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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.
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Fiery Horse with a speed of lights, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver the Lone Ranger.
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During the years of unrest that followed the Civil War, a powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrow sprang up in the Western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes, working toward the ultimate goal of revolt and the foundation of a despotic empire. It was the masked rider of the plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. For once his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. As the Lone Ranger in Tonto raced through the path, the men on top of the ridge opened fire on them. But Silver and Scout's speed carried them out of danger. Once through the path, they cut away from the main trail and finally rained up in a grove of trees not far from the river. Red River Valley Tunnel. We finally got here. It's plenty long ride. Still another two weeks before the election. We'll have plenty of time to look around. You think men on ridge crook? They were ranchers. That's all we can be sure of. How Lem shoot. Well, after all, I'm wearing a mask. You can't blame them for thinking I'm an outlaw. The reason for that guard on the ridge? The ranchers don't want any more homesteaders in the valley. How you find out which rancher member black era? I don't know yet. The first thing. You're right, Silver. The first thing is to get that saddle off and give you a good rub dance. That same day, the stage from the east broke down just as it entered the valley. The driver and the guard were finding it hard to make the necessary repairs when a young cowboy rode up and lent a hand. Mary Seaton, inside the stage watched him admiringly as he shouldered the brunt of the work. And when the stage was ready to roll once more. Howdy, ma'. Am.
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How do you do?
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If you don't mind, I've hit my cayuse on the back and I'd like to ride with you the way I.
C
I'd be glad to have the company.
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Why?
C
Fine.
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Let her run. My boys.
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Get up there, boys. Come on. Get up there.
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They tell me you're the new school teacher, Brian.
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Yes, I am.
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You think you'll like it out here?
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I don't know. Why not? It's beautiful.
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Yeah, the valley is kind of pretty this time of year. Especially where it hasn't been spoiled.
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Spoiled?
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I guess I better not talk that way to you. You'll be teaching the homesteaders kids, won't you?
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What do you mean?
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Well, just take a look out the window. Grass as far as you can see. That's what I call grave. But where? They've dug up the sod and there's nothing but bare dirt around. I don't care much for that.
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Did you ever see a field of rice grain?
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Yes, I like grass better.
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Well, we won't argue. But I can't believe you're like some of the ranchers I've heard about.
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What have you heard?
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That they're wild and lawless and that they don't have any regard for the rights of other people.
A
Meaning the homesteaders?
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Meaning the homesteaders. The ranchers would like nothing better than to drive them out of the valley.
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That wouldn't be such a bad idea.
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How can you say such a thing? They've settled on government land and they have a perfect right to stay there.
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Cattlemen were here first.
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There's plenty of room for both.
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Well, like you said, ma', am, we won't argue. I'd just like to know where you get your information about the ranchers.
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From Jeff Bryant.
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Oh, him.
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Don't you dare say anything against Jeff. He's a very good friend of mine. If you must know, he asked me to marry him. And I think I'm going to say yes.
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No, you couldn't do that.
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Why not? He's a fine man. He's intelligent, he's strong and tall and he's every bit as good looking as you are.
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There's just one awful thing about him.
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There's nothing awful about him.
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You can't deny he's a farmer.
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Douglas, back to that again.
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Yes, ma'. Am. It's sort of in the air out here.
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Well, if you can't talk about anything else, I'd rather not talk at all.
A
Would you mind telling me if Jeff has any special complaints? Not you, for instance.
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Well, there's a crazy young rancher named Chick Thompson, for instance. He thinks it's smart to get drunk and come riding into a peaceful little town like Ryanville and shoot up the place. Do you work for Chick Thompson?
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No, ma'. Am.
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Jeff told me all about him as a sort of warning. Well, I'd have to expect out here, but I'm not afraid of men like that. I'd like nothing better than meet him face to face and tell him what I think of him.
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Yes, ma'. Am.
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And when this election you're going to have.
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Oh, he mentioned that too, huh?
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Of course, he didn't want me to come out until it was over. Can you give me one good Reason why the ranchers want to get rid of a fine lawman like Sheriff Cameron. And the elected ruffian like Red Gordon and his place.
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We're partial to our friends.
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Then the sheriff's never been unfair to the rancher. He enforces the law, that's all.
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And this Chick Thompson back to him again, eh?
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Do you know him?
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Yes, ma'. Am.
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Can you deny that he's been threatening the homesteaders? Trying to scare them out of voting for Cameron?
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Well, maybe you're right about Chick. I guess he does drink too much. And when he drinks too much, he talks too much.
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I despise him.
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Then my thought Mile lack is just over that way. I guess I'll be leaving you now. Rain up Bill.
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Oh, boy. I don't see any buildings.
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They're over the rise. Oh, that writing pad you got there. Ma', am, could I borrow your pencil and a sheet of paper?
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Of course. Here.
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Thanks. You see, being new out in this country, you might need a friend sometime. I want you to know where you can get hold of me. Here you are.
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That's very nice.
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How'd it goes?
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Goodbye.
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Let me see just a second one out of his pay bill. Enoch. Chick.
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I need to be Very good.
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Chick.
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Council Circle T. Rex.
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That night, Chick rolled over to Ben Chalmers Bar X Ranch. He opened the front door without knocking and walked into the big living room. Red Gordon was sitting at the table. Hello, Chick. Howdy. Where's Benton? Kitchen. We'll be back in a minute. I think it's gone about the same, I guess. What are you doing tonight after we get through with Ben? I figured I might ride into Bryant's. Ah, but the homestead is Town went over the county seat with me. No thanks, Red. Well, if you have to go to Bryant Hill. Cheated up a little before you leave it, you'd been. Hello, Chick. I just been hiring a new cook. It's the first time I ever took on an engine. But beggars can't be choosers. You got any orders for me? Nothing special. Just keep up the good work. Pay a few more calls on the homesteaders and show them how straight you can shoot. You figure that does any good? Sure it does. The more we drum it into them that Claiborne is a cattle town and homesteaders aren't safe there. The better off we'll be on election day. Sure, Jake. We gotta go to Claiborne to vote. We gotta keep him away. If all the homesteaders vote, Red hasn't got a chance. Well, if that's all, have a drink. Before you go. No, I. I'm cutting down. That's a good idea. I wish I could persuade Red to do the same. So long, John. So long, Jake. See you tomorrow night. Yeah. Along, Red. Yeah. Where's he going? Brian, do you don't think he's getting friendly with the homesteaders, do you? Oh, no. What give you that idea? I didn't like what he said. What's more, I didn't like the way he looked when he said it. If you thought it did any good, I heard him. But you know where we'd be if we lost him. Chick Thompson's the only reason. We got the cattleman solid behind us. You don't have to worry, though. You get over to Bryantville yourself tonight. Watch him close. I want to know everybody he talks to and everything he says. Keynote, Ben. I'll watch him like a hawk. It was an hour later that the Lone Ranger, without his mask but wearing a disguise, reigned up on the outskirts of Bryantville. He left Silver there and then started down the main street. Ahead of him, he saw a young couple come out of a small white cottage and turn toward the center of town. He slowed his walk in order to keep behind him. Their conversation reached him clearly.
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I'm proud of you, Jeff. This is really your town. The stores and the new school and all the homes.
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Well, you're giving me too much credit, Mary.
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No, I'm not. It's yours, all of it. You let these people out here and you show them how to start a new life.
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The only thing I'll take credit for is my farm. I wish we could have driven out there before dark.
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You can come and get me tomorrow, can't you?
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You're clean, bright and early. Oh. Do you like your cottage?
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Perfect. But you shouldn't have gone to all that trouble. I could have watered with someone, and then. Well, it won't be long before we get married.
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It's good to hear you say that. But you've got to make sure you like the west first.
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I love it.
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Bryantville isn't the West. We plan to make this just like any country town back east, all around us, and it's different. Take Claiborne, for instance.
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I'll be living here. Not in Claiborne.
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Where? By now.
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Oh, that is that man standing out inside of the cafe.
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Oh, yeah. I wrote you about him. That's Chick Thompson. You like to cross over on the other side of the street.
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No, Jeff, I. I think you're wrong about Jake.
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What's that?
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I met him today. He helped the driver fix the coast when we broke down. And afterwards he rode a little way with it. We had quite a talk.
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I'm not wrong, Mary. There's nothing I've told you that isn't the truth.
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Not about what he's done, perhaps, but about the sort of man he is. You may be mistaken there.
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Actions speak louder than words. Rare Decided to join you, Chick. Come on in. Hey, tonight, Randy, that was our candidate for sheriff, Red Gordon. Good evening, Ms. Peyton.
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Hello, Jeff. I was a little surprised when I found out who you were, that's all. You acted like a gentleman.
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Well, I always try to act like a gentleman when I'm talking with a lady.
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You see, Jeff, I don't know whether you two have ever met socially, but I don't see how you can stop me from introducing you.
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Mary, Jess is a Chick Thompson. Chick, just dial Harris. Howdy.
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Aren't you going to shake hands?
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There's no sense to that. We'd just as soon laugh.
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I realize that one of you is a rancher and the other a homesteader. But if it weren't for that, I think you two could be good friends. I don't see why you should let a difference of opinion stand in your way.
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It goes a lot deeper than that, Mary.
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Are you sure?
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I'm positive.
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I wonder if you'd still think so after you've eaten some of my apple pie, huh? I want you both to come to supper at my house tomorrow night.
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Mary, you can't ask her. No. Good on you. I'll be glad to come, Ms. Eden.
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What about you, Seth?
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I'll be there. Don't you worry about that.
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That's fine. I'll expect you both at 6 o'.
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Clock. What are you wasting a time with that trash? Easy there, wretch. Watch your talk. Farm in the persnickety school, man. You got a little girl. Shut your mouth, Ren, or I'll shut it for you. That's just what I've been waiting to hear. Now that you got a girl in your arm, you gotta stop crawling and start talking, Faggy. All right. Talking means shooting to me. Go for your gun. It'll be a pleasure, but not when Ms. Seaton's around. Mary, I think we are waiting for nether. Go for your gun. Look out, Cap. Where'd that shot come from? It knocked the gun right out of his hand. On your horse and get out of here, Red Hood. You're covered. Into the saddle, Jake. You had it coming, Red. I'm not waiting much longer. All right. I'm going in. You'll be sorry to find your own business, stranger. I will forget this. See that you don't. I've got to be the new sheriff of this county. Sea all you gunmen will end up on the gallows. Get up there. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. As soon as Red galloped down the street, the Lone Ranger turned on his heel and left the little group in front of the cafe. Once outside the town, he mounted Silver and rode back to camp. There he found Ponto waiting for him. Steady, Silver. Steady, boy. You've been gone a long time. Toto Ah, make a job at Bar X. Cook. That's fine. Did you find out anything about Chalmers? Ah, me see black arrow on wrist. Him man you look for is Red Gordon a member too well. May not know about him. Well, he must be. Otherwise Chalmers wouldn't be trying to get him elected sheriff. Don't hunter here. Ranchers do. What Chalmers say a young fellow named Thompson. Tell him. You mean the only hole they have on the ranchers is through Thompson? That's right. That explains why Red didn't want him to get friendly with Jeff Bryant. Why is that? They had a little argument in Bryantville. Mary Seaton, a new school teacher, is trying to bring Jeff and Chick together. If she manages a tunnel, Cameron will be re elected. It won't have anything to worry about. The only trouble is that Chalmers will do everything in his power to stop her. That means the girl will be in danger from now on. Maybe so. There's no doubt about it. Help me get rid of this disguise. Afterwards, you'd better go back to the ranch. What'd you do, Charley? Took Sheriff Cameron into our confidence. Silver and I are heading for Clayborne. The following evening, Ben Chalmers paced the floor of his living room. Red Gordon sat near the window. It's seven o'. Clock. Is there any sign of him? No. That means he isn't coming. I told him it was important. I knew he wouldn't be here. He's having supper with a school teacher. Jeff Bryant? Yeah. I met with his set. Ben was standing just inside the cafe door. I could see the way he was looking at it. He's in love. You can't blame him much. The girls are looking. She's gonna marry Bryant, isn't she? Well, Chick might forget. He can change her mind. There must be some way out of this. There must be some way to keep him from making A fool of himself. What I'm worried about is he's making a fool out of Eris. Let's see the girl. If something was to happen to her, that wouldn't do any good. You'd just be driving Chicken Jeff together. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I haven't finished. She disappears and Chick Thompson disappears with her. Shut up. I. I'm getting it. Jeff would think Chick had kidnapped her. He'd get all the farms together and then get Cameron too. They'd search the country and find him, the girl. Tell the truth. Say it wasn't Chick who kidnapped. She couldn't say that if she was dead. They'd take Chick a prisoner and put him in jail. When the ranchers got wind of that, there'd be a fight. That's as good a way as any of clearing out the extra homesteaders. There's one angle you gotta work out still. What? They find the girl, she's dead. They find Chick at the same time, they'd have to be tied up when they see him. That way they don't find them at the same time. They just disappear at the same time. Oh yeah. It don't make any difference what Chick says. They won't believe him. Aquino. You can't have any part in it, though. Hey gets him in camp beyond the valley. They can take care of Chick. But like you say, the girl won't be able to talk afterwards. Why can't I take care of her? You can get moving. This has to be done tonight. You're sure? Tto sure they mean to act tonight. Ah. Red Le Ranch. One hour ago. We can't take any chance on the girl being hurt. But we may be able to use our plan in a different way. Home. Get off. Heavy. Silver City boy sure lives here. Sheriff. They ought to frighten me. So you better go first. Why should I ask? I forgot. It's late. Must be asleep. It can't be too late. Gordon had to get his men and they were camped outside the valley.
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Who's there?
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Sheriff Cameron. That's.
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A moment. Are you. Are you sure you have a right place there?
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Yes, Ms. Seaton. May we come in?
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That's. Now look at his mask.
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This is the Lorenzo.
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The Lorenzo?
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You may not have heard of him, but you can take my word that he's honest. He's working for the law, not against it. Remember?
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I mean, I don't understand. Why did you come here?
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Your life is in danger, Ms. Seaton.
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You're joking.
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No, he is. You've done more to Bring about a better understanding between the ranchers and the homesteaders in two days than the sheriff has in two years. If Jeff Bryant and Chick Thompson are on speaking terms, I'm willing to admit.
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They shook hands tonight. My hat's all square.
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There are cooks that don't have peace in the valley. That's why you're in danger.
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They won't kill me.
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There's no chance of that now. But if you do as we say, you may be able to put those crooks where they belong. In jail.
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I know your voicemail. You're the stranger who saved Jeff's life. You didn't give me a chance to thank you then. But if there's anything I can do, I'm willing.
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Then listen. I wonder if she's got the door bullet. Nope. So far so good. There's enough light from the moon to see pretty good. This must be the bedroom door. Nobody here might have been slept in, but she's gone. See what's wrong here? Let live and see. What's that cropped up on the table note? Dear Jeff, they're going out to Mrs. Shannon's farm. She's been taken ill. That's fine. It'll be easy to get her out there. Just take the notes with me. The job's as good as done. Hey, Ben. What's the idea? What have you come back here for? Change of plans, that's all. The girl's head of Mr. Shannon's farm. I'm going after you. What about your men? They're getting sick at 3 o'. Clock. You better ride over there and make sure everything goes smooth. You gave them their orders, didn't you? I mean, check on their getaway. Oh, Kano. I'll see you tomorrow, Chick. Thompson stared uneasily in his sleep. Then suddenly he sat bolt upright. Ready, mister? He felt the cold steel of a gun muzzle pressing against his temple. Don't make a move or I'll squeeze the trigger. What is this? Get him, boys. Gag him. And rope. Mary and Mrs. Shannon were waiting in the front room of the farmhouse. The old woman was nervous and could hardly control her hand as she lifted a cup to her lips.
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There now. You ever feel a little more clumsy than I am? I've spilt. I'll Wipe it up, Ms. Shannon. It's only a few drops. I can do it myself, you know. This wasn't my idea in the first place. Mrs. Shannon, if you'd rather have me go, I will stay right where you are. I know whose idea it was, and I've never felt more safe in my life. It's just this waiting that gets on my nerves. He shouldn't be long now. Shouldn't I be in bed, though, if I'm supposed to be sick? You don't have to pretend at all. That's a blessing. Black hearted villain. The mere sight of a space will put such strength in my tongue and my arm. There'll be no control in them. But you must control them. I'll do my best. That's all I can promise. Listen. One horse she is no doubt I'll enter the door. You'll do no such thing. Have you forgotten your instructions? That's the one moment it's Maggie Shannon that'll open the door.
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Hello, Ms. Shannon.
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Hello, Red. What do you want?
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Ms. Seaton's here, isn't she? She is. Well, I'm glad to see you looking so well. She's got to come back to town right away.
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Well, I don't think she has any intention of doing that. But I'll let you talk to her yourself. Come in.
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Thanks.
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Mary, it's Red Gordon. He says you've got to go back to town.
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Why, Mr. Gordon, I get bad news, Ms. Seaton. He's a friend of yours. Been hurt bad. He's at the doctor's.
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Friend? You don't mean Jeff, do you?
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That's it. I don't know if he's gonna pull through or not. If you want to see him alive, you better hurry.
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This is no time of night for a young girl to be riding the trail alone.
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I'll be with her.
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That's worse than being alone.
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You keep out of this.
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Mrs. Shannon's right. I'll wait until morning before I start.
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Did you hear what I said about Jeff?
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I heard you, Mr. Gordon, but I don't believe a word of it. You see, I know exactly what you're up to. You planned to kill me. That's why she came out here where she could be safe.
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You picked a mighty poor spot, sister.
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At the least you'd get me to protect her.
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That's funny, that is.
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And I might not be able to stop you. But you'll hang for it, that's sure.
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They get a bullet for each of you.
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Oh, now it's going to be wholesale murder.
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Just one thing I don't get, Ms. Eden. If you was warned, why didn't you go to Jeff's farm?
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Because Jeff had something better to do than take care of me.
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What do you mean?
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Your gunmen were planning to take Dick Thompson a prisoner tonight. How did you know, and Jeff had to get all the homesteaders and the ranchers together to stop them.
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That means you have to live for Jeff.
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Wrong again, Mr. Gordon. I left a note for you.
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If that's him, Ben, hurry up. What's the matter? You might have been captured. They're sure to talk. We got to clear out of the county. Now, wait a minute. Wait nothing. The ranchers and farmers are riding together. The game's up for good. I'm not leaving before I finish these two. I'll make it fast. Okay. Up with him. Thomas. Mask man.
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The Lone Ranger and the sheriff. They've been waiting in the kitchen with the door parked open. They've heard and seen everything.
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Oh, my head. This has happened before, Red, you should know your hand isn't hurt.
C
Oh, yes. It's danger.
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Gordon, you and Chalmers are under arrest. I've been told you won't hang here. There'll be soldiers coming to take you to Fort Union. I just want to make sure of you, Gordon. I see your rest now. Black Arrow, stick out your hand.
C
Somebody else riding up.
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Larry.
C
It's Dennis.
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Jeff and Chick together. I like the sound of that. Harry, are you all right?
C
Of course I am. Didn't Tom tell you there was nothing to worry about?
A
Oh, I couldn't help. It's good to see you. Have you noticed the prisoner's chick? Yeah. Those handcuffs look pretty good to me, too. How do the ranchers feel about the homesteaders now? Just like I do. There's one thing certain, Sheriff. Nobody's gonna run against you for a long, long time. That means the homesteaders will get protection. They got a right to it.
C
Oh, Jake.
A
Mary, If I ever said anything against Jeff, I take it all back. There's only one thing I'm hoping. That he'll let me be the best man at your wedding. You got your wish, mister. And the wedding's going to be tomorrow.
C
Tomorrow? Is it good?
A
What is it? Hunter. Outside the town. Him carrying. Message from Padre. From the. From the Padre. We get that plenty fast. Steady, boy. Steady. Silver. Silver. Get him up. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
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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.
C
It.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: January 30, 1942
Podcast Release Date: January 16, 2026
In “School for Ranchers,” the classic Lone Ranger radio drama delves into a heated conflict between ranchers and homesteaders in the Red River Valley. Against the backdrop of a looming election and covert sabotage by the criminal Legion of the Black Arrow, the episode explores prejudice, the struggle for justice, and the power of cooperation. We witness the Lone Ranger working to unravel a plot that could tear the community apart and endanger innocent lives—including a spirited new schoolteacher eager to bridge the valley’s divides.
This episode blends earnest frontier drama with a brisk, communal warmth. The Lone Ranger’s steady, reassuring presence is offset by Mary’s fresh optimism and unyielding sense of fairness. Dialogue is peppered with lively Western idioms, gentle barbs, and heartfelt declarations—capturing both the grit and hope of the era.
“School for Ranchers” is a vivid, action-packed Western parable about how understanding, courage, and working together can bridge even the deepest divides. Through classic radio storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and the Lone Ranger’s unwavering pursuit of justice, the drama delivers both thrilling entertainment and a timeless call for unity.