Drew Westcott (5:40)

I haven't anything of value. I don't even carry a gun. I'm worn out from walking and Say, that's my horse.

Narrator (5:48)

We found him grazing alongside the trail. We're not out low. There's no need to raise your hands. Thanks. That mess. Oh, forget it. What happened? Did your horse show you? No.

Drew Westcott (6:00)

I was run out of town by a big tough fella named Slugger or something or other. He and his friends threw me out of the cafe. Chased my horse down the trail and then forced me to follow on foot.

Narrator (6:10)

Him maybe. Mean Slugger Hawkins fellow we hear about. Kiyosabi. Oh, yes. You're new to the west, aren't you?

Drew Westcott (6:18)

Yes, I am. I'm Drew Wescott from St. Louis.

Narrator (6:22)

Glad to meet you. Drew, why did Slugger Hawkins mistreat you?

Drew Westcott (6:26)

Well, earlier today, I was sitting in the Rock City Cafe and a fellow slugger and his two friends entered. They demanded free service and threatened to shoot up the place if they didn't get it.

Narrator (6:38)

What happened?

Drew Westcott (6:39)

Cafe owner gave in to him. Then they insisted the treats were in the house for everybody, but I refused to take anything. It threw me out and ran me out of town on foot after they'd sent my horse down the trail with an empty saddle.

Narrator (6:52)

That was quite inexperienced, Drew. You're lucky Slugger Hawkins didn't shoot you in the back as you ran from town. He has a very bad reputation. Isn't that right? Why don't you carry a gun?

Drew Westcott (7:04)

Frankly, I gave up carrying firearms.

Narrator (7:07)

Well, in the west it's necessary for self protection.

Drew Westcott (7:09)

I have good reasons for not carrying one.

Narrator (7:12)

Such as?

Drew Westcott (7:13)

One thing. I would have killed Slugger Hawkins.

Narrator (7:16)

No need to go that far. But having a gun might have kept you from being mistreated today. Men like Slugger Hawkins respect a gun.

Drew Westcott (7:24)

And a quick draw would have resulted in his death.

Narrator (7:28)

I don't understand.

Drew Westcott (7:30)

I don't think you're doing it.

Narrator (7:31)

No matter. At least you have your horse back. Now where will you go?

Drew Westcott (7:35)

I haven't decided yet, mister.

Narrator (7:37)

Well, we're in a camp near here. If you care to join us. I'd like to talk to you some more.

Drew Westcott (7:42)

I could do with some advice, mister. Maybe you're the man who could give it to me. I'd like to go with you and the Indian.

Narrator (7:48)

Good. Let's go. All right. After the three men had pitched camp in a nearby grove, Drew said very little. But later, when they sat near the campfire having coffee, he seemed to have gained enough confidence in his newly found friends to begin a conversation.

Drew Westcott (8:14)

I suppose you wonder about me being out here in the west and not carrying a gun.

Narrator (8:19)

Yes, I have wondered. Drew.

Drew Westcott (8:21)

In the first place, dad was an expert with a gun. From the time I could hold one. He taught me all he could about firearms, which was considerable.

Narrator (8:30)

The one. Oh, listening.

Drew Westcott (8:32)

When dad was younger, he came west, became a frontier sheriff out here.

Narrator (8:38)

That's interesting.

Drew Westcott (8:39)

Later he came east to visit and met mob. After they married, she persuaded him to stay there. You see, dad could outdraw and out shoot most anybody. But he had the habit of drawing and firing almost at the same time. He never gave anyone a chance.

Narrator (8:54)

I'm beginning to understand now.

Drew Westcott (8:56)

Dad became sheriff in St. Louis. Once he went after outlaws with a posse. His brother in law rode with him. Posse separated to widen the search.

Narrator (9:07)

But what happened?

Drew Westcott (9:09)

Brother in law and a few others took a branch trail. Later they found the outlaw's tracks. Dad's brother in law left the others and took a shortcut down a slope to find him. As he rode from behind some boulders ahead to intercept dad. Well, dad fired before he realized who it was.

Narrator (9:29)

That's bad.

Drew Westcott (9:31)

I know. He killed his own brother in law because of his bad habit.

Narrator (9:36)

Well, that was a tragedy.

Drew Westcott (9:38)

Yes. Dad almost went crazy thinking about it. Mom died soon after. And then one morning, dad went away for good. Yes, he left a note saying he was heading west. He went on to write that since he'd never draw first again against anyone, he'd likely Die with his boots on, he said because he taught me to handle a gun. I'd learned the same bad habit he had. He begged me in the note never to carry a gun. And to go farther east to relatives in New England where I'd have no need for a gun.

Narrator (10:11)

Now we know why you not have guns.

Drew Westcott (10:15)

I haven't carried a gun since dad left. But I couldn't stand staying with Mom's relatives, so I came west to find dad.

Narrator (10:25)

Did you have any particular reason for coming to Rock City, Drew?

Drew Westcott (10:29)

Dad used to mention Rock City. I thought perhaps he settled in this vicinity.

Narrator (10:34)

Since Slugger Hawkins and his partners moved into Rock City, there's been trouble. Everybody there is said to fear him. Hunt and I came down here hoping we could do something about the situation. That's right, Slugger. Plenty mean color steel, Hugh.

Drew Westcott (10:51)

I can't match Hawkins physically. Much bigger and stronger than I. But I'm not afraid of him.

Narrator (10:58)

I've decided. You have courage, Drew. I'm very glad we met you. That's right, Drew. The people of Rock City need help. They're all under the thumb of Hawkins and his men. Two weeks ago, the sheriff conveniently met with a so called accident. Since then there's been no law in Rock City.

Drew Westcott (11:16)

I noticed everyone seemed to give in to Hawkins. But there ought to be some way to relieve the situation.

Narrator (11:21)

Would you be willing to help? Yes. Good. I have a plan in mind, Drew. Meantime, in his hotel room, Slugger Hawkins was talking to his two friends. Boys, I've got everybody in this town eating right out of my hand. You sure have, Slugger. You practically own the town. Speaking of owning the town, I've been thinking of something. Well, I. Listen, both of you. If I was to get myself legally elected as mayor of Rock City, I could appoint Chunky as sheriff and you, Trigger, as deputy. And we could really take this town for everything it's worth. Man alive. That is an idea, boys. You think you can get by with it, Slugger? Sure. You boys pass a word around town that there'll be a meeting of all the men of Rock City and the meeting house to nominate and elect someone for mayor. We'll hold the meeting tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'.

Dutch Vet Advertiser (12:19)

Clock.

Narrator (12:19)

We'll start telling everybody right away. Yeah, but tell us, Slugger, how you gonna work it? Well, at the meeting, Chunky'll nominate me. And you, Trigger, get up quick and second it and suggest that nominations be closed and nobody'll dare nominate anyone else. After that, I'll call for a standing vote. That ought to Bring every man to his feet. Yeah. No one would have the nerve to stay seated. It you could bring the gang in to back us up if necessary. That's the way I figure it. Now pass the word about the meeting. Tell them we expect everybody to be there without fail. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

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Narrator (13:38)

This is Mel Allen, sports announcer, coming at you again and hammering away with those five big words. Champions are made, not born. Let me tell you about the Kangaroo Kid, Jim Pollard of the world champion Minneapolis Lakers. Jumping Jim wasn't born to dunk those layups. He practiced hard when he was a youngster and just as hard today. And is it any surprise that Jim Pollard's been eating Wheaties since he was 11? Take another pro basketball champ, Bob Davies of the Rochester Royals. Ever watch Bob bring that ball down the floor? Well, he started working on that dribble way back in grammar school. And eating Wheaties even then. It's more than practice, more than hard work, more than the will to win. It's also a matter of eating right? Sure, it's Wheaties I'm talking about. Wheaties bowl after bowl. Why, there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties plate. Yes, sir, you bet your last bowl of Wheaties. Champions are made, not born. Get on your way with Wheaties. Breakfast of champions now. To continue at their camp, the Lone Ranger and Toto had given Drew Westcott a gun and watched with interest as he demonstrated his marksmanship. They were both greatly impressed. That's good shooting, Drew.

Drew Westcott (15:10)

Thanks. But like Dad, I automatically squeeze the trigger when I draw. Just can't seem to control it.

Narrator (15:17)

I noticed that Drew and you hit the target without taking time to aim. Impine shot plenty fast and drawn. But as Drew said, he needs control. If you're willing, Drew, I'll spend time with you and try to teach you how to gain control.

Drew Westcott (15:32)

I wish you would, sir.

Narrator (15:37)

The following morning, while the Lone Ranger continued working with Drew, Tottle rode to the blacksmith shop at the edge of Town to have a loose shoe on. Scout fix the Indian waited while the blacksmith worked on the horse of a middle aged stranger. Tottle listened with interest to their conversation. You're new around here, aren't you, mister? Well, not exactly. Though I haven't been here for some years. Looks like Rock City's grown a lot since then. Yeah, but it sure isn't getting any better as a place to live or do home business like is. It's getting worse fast. Reckon this shoe will fit all right now. Steady there. Easy now, boy. Be through here in a minute. Engine. You know, I'm curious about what you just said. Why do you say Rock City is getting worse? Tries, Mr. One of you ever heard of a hombre named Slugger Hawk? Nope. Why? He runs Rock City now. Fact, he's called a meeting at 2 o' clock to get himself elected mayor. After that anything can happen. All the townsmen have to do is to run someone against him. Nobody in town's got the nerve, including me. He's got everybody under his thumb scared to make a move. Well, I was aiming to stay here a day or two anyway. I'll stick around and see what goes on. Nice soup, mister. $1. Yep. Thanks. And here's the money, lady.

Drew Westcott (17:11)

Be seen.

Narrator (17:12)

Hold on here. Shortly after Tonto left the blacksmith shop and rolled through the main street of Rock City, he noticed the stranger's horse in front of the cafe. So he dismounted and went inside. He heard the newcomer talking to a group of men. You may not have had courage enough to run a man of your own choice for mayor. If you don't like the hombre you think he's gonna be nominated. You don't know Slender Hawkins, stranger. We don't dare run anyone else. How come you let one hombre scare all of you and to let them take over Rock City? Well, he's a killer. And he's got tough friends too. Get tough yourselves and you might get good results at that meeting. Just think it over. Well, I have to get a room at the hotel, but I'll see you all later. Shortly after, Chucky went to the hotel and enter the room where Slugger and Trigger were playing cards. Hey, I heard a stranger at the cafe shooting off his mouth a while ago. Told the men there they were fools to be scared of you. Said they ought to run someone against you. What? Where's that stranger now? Here in the hotel, down in room 203. That makes it easy. We'll get to him and shut him up front of us. Wait.

Andrew Rines (18:44)

Wait a minute.

Narrator (18:44)

I found out something else. Something important. What? I saw an Indian around town dressed in buckskins and riding a fine paint. What about it? Remember the masked man who rode with an Indian over near Pecos?

Drew Westcott (18:56)

The Armors.

Narrator (18:57)

Who helped the law grab the Norton gang. You mean that's the Indian you saw? Yeah. Holy mackerel, Slugger. That means the masked man must be around here too. Come on. We'll get to that loud mouthed stranger first. And we'll pick up the trail of that redskin. Why? We don't want to get mixed up with those two hombres. Got a couple of hours before the meet. Maybe we can catch the masked man in Indian off guard and settle with him later. The Lone Ranger was discussing the situation with Totto and Drew Westcott. The stranger you heard in the cafe, Totto may at least start the townsman thinking.

Drew Westcott (19:37)

He'll be in plenty of trouble when Slugger Hawkins hears what he's been doing.

Narrator (19:40)

We'll all ride to the grove on the edge of town. Paolo will go into Rock City and check on things. Later, when the townsmen are gathered in the meeting house, we'll follow through with the plan I have in mind. Horses give warning, then look cross gully behind us. Quick, move in among the trees. The three men ran in crouching position to the safety of the trees just as a shot rang out. That shot came behind the large boulders beyond the gully. Move closer. Keep behind the trees now. Well, one man get hit? They're leaving three of them. I'd like to have had a closer look at them. I'm riding direction to town. They pick up their trail. We're going to town anyway. Come on. We'll discuss my plan of what we'll do at the meeting while we ride. At 2 o' clock, the townsmen gathered at the meeting house in town according to the instructions given out by Slugger's two gunmen. Slugger Hawkins stood on the little platform before them. All right, quiet everybody. Quiet. All of you know why we're here. About time we elected a mayor for Rock City. We'll have nominations from the floor. No need to give out ballots. We'll take a few. Stand and vote. Now we get down to business. Let's have the nominations. I nominate Slicker Hawkin. I second that move that the nominations be close. Who said that? I said it. Hawkin. You. I thought we ran you out of town. Chunky Trigger, throw this fool Easter out. Cool as heels with a few bullets. Stay away from me. You too, Hawkins. Oh, carrying a gun this time, huh? Well, draw your guns, men, and make sure this ornament better look at the two windows behind you before any of you draw. Slugger. The masked man at one window, the Indian at the other. They're covering us with guns, Slugger. Well, I'll settle with this young fool for bringing them all that. No, I'm him. As Slugger dropped his gun and clutched his wounded wrist, the Lone Ranger called through one of the windows. I have you all covered, huh, Slugger? I noticed one of your men has an armed the sling. You must have been the three men who tried to ambush a while ago at our camp. We better gun the mass man and that Indian. Oh, wait.

Drew Westcott (22:10)

There.

Narrator (22:10)

It gets stuck. The masked man's wise Trigger. Let's get away from here. Use your gun, Chucky. Right. I'll gun that young fool first. Stop that gun. After wounding Chunky, the Lone Ranger followed tto through the windows. Still keeping the crooks covered. Now I'll throw down my gun. Mister, I'm already wounded. Keep him covered while the election continues, huh? He wants to be. Now, ma', am, if you want to continue with this meeting and take this method of electing a mayor, go ahead. The slugger Hawkins is out of the running. That young fellow's the only one who got up nerve enough to face Hawkins. He's got plenty of squawks. Sure have. He sure handles a gun. Let's elect him mayor. What's his name? His name is Drew Westcott. I nominate Drew Westcott for mayor. I second the nomination. Wait, wait, hold on. Let me talk. Hugger Hopkins and his men fighting jack me in my hotel room. What goes on advancement, dad.

Drew Westcott (23:14)

Who?

Narrator (23:14)

My boy. Oh, dad. It's good to see you, son. Are you the hombre who face talking? With the backing of my two friends.

Drew Westcott (23:23)

Here, the masked man, the Indian.

Narrator (23:25)

They taught me how to control my firing. Dad.

Drew Westcott (23:27)

Now I carry a gun.

Narrator (23:30)

It's wonderful. Well, Drew, you've been elected mayor of Rock City. Congratulations.

Drew Westcott (23:37)

Well, in that case, I appoint my dad as sheriff.

Narrator (23:40)

Oh, listen, he's the stranger who talked against Paul. Yeah, he'll be a good sheriff. Well, see, the first thing I'll do is sheriff. He used to put Hawkins in his gun slicks in jail for attempted murder. They planned to kill me.

Drew Westcott (23:56)

You said they tried engage him.

Narrator (23:57)

Well, they made a big racket by kicking my feet against the door. The hotel clerk finally came up and untied me.

Drew Westcott (24:03)

I see.

Narrator (24:05)

Men, I'll do my best as mayor.

Drew Westcott (24:08)

I know dad will make a fine sheriff. He'll see that Law and order is kept here in.

Narrator (24:16)

Like to meet the two friends you spoke about. The masked man in India. Here we are. There. They were here a minute ago.

Drew Westcott (24:23)

I got other men to guard Hawkins and his pals and they slipped out during the excitement. But you'll meet him sometime soon.

Narrator (24:30)

Dad, tell me who the mash man is. Sir Dan.

Drew Westcott (24:35)

He's about the finest man I ever met and the best friend the fellow could hope for.

Narrator (24:42)

He's the Lone Ranger. We'll return in just a moment and for a word about our next exciting Lone Ranger adventurer, Dan Reed's return.

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Narrator (25:45)

Boxer Ben fights hard and fair. So in the ring you kids beware. He's 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. Kids, every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. Cheerios, remember, is made from oats, yet needs no cooking. Eat Cheerios, the cereal shaped like little letter O's. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. The Lone Ranger and Tottle found that Dan Reed, the masked man's nephew, had grown into a tall, handsome youth when he returned from school school to spend his summer vacation with him. When Dan wore a mask and was mistaken for the Lone Ranger by outlaws, complications followed which caused the masked man and his companions to face death dealing guns. Be sure to listen to this next thrill packed Lone Ranger adventure. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell, Muir 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 Ford. The Lone Ranger is brought to you by General Mills. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the same time. Be sure to listen. This recorded program has come to you from Detroit. This is ABC Radio Network. I'll return in just a moment.

Andrew Rines (28:15)

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. SA.