finally found him.

[Narrator]

Kyle ferris, though wounded, ran to his horse. His followers, none of whom had been hit, followed and leaped into the saddles of any horses available. They gave no thought to the fact that no one fired after them as they galloped away toward the north. As they neared the rio grande, they heard hoofs approaching on the road behind and shots. They galloped faster toward the river, not knowing it was the lone ranger and tonto who pursued them, purposely shooting over the heads of the outlaws. The shock ceased as the american outlaws crossed the shallow river and rode onto texas soil.

[Kyle Ferris]

Boys, we made it. We didn't get paid for the guns, but we're safe. Yes, sir. We were lucky they didn't give up your surroundings. Hey, the american army's on this side.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're everywhere.

[Narrator]

Captain peacock and lieutenant courtney led the soldiers who rode in and surrounded paris and his gang. Two soldiers at the rear of the ranks rode down to the river. One of them led the great white horse, silver, and the other led scout. Peacock faced kyle ferris.

[Tonto]

You haven't a chance.

[Kyle Ferris]

Ferris, you reach for a gun. No, no, I'm not reaching. Neither my men. We surrender. I'm wounded. I need a doctor.

[Narrator]

The outlaws surrendered meekly. As they did, the lone ranger and tonto crossed the river onto the american side. They dismounted to get astride their own horses. One of the outlaws saw them and spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hi. Those were the armies who rode after shooting. There's only two of them.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

I thought there was an army.

[Kyle Ferris]

Oh, what's the difference? The army has us here.

[Lieutenant Courtney]

Yes, thanks to those two men. A masked man is the reason we caught you, ferris, and the reason the mexican army captured gonzalez.

[Kyle Ferris]

What? The masked man. The one who's riding away on the white horse. How could that be? Who is he?

[Captain Peacock]

Well, when your wound's been treated, we'll tell you everything before you go to prison. As to who he is, I'll tell you that now. He's the lone ranger.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the lone ranger incorporated, created by George w. Trendle, Produced by Trendle Campbell mule incorporated directed by Charles d. Livingston and edited by fran Striker. The part of the lone ranger is played by brace Beame.

[Andrew Rines]

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

[Lieutenant Courtney]

It.