Set a Thief to Catch a Thief | The Lone Ranger (09-21-42)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns — Episode Summary

Title: Set a Thief to Catch a Thief | The Lone Ranger (09-21-42)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger, the masked hero and his loyal companion Tonto face a scheming band of outlaws in Gold Canyon. A brazen gold robbery, an attempted murder, and a tangled web of deception put the Lone Ranger and his allies—Pop Foster, his daughter Mary, and Sheriff Dan Parker—to the ultimate test. Justice hangs in the balance as the heroes race against the clock to rescue a kidnapped Mary Foster and expose the mysterious mastermind behind the crimes, leading to a high-stakes showdown at an abandoned mine.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. The Gold Heist & Betrayal (05:08 – 08:21)

• Opening scene: Lance Arnold waits in hiding for the Overland Gold Express with the outlaw Todd Vane.

• The gang ambushes the gold shipment, wounding driver Pop Foster. The conflict shows internal tension between Arnold (who resists violence) and Vane (quick to shoot).

  • Quote:
    “Don’t be so flipping your tongue, Foster. You won’t be needing it.”
    — Todd Vane (06:36)

• The heist results in $15,000 in gold being stolen, and Foster is left for dead.

2. Miners Demand Justice – Lone Ranger’s Intervention (08:21 – 10:08)

• Arnold informs the miners about the robbery and apparent murder, riling them up for mob justice.
• The Lone Ranger appears, revealing Foster survived and holds evidence; he defuses the mob and departs mysteriously.
  • Quote:
    "Pop Foster has evidence to convict the man who shot him and who stole the gold from the Overland Express."
    — Lone Ranger (09:31)

3. Clues and Confrontations at Foster Ranch (10:08 – 13:37)

• At the Foster ranch, the survivors recover. Lone Ranger and Tonto tend to Foster, and a vital clue is discovered—a torn piece of checkered flannel from Vane's shirt.
• Sheriff Dan Parker arrives, confirming his trust in the Lone Ranger and vowing to act on the new evidence.
  • Quote:
    "Foster must have ripped it from Vane’s shirt while they were struggling."
    — Lone Ranger (13:01)

4. The Real Villain Revealed – Lance Arnold’s Role (14:09 – 17:33)

• In the town’s saloon, Arnold rebukes Vane for his recklessness and the torn shirt pocket.
• Sheriff Dan Parker arrests Vane—thanks to the matching flannel and torn shirt, but the real boss’s identity remains hidden from most.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto orchestrate the arrest, ensuring the evidence is secure.
  • Quote:
    “You won't wriggle out of those bracelets. Easy, Vane. Now walk.”
    — Dan Parker (17:04)

5. Vane’s Ultimatum & Mary Foster’s Kidnapping (20:27 – 26:39)

• While jailed, Vane gets a secret message from “Limpy,” an outlaw: if he isn’t freed by midnight, he'll betray the gang's leader.

• Meanwhile, Arnold’s gang kidnaps Mary Foster to blackmail Pop into staying silent at the trial.

  • Quote:
    “You want your daughter returned to you unharmed? Don’t testify at the trial.”
    — Lance Arnold (24:22)

• Dan Parker and the Lone Ranger strategize: one must defend Pop and Mary; the other will gather miners to defend the jail.

6. High Stakes: Midnight Deadline & The Mastermind’s Expose (27:04 – 29:39)

• Vane, believing the gang abandoned him, confesses Arnold is the real mastermind.

  • Quote:
    “Yeah, Lance Arnold, the big boss. The brains behind every job pulled in Gold Canyon.”
    — Todd Vane (29:08)

• The Lone Ranger tricks Vane into revealing the truth by setting the jail’s clock forward, outwitting the criminals.

  • Quote:
    “All I did was to set the jailhouse clock an hour and a half ahead... Your distrust of Lance Arnold and quick conclusions did the rest.”
    — Lone Ranger (31:47)

7. The Climactic Showdown & Justice Restored (29:50 – 32:00)

• In the abandoned mine, Mary confronts Arnold, warning him the Lone Ranger will save her.
• The miners, guided by the Lone Ranger and Tonto, surround the hideout, rescuing Mary, apprehending Arnold, and dissolving the outlaw ring.
  • Quote:
    “You are pretty slick. Slick, but not slick enough for the Lone Ranger.”
    — Sheriff Dan Parker (32:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outlaw Morality:
  “There ain’t been nothing too low for them snakes to stoop at to get their crooked fingers on some gold. But now murder has been done, and we aim to string the pack of them to a limb. We mean business, Lance.”
  — Lance Arnold (08:57)

• Heroic Entrance:
  “Put them together, Mary, and what do you get? ...Mary, he’s the Lone Ranger.”
  — Dan Parker (13:30)

• On Deception and Illusion:
  "That gang leader has us just where he wants us, Tonto. We can’t hold the trial tomorrow without endangering Mary." — Lone Ranger (27:11)

• On Justice:
  “Slick, but not slick enough for the Lone Ranger.”
  — Sheriff Dan Parker (32:00)

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Important Timestamps

• 05:08 – 08:21: The gold robbery and shootout
• 08:21 – 10:08: Miners demand revenge; Lone Ranger diffuses tension
• 10:08 – 13:37: Evidence discovered at Foster ranch; the torn shirt pocket clue
• 14:09 – 17:33: Vane arrested, Arnold’s duplicity hinted
• 20:27 – 26:39: Vane’s jailhouse ultimatum; Mary kidnapped to thwart trial
• 27:04 – 29:39: Vane names Arnold as the mastermind after being tricked by Lone Ranger
• 29:50 – 32:00: Mary rescued; outlaws captured, full justice restored

---

Tone and Style

The episode maintains the classic Western blend of suspense, cunning criminal plans, folksy wisdom, and heroic resolve. Characters spar with sharp, period-appropriate banter, and the Lone Ranger’s calm authority provides a steadying influence throughout. The soundscape, enhanced by digital restoration, makes the action immersive—from galloping horses to tense confrontations in shadowy mining towns.

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Final Thoughts

This Lone Ranger adventure encapsulates the spirit of radio Westerns: a criminal plot unraveled not just by gunplay, but by clever deduction, teamwork, and the steadfast pursuit of justice. With memorable villains, a compelling kidnapping twist, and the ultimate reveal of a respected town leader as the criminal mastermind, "Set a Thief to Catch a Thief" is a quintessential tale of the Old West brought vividly to new life.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

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[Podcast Host 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. Your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Horse with the Speed of Light, the Cloud of Dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

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Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

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[Lone Ranger Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness, have come down to us through the generations. And nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.

[Dan Parker]

From out of the past come the

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lance Arnold]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

We're heading for Gold Canyon.

[Lance Arnold]

Silver.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Concealed by sagebrush and the heavy shadows of a moonless night, Lance Arnold hunched forward in the saddle of his horse and strained his small, shrewd eyes and ears for the coming of the Overland Gold Express. Suddenly, across the desolate waste of the mining country known as Gold Canyon, he heard faint but furious hoof beats and the whine of wagon wheels.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

There's Foster now, coming around the bend. Now a vain follows my order. Yeah.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Charge of blasting powder fell a huge tree across the narrow trail, blocking the path of the onrushing wagging team.

[Lance Arnold]

Pull up there, you ordinary critter.

[Todd Vane]

Have a seat, Foster.

[Lance Arnold]

We get you covered. Todd Vane. So you're the snake that flashes that log across the trail.

[Todd Vane]

Don't be so flipping your tongue, Foster. You won't be needing it. Make sure you know who you're addressing, Sevy.

[Lance Arnold]

I'd know. A polecard like you no matter how many masks you wore. You can't disguise a bad owner.

[Todd Vane]

Hey, you.

[Lance Arnold]

Don't shoot, boss don't want any killers.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

That's right.

[Todd Vane]

We're in for plenty already.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Pull up your gun.

[Todd Vane]

Just as you say, boys. But if he pops off again, he'd be looking at the sky on his back.

[Lance Arnold]

What do you want, Vanessa?

[Todd Vane]

Now what? The gold you got packed in that wagon. Fussy. What?

[Lance Arnold]

How'd you know I was toting gold tonight?

[Todd Vane]

I know everything, don't I, boy?

[Lance Arnold]

That gold stays where it is. Main, you've been running things to suit yourself around here long enough. Them fellas at the mine's been working two weeks to get that ore. Now swallow lead before I'll stand by and see it go to your kind.

[Todd Vane]

Hey, what did you Before Foster, make

[Lance Arnold]

sure of your facts.

[Todd Vane]

Here to go, boys.

[Lance Arnold]

That's my hair, Foster. Come on, you mangy coyote.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Looking on from his place of concealment close by, Lance Arnold raged inwardly as he saw Vane's gun flame and Foster stagger and sag to the ground lest

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Vane, the crazy fool. I told him I wouldn't stand for killing. That slug of his is liable to put a noose around our necks. Hey, what's next?

[Lance Arnold]

There's two horsemen heading his way, Vane. One of them's trying to man. All right, boys. Put that go in your seven bags.

[Todd Vane]

Let's keep going.

[Lance Arnold]

All right.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Mask man riding a white horse and an engine. That's a mighty strange combination. Mighty strange. Get along, Ca use. Let's high till it out of here.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Early the next day, Lance Arnold presided at a meeting of the miners in the hall in Gold Canyon.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Boys, I've got bad news. The Oberlin Express was waylaid last night out of the old Sioux Trail. $15,000 in gold was stolen and Pop Foster was murdered.

[Lance Arnold]

Murdered? Pop Foster. Come on, boys. We're fixing a lynching for Todd Bane and the rest of them snakes right now.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Wait a minute, boys. Wait a minute. Let's not go off half cocked. I sent for Sheriff Dan Parker. Let's wait and see what he's got to say.

[Lance Arnold]

It don't make no difference what he's

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

got to say, Lance.

[Lance Arnold]

Todd Vane and his crowd have been pushing us miners around long enough. There ain't been nothing too low for them snakes to stoop at to get their crooked fingers on some gold. But now murder has been done, and we aim to string the pack of them to a limb. We mean business, Lance.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

It was not murder.

[Lance Arnold]

Hey, what's that? Look. Bail the door. A mask. Tom.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Men, your chairman, Lance Arnold, is mistaken. Pop Foster was not murdered. He was wounded, but he'll soon be.

[Lance Arnold]

Well, how do we know you in cahoots with them coyotes, stranger? Yeah, how do we know you ain't lying to keep us from dealing with them polecats as they deserve?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Perhaps this will answer your questions, Pop Foster has evidence to convict the man who shot him and who stole the

[Narrator/Storyteller]

gold from the Overland Express.

[Lance Arnold]

What evidence, stranger? Say, who are you, anyway? Yeah, how do you know so much about the holdout? He's gone. Look at that white horse run.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Mask man. So we meet again. I'm thinking it won't be the last time.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

After his dramatic departure from the miners meeting, the Lone Ranger rode to the Foster ranch, where he and Tonto had taken the wounded prospector the night before, assisted by Foster's daughter, Mary, Tonto was redressing the wound while the old man slept.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

How is it, Tanto?

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Bullet wound in chess.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Plenty bad. But him feel better? By miracle, he's alive after being shot at such close range.

[Mary Foster]

I. I don't know who you are, stranger, but I want to thank you, both of you, for saving my pa's life.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

There's no need to thank us, Mary. Donald and I merely did what anyone would do in wake. Now, hand me that glass of water, will you, Mary?

[Todd Vane]

What?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

There. He's opening his eyes. A mask man and an engine. Who are you? Your friends, Foster.

[Mary Foster]

They saved your life.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Pa. Oh, it's Mary. What happened? Where am I?

[Mary Foster]

A gang of outlaws held up the Overland Express last night. One of them pulled a gun. Oh, Pa.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yes, I remember now.

[Lance Arnold]

Oh, now, Mary, don't take on so. I'll be myself again in no time.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

All right, Pa. Who's the man who shot you, Foster?

[Lance Arnold]

Her name's Todd.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Vane got away with a gold. I was frightened. Yes, I know. And why were you carrying gold from the mine without guards? The mines wanted it kept secret. I see. They thought that if you drove the Express without guards, the outlaws would think you weren't carrying gold this trip. That right?

[Todd Vane]

That's it.

[Lance Arnold]

But Todd Vane, a thieving coyote, seems to know what they plan to do before they do it.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Vane does know, Foster. He gets his orders from a man who has a miner's confidence. The same man who tipped off Vane that you were fretting gold last night. Reckon you're right. Masked man. One of Vane's gang mentioned a boss. Boss?

[Mary Foster]

Paul. Paul.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

There's nothing to worry about, Mary. Your father's just tired.

[Mary Foster]

Who? Who is it?

[Dan Parker]

Mary, it's me, Dan. Open the door.

[Mary Foster]

Dan. Oh, Dan.

[Dan Parker]

What is it, honey? Just heard about your father from Lance Arnold. He isn't.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

No. Dan. Pop. Foster's going to be all right.

[Dan Parker]

Masked.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

I didn't hear your full name. Parker. Dan Parker. Sheriff Parker, isn't it? Dan. So you're wearing a star.

[Dan Parker]

That's right, stranger. And now, if you're finished, I'll ask a few questions myself.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

I'll save you the trouble. Sheriff Murray will vouch for me.

[Mary Foster]

He brought Paul home after he was shot, Dan. He and Tonto here.

[Dan Parker]

Tonto.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Dan, you're just a man I want to see. What do you make of this? It's a piece of checkered flannel. That's right. Hello. And I found it in Foster's hand after he was Shot Foster's hand. Unless I'm mistaken, Dan, this flannel was torn from a checkered shirt. As you can see, it's shaped like a pocket. Foster must have ripped it from Vane's shirt while they were struggling.

[Dan Parker]

Vane. So, Todd Vane suggested.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yes, Dan. Despite his mask, Foster recognized him. All the evidence we need to prove that Vane shot Foster and stole the gold is to match this pocket against a tear and vain shirt. We? You mean you'll help? That's what T and I are here for, Sheriff. Seems to me I've seen or heard of you somewhere before.

[Dan Parker]

Wait a minute. Isn't that a white stallion I saw outside?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yes, sir.

[Dan Parker]

Sure. A masked man, an Indian and a white horse. Put them together, Mary, and what do you get?

[Mary Foster]

I. I don't understand, Dan.

[Dan Parker]

Mary, he's the lone rang.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger. Tonto and Sheriff Dan Parker rode toward Canyon City to arrest Todd Bain. Lance Arnold waited for Vane in a private office in the Half Moon Cafe.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's about time you got here, Vane. What took you so long?

[Todd Vane]

I don't want a little express job.

[Lance Arnold]

Lies. I.

[Todd Vane]

Keep your shirt on. Had to still go to the hideout.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Speaking of shorts, Vane, what happened to your pocket?

[Todd Vane]

I don't know. Reckon I tore it on a nail.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You ought to be more careful, Vane. About that and a few other things.

[Todd Vane]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I mean that itching trigger finger of yours. That slug you put into Pop Foster last night is making trouble. You know, Foster's mighty popular in these parts.

[Todd Vane]

Getting scared, Lance?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

They're not scared, Vane. Just careful.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I told you before, I'm not aiming to have the law pin your hog while shooting on me.

[Todd Vane]

Quit worrying. Need a lawman, this set of panhandle who could hog tie Todd Vane.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You know you got more beef than you got brains, Vane. Laws on your trail right now.

[Todd Vane]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A mask ombre announced at the meeting this morning at Pop Foster is not only alive, but is holding evidence to convict the man that shot him. Yeah, the same maverick you saw hot footing it to Foster's rescue before you could judge the effect of your bullet. Got any evidence? No idea what it is.

[Todd Vane]

You know me, Lance. I don't leave any treason when I'm on a job.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

You left some this time, Vane. If you don't want to spend the rest of your life behind bars, you'd

[Todd Vane]

better get it back. I'll get it back. While I'm doing it, I'll leave another mark for Foster to remember me.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No, wait. No time for that now, Vane. First Thing to do is to skip town on the Foster affair. Quiets down.

[Todd Vane]

Just as you say, Lance. Now go tell the boys

[Dan Parker]

I'm looking for Todd Vane.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Who's that?

[Todd Vane]

Sheriff Dan Purge.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Go out and face him. He'll be the finish if he finds me here.

[Todd Vane]

What about me? Foster's old nebulous.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Don't worry about Foster. I'll take care of him.

[Todd Vane]

You'd better, Lance, if you know what's good for you. Looking for me, Puggy?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

You under arrest, Vain?

[Todd Vane]

Yeah, you don't say, Sheriff.

[Dan Parker]

I advise you to keep your hands where I can see them, Vain, or else.

[Todd Vane]

Or what, you young squirt? You ain't man enough to get to drawing your own shadow.

[Dan Parker]

Try something, vain and see if I'm man enough or not.

[Todd Vane]

Hey, don't grease leather on whipping.

[Dan Parker]

I'm taking you with me for wounding Pop Foster and robbing the overland Express of $15,000 in gold.

[Todd Vane]

Try and prove it.

[Dan Parker]

I got the proof right here, Vane. Piece of checkered flannel which Forster tore from the clothes of the man who shot him. It's a perfect match for the design in your shirt. If you step over here, I'll prove that it's the pocket you're missing from that shirt.

[Lance Arnold]

There, you trump and Jehoshaphat. It's a mash man. Shot Vane's pistol right out of his hand.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

I wouldn't try that again.

[Todd Vane]

Vane, you blessed coyote. I'll get you for this.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Save your threats, Vane.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Huddle.

[Dan Parker]

Uh huh.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Me here.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Bring Vane's horse around to the hitch rack. Ah. Counter savvy, then. Take charge of the prisoner. I'll cover your retreat.

[Dan Parker]

You bet. And thanks. You won't wriggle out of those bracelets. Easy, Vane. Now walk.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Steady there.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Don't move.

[Dan Parker]

Watch it.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Watch her outside.

[Lance Arnold]

There they are. They're heading to the jail. Look at that masked hombre, Gold. Seems to me I heard tell of that yell somewheres before. I wonder.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, mask man, you won the first round. The fight's not over yet, or I'm not. Lance Arnold. It's going to be fought to a finish. Finish your finish.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of tonight's Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

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[Lone Ranger Narrator]

Now to continue our story from the time of Todd Vane's arrest, Canyon City talked of nothing but his coming trial. The evening before the day the trial was to be held found the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Sheriff Dan Parker discussing the case in the jailhouse.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Suddenly, they heard the cry of a hoot owl. Listen, that not hoot owl.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

That man make believe.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

You mean it's somebody imitating the cry of hoot owl? Huh? Probably was a signal that came from

[Todd Vane]

just outside Ben's cell.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Follow me. Yes.

[Todd Vane]

Look there.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Ben's talking to someone through the bars of his window. Name? Yeah, who is it from? The horse? Yeah, what is it? Boss says not to worry about the trial. Have you out of the hoosgow for morning.

[Todd Vane]

It's mighty good of the boss lady,

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

but it ain't good enough. I'm not tempting a permanent.

[Todd Vane]

Steal the hoose gal for anybody.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

What'll I tell him?

[Todd Vane]

Tell the boss if he wants to save his own hide, he'll have me out of here by midnight tonight.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Midnight tonight? I'll tell a Vane. See you later. You'd better, Limpy. Now we can talk. What Vane mean your boss want to save Hyde? He means that if he isn't freed by midnight, he'll reveal the identity of his mysterious chief. Then the gang will attempt to force a jailbreak tonight to keep Vane from talking. Either that, Dan, or what Then I think it would be wise for you to spend a night at the Foster ranch. I don't have to tell you that without Pop Foster's testimony at the trial tomorrow, our case against Vane will collapse. But I'll miss all the fun when they raid the jail. Won't be much fun, Dan. You'll be more valuable at Foster's than you'll be here. All right. Hello. Ride to Gold Canyon and round up all the miners you can. We may need every man there who can shoot a gun to hold this jail until the night's over. Counter right.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger prepared for the gang's next move, Limpy returned to Lance Arnold with Vane's ultimatum.

[Lance Arnold]

I tell you, boss, if we don't get Vane out by midnight, he'll talk.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I heard you before, Limpy.

[Lance Arnold]

I'll get the boys together. We'll crack that. Who's got wind over.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Wait. Miners are too aroused to stand for the boy. Strong arm and veins escape, Limpy. They'd string Vain up in a minute. I've got a better plan.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Listen.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

That evening, Pop Foster, his daughter Mary and Dan were together in the Foster ranch house.

[Lance Arnold]

Mary, you fuss over me like I

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

was a two year old.

[Mary Foster]

Well, you're certainly acting like one. Isn't he, Dan?

[Dan Parker]

He sure is.

[Lance Arnold]

Ah, don't give me any your lip here, young whippershapper. So them coyotes are thinking on forcing Todd Vane out of the hooshkow, are they? I'm gonna get my gun and fill that polecatzer full of buckshot. Eating his own mother.

[Mary Foster]

Oh, you mustn't excite yourself, Dan. Help me get him back into bed. That's better. Now remember, I'm boss around here till you're on your feet again.

[Lance Arnold]

Ain't no petticoat gonna boss me. I'll get out of this.

[Mary Foster]

You'll get out of this bed tomorrow for the trial and not before.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Just like your mother. Mary. Oh, Mary.

[Dan Parker]

What is it?

[Mary Foster]

A face. I saw a man's face outside the window.

[Lance Arnold]

It's Beans gang, that's who it is. Face. My rifle, Dan. Quick.

[Dan Parker]

All right, boss.

[Lance Arnold]

Come on here. All right, boss. Come on in.

[Dan Parker]

Foster's still alive here, boss.

[Lance Arnold]

Just unconscious. Want me to finish him?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No, No, I can make better use of my life.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

What about Parker and the girl?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

They're out cold.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Trust Foster and Parker to them chairs and gag him. We'll take the girl to the abandoned mine.

[Lance Arnold]

Sure, boss.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Right away, Chief. Limpy.

[Lance Arnold]

Yeah, boss?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I want you to take down a note to Foster. I want you to write it in big block letters so the handwriting can't be traced. Understand?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

All right. Take this. You want your daughter returned to you unharmed? Don't testify at the trial. If you do, you'll never see your daughter again.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

All right.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Address to Pop Foster, Limpy. And put it in his lap so he'll be sure to see it when he comes to life.

[Lance Arnold]

Right, boss. Foster's coming to now, boss. He's talking to himself.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Don't let the loose jawed old maverick talk. He won't have a chance at the trial. Foster's testimony is the only evidence that masked hombre has against Vane. It stands to reason they can't hold a trial without evidence. Can they, boy? And if they can't hold a trial, they can't hold a prisoner. So Vane will go free.

[Lance Arnold]

What about Vane's threat to talk if we don't get him out of jail by midnight, boss?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Plenty of time before midnight for you to get to Vane's window, Limpy, like you did before. Tell Vane we're holding Foster's daughter to keep his mouth shut till they cancel the trial.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

We've got the girl all ready to go, boss.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I take her outside and strap her to the saddle of that extra horse. Once we've got her in that old forgotten mine, they'll never find her.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

While Lance Arnold and his men rode with Mary toward the abandoned mine that was the gang's hideout, the Lone Ranger and Toto sat in the jailhouse and listened to the ancient clock strike 10.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Well, 10 o', clock, Toto. The gang has only two hours left to free Vane. You think they come? Vain seems to think so. Sleeping in his cell as if he didn't have a care.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

You make sound like Buzz.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

You're not far wrong at that. Chemo sabiha Goof beats. See who it is, Tunnel. Maybe the gang now. Two riders, one hurt. Oh, and Dan Parker. Something's happened. What's happened, Dan?

[Dan Parker]

Mary's been kidnapped. We were talking together, the three of us, when Bane's gang attacked the house. Then I, Papa and me, unconscious and took Mary with him.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Pull yourself together, Dan. Bring Papa inside, Tunnel.

[Dan Parker]

They all wore handkerchiefs over their faces. They let Papa and me tied to chairs. But I worked a knife loose from my belt and cut the ropes.

[Todd Vane]

Folks.

[Dan Parker]

We've got to save Mary. We've got to.

[Lance Arnold]

Mary kidnapped Dan and I overpowered.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Don't try to talk now, Foster. Hello. Put him on the cot in Dan's office. We've work to do. Let me do it. And there's no doubt that Vane's gang was ordered to kidnap Mary by the man who Vain threatened to expose after midnight that Mary's in no danger unless her father testifies at the trial.

[Dan Parker]

That's what the note said. The note the kidnappers left?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yeah.

[Dan Parker]

It's dressed apart.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Yes. Just about what I expected. Imprinted in such a way as to make it difficult to trace Foster. Rest.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

You feel better by and by.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Good. Dan, I think you better go to Foster. He may need you. And you could do with some rest yourself. We'll do everything we can for Mary.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

As the jailhouse clock crept closer to midnight, Bane continued to sleep in his cell. The Lone Ranger and Tyler discussed their next move.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

That gang leader had us just where he wants us, Tonto. We can't hold the trial tomorrow without endangering Mary. And if we don't hold the trial, Vain will go free. That's right. Our only chance of saving Mary and at the same time convict Vane is to locate the hideout where they've taken her. We've got to do it before midnight. Not much time. 10:15. Hello. That clock gives me an idea. Listen.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

In his cell, Todd Bane was wakened when the jailhouse clock struck 12, the midnight deadline he had set for his release.

[Todd Vane]

Midnight already?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

That's what the clock says. Vane, bless him.

[Todd Vane]

Poor Cat's figure to double cross me now.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

You're wasting your breath, Vane. The man you take your orders from isn't going to break you out of jail tonight.

[Todd Vane]

How'd you know about this?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

I overheard your talk with Limpy. If your men attempt anything, they'll be welcomed with the most unpleasant surprise of their lives.

[Todd Vane]

Meaning what?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Meaning miners. Vane don't have to tell you how the miners feel toward you and your gang.

[Todd Vane]

Boys will be here when they come.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

They're not coming, Vain. In fact, they run out of town some time ago. They probably went to the hideout.

[Todd Vane]

You can't trick me, Misty.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Look out the window of your cell and see for yourself.

[Todd Vane]

The half moon ain't a light showing in it.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Looks like your friends have run out on you.

[Todd Vane]

Maybe you're right. It's always worth skittish about my shooting being traced to him. Just like that white lived cow to get me in a spot and fix the stores I couldn't get out. Yeah, that's it. Double crossing pole cat. Making me think he'll get me out of here by midnight when all the time he was planning to go to the hideout and get away with the gold.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Huh?

[Todd Vane]

He ain't getting away with it. I ain't taking a deal since for him or anybody.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

I'll talk.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

I mentioned Lance a moment ago. Vane did. You mean Lance Arnold?

[Lance Arnold]

Yeah, Lance Arnold, the big boss.

[Todd Vane]

The brains behind every job he put in Gold Canyon.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

And my suspicion was right.

[Todd Vane]

What's that? You mean you suspected Lance was the boss in the first?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Practically vain. Arnold was the only man at the miners meeting who assumed Pop Foster was murdered. The only person besides myself who knew that the gold was stolen. I could only mean that he was present at the hold up, probably as a member of the gang.

[Todd Vane]

You sure had the right slant, mister.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Well, there's still time to surprise Arnold. He'll take us to the hideout.

[Todd Vane]

Surprise? Strange. Here. There ain't nothing I'd like better.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

Hello, Dan. Saddle Vane's horse and round up the miners. Riding to the hideout.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

In an abandoned mine and gold canyon, Lance Arnold listened with amusement to the angry outburst of a girl he had kidnapped.

[Mary Foster]

You won't get away with this, Lance. Arnold, the Lone Ranger will learn what you've taken me. And when he.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Lone Ranger, huh? So that's who our mysterious mask friend is. Well, Mary, he's met his match this time. He hasn't one chance in a million of locating this mine. Why, I wouldn't have located myself. I hadn't accidentally stepped into this mine shaft and pretty near broken my neck.

[Mary Foster]

Would have been better if you had.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Regular spitfire, aren't you? Well, we'll soon take that out of you.

[Mary Foster]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, that depends, Mary. If your father keeps his mouth shut and refuses to testify against Vane at the trial tomorrow, you'll be remembered by every law abiding citizen in Canyon City as responsible for Vane gone free. On the other hand, if your PA is ornery enough to ignore my warning, you'll rest in a watery grave at the bottom of this mine shaft. Listen to this stone. When I drop it down the shaft. It's a long way down, Mary. Black as the ace of spades. Nobody'd ever find you.

[Mary Foster]

You. You wouldn't dare.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It's for your father to say, Mary, not me.

[Lance Arnold]

Boss keep Baines and spilling all he knows. I'd better hightail it to the jailer and tell him there ain't gonna be a try.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

What time is it, Limpy?

[Lance Arnold]

11:15, boss.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yeah, you'll have just enough time to make the jail before midnight.

[Lance Arnold]

It's the miners. They have us surrounded.

[Mary Foster]

Balloon Ranger. I knew he'd come.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Padre, what are you doing here?

[Lance Arnold]

You'd run out with the golden ass. Well, you got me wrong.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Great.

[Todd Vane]

Don't pedal out of it.

[Lance Arnold]

I'm on to your jing.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

That'll be enough of that, Bane.

[Todd Vane]

Hey, what is this? What sports is Nutter doing here?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Well, I've been trying to tell you, you crazy fool. We kidnapped to keep Foster from testifying at your trial. Libby was just leaving to give the news to your jail when the miners jumped us.

[Todd Vane]

Mash man. You double crossing coyote. You tricked me. You tricked me into betraying my own men.

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

You tricked yourself, Vane. All I did was to set the jailhouse clock an hour and a half ahead.

[Todd Vane]

You mean when the clock struck midnight?

[Sheriff Dan Parker]

It was actually only 1030, vane. Your distrust of Lance Arnold and quick conclusions did the rest.

[Dan Parker]

I'll take charge of you now, Vane. And you too, Arnold. You are pretty slick. Slick, but not slick enough for the Lone Ranger.

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[Todd Vane]

Sam.

[Lone Ranger Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Podcast Host 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 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 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.

[Lance Arnold]

Sam.