Shadow of the Gallows | The Lone Ranger (04-13-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

Episode: Shadow of the Gallows | The Lone Ranger (04-13-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 25, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Shadow of the Gallows" episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, hosted by Andrew Rines, listeners are transported back to the tumultuous days of the Wild West. This episode, digitally restored for enhanced clarity and richness, pays homage to classic Western radio dramas like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. The narrative weaves a gripping tale of betrayal, injustice, and redemption, featuring the iconic Lone Ranger and his steadfast companion, Tonto.

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Plot Overview

The story centers around the escalating tensions between Ned Morton and Ford Reese, neighboring ranchers whose fierce rivalry threatens the peace of their community. Roy Lyman, a conniving antagonist, seeks to eliminate both men to monopolize the local ranches. As conflicts intensify, a series of orchestrated murders leads to a courtroom drama where Ned Morton is wrongfully accused of first-degree murder. The Lone Ranger steps in to uncover the truth, ensuring justice prevails.

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Key Events and Discussions

1. The Feud Between Morton and Reese (03:32 - 04:20)

   • The episode opens with heated arguments in the Bovina General Store between Ned Morton and Ford Reese. Accusations fly as Reese blames Morton’s cowhands for trespassing and damaging fences.
   • Ford Reese (03:58): “Your men did it.”
   • Ned Morton (04:06): “And if my boundary fences are cut again... I'm not going to blame your men.”

2. Roy Lyman’s Machinations (05:25 - 06:45)

   • Roy Lyman, portrayed as a smooth-talking yet ruthless figure, plots to eliminate both Morton men. He collaborates with his henchman, Tech Buell, devising a scheme to frame Joe Morton for the murders.
   • Roy Lyman (05:35): “We're going to kill Morton, blame it on Reese, then kill Reese before the law gets to him.”

3. The Orchestrated Murders (07:03 - 10:36)

   • Ned Morton arrives alone at the meeting spot where Roy Lyman ambushes and kills him, staging the scene to implicate Reese.
   • Shortly after, Roy Lyman orchestrates the murder of Ford Reese, presenting the bodies to fuel the false narrative against Joe Morton.
   • Roy Lyman (07:53): “He’s dead, all right. Dead as they make him.”

4. Courtroom Drama and False Accusations (12:36 - 13:24)

   • Ned Morton is swiftly tried and convicted of first-degree murder based on fabricated evidence and Roy Lyman’s deceitful testimony.
   • Ned Morton (12:36): “We find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.”

5. Introduction of the Lone Ranger (22:37 - 28:27)

   • As tensions peak, Joe Morton escapes custody, intent on avenging his father’s death. The Lone Ranger and Tonto intervene, leading to a dramatic confrontation.
   • Lone Ranger (22:37): “Go put that gun down.”
   • Through cunning and bravery, the Lone Ranger captures Tech Buell, who reveals Lyman’s true motives, thereby exonerating Ned Morton.

6. Final Confrontation and Justice Served (25:36 - 27:52)

   • In a climactic showdown at Roy Lyman’s ranch, the Lone Ranger exposes Lyman’s lies. With evidence from Tech Buell, Roy Lyman is apprehended, and truth triumphs over deceit.
   • Ned Morton (25:36): “I have no friends. Don’t follow me. If you do, I’ll shoot.”

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Character Highlights

• Ned Morton: A steadfast rancher wrongfully accused of murder. His unwavering determination to clear his name drives the central conflict.

• Ford Reese: Ned’s rival whose disputes escalate into tragedy. His murder sets the stage for the ensuing drama.

• Roy Lyman: The main antagonist, whose greed and manipulation orchestrate the downfall of both Morton and Reese. His scheme to dominate the ranches is central to the plot.

• Joe Morton: Ned’s son, whose quest for justice leads him into peril, ultimately relying on the Lone Ranger’s intervention.

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto: The iconic heroes embodying justice and righteousness. Their strategic maneuvers and courage are pivotal in unveiling the truth and restoring order.

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Insights and Themes

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode poignantly highlights the struggle between rightful justice and the corrupt manipulation of power, embodied by Roy Lyman’s deceit.

• Redemption and Heroism: The Lone Ranger serves as the beacon of hope, demonstrating that true heroism lies in uncovering the truth and protecting the innocent.

• Community and Rivalry: The fierce competition between ranchers reflects the fragile nature of community ties in the Wild West, where personal vendettas can escalate into widespread turmoil.

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Conclusion

"Shadow of the Gallows" masterfully encapsulates the essence of classic Western storytelling through its intricate plot and dynamic characters. Andrew Rines, as host, ensures that the digitally restored audio immerses listeners into the heart of the Wild West, where courage, loyalty, and justice prevail against greed and deceit. The episode not only pays tribute to the legendary The Lone Ranger series but also reinforces timeless themes that resonate with audiences today.

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Notable Quotes

• Ned Morton (04:06): “And if my boundary fences are cut again... I'm not going to blame your men.”

• Roy Lyman (05:35): “We're going to kill Morton, blame it on Reese, then kill Reese before the law gets to him.”

• Ned Morton (12:36): “We find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.”

• Lone Ranger (22:37): “Go put that gun down.”

• Ned Morton (25:36): “I have no friends. Don’t follow me. If you do, I’ll shoot.”

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Recommendation

For enthusiasts of vintage Western dramas and those new to the genre, "Shadow of the Gallows" offers a compelling blend of suspense, action, and moral dilemmas. The enhanced audio quality makes it an engaging listen, bringing the classic adventures of the Lone Ranger to life with unparalleled clarity.

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Join the Journey:
Stay connected with Old Time Radio Westerns by following them on otrwesterns.com and subscribing to their YouTube channel for exclusive content. Support the podcast and become part of the ranch hands community to unlock additional behind-the-scenes material.

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This summary captures the essence and key elements of the "Shadow of the Gallows" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Expedia]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia Made to travel.

[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 high O, Silver the Lone Ranger. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, 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.

[Ned Morton]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver, let's go be called. Hail, Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator]

Ned Morton and Ford Reese had quarreled heatedly and often about their ranches, which adjoined each other. Their greatest argument occurred in the crowded confines of the Bovina General Store. Reese had accused Morton's cowhands of cutting down boundary fences and allowing Morton's stock to graze on Reese's land. When Morton, using sulfurous language, denied the accusation, Reese lost his temper completely.

[Ned Morton]

Ned Morton, you're a lion polecat.

[Ford Reese]

Your men did it.

[Ned Morton]

And if my boundary fences are cut again and if I find any of your cows on my land, I'm not going to blame your men.

[Joe Morton]

I'm going to hold you responsible. Reese, you're talking like you had grasshoppers where your brain should be. I tell you, neither I nor my men bother with your fences or herds.

[Ned Morton]

And I say they do.

[Joe Morton]

And if it happens again, I'm taking.

[Ned Morton]

The law into my own hands.

[Joe Morton]

Meaning what?

[Ned Morton]

You won't be alive to know what I mean.

[Narrator]

None of the listeners took the argument seriously.

[Joe Morton]

Those two are always blowing up a.

[Ned Morton]

Storm, fighting and fussing and promising to.

[Joe Morton]

Do away with the other one. You know, I'm willing to bet the old codgers don't even carry bullets in their guns. I bet you're right at that.

[Ned Morton]

I wouldn't be too sure. Only man in these parts that don't carry a gun is Roy Lyman.

[Joe Morton]

Yep, that namby pamby little old Fuss Budget would probably shoot himself here as much as touch the gun. But about Ned Morton and Ford Reese they're heading for trouble. You'll see.

[Narrator]

Roy Lyman, whose appearance and mannerisms in public warranted the description. Ned Fuss Budget was an entirely different man when he was with those who helped him carry out his various well planned schemes. He and his right hand man, Tech Buell, sat in Lyman's den at the rear of his ranch house. Lyman, who was reputed to be afraid of all firearms, held a pearl handled.45 in his hands. He caressed it as he looked at Buell.

[Roy Lyman]

It's been a long time since I used this gun.

[Expedia]

You're planning to use it again?

[Roy Lyman]

I might. Things are beginning to shape up beautifully if what you tell me is true.

[Expedia]

You mean about Reese threatening to shoot Morton today? It's true. I was in the general store when he said it.

[Roy Lyman]

When I had you start cutting the boundary fences like you've been doing. I was hoping for something like that.

[Expedia]

You're bound you're going to take over both their ranches, aren't you?

[Roy Lyman]

I certainly am. There's only the open range between their places and mine. Yes, there are. Two ranches together with the one I own would make me the biggest ranch owner this side of Texas. I moved into this territory with the idea of making that happen.

[Expedia]

But Roy, even if you kill Reese and Morton, it wouldn't do any good. You'd only get Reese's ranch. That is, if you're able to buy it like you think you'll be able to do.

[Roy Lyman]

Why will I get only Reese's place?

[Expedia]

On account of young Joe Morton. He'd take over his father's place.

[Roy Lyman]

He can't do it if he's dead.

[Expedia]

You mean you're going to kill him too?

[Roy Lyman]

No, the law will do that. We kill Morton, blame it on Reese, then we kill Reese before the law gets to him. This time we blame it on young Joe Martin. We say we saw him shoot Reese and. Well, it's as simple as that. All we have to do is plan it right.

[Narrator]

Lyman and Buell waited until they were certain that Joe Morton had gone to town one day. Then Buell went to old Ned Morton alone in his ranch house and gave him a message. Morton read it, then looked at the messenger.

[Joe Morton]

What's Lyman want? Why does he want me to meet him over near the Reese place instead of here at his own ranch?

[Expedia]

Well, I don't know, Mr. Morton. He just asked me to bring you that letter, that's all I know.

[Joe Morton]

All right. He's a nice feller, Lyman is. If, like he says, there's something important he wants to talk About? I guess he's got reason to ask me to meet him. Tell me I'll be there. 11 o' clock, like he said.

[Expedia]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

I'll tell him. Buell delivered a similar message to Ford Reese. Only the time of the proposed meeting was 11:30. Reese considered, then accepted. Ned Morton arrived at the meeting spot at 11 o' clock. There seemed to be no one in the vicinity. He dismounted and began to look around. Roy Lyman was the man who fired the shot that killed Ned Morton. Lyman and Buell came from their ambush and looked at the fallen man.

[Roy Lyman]

He's dead, all right. Dead as they make him.

[Expedia]

Nice shot.

[Roy Lyman]

Fair. Now, you ride to town and let the sheriff and the people know that Reese killed Morton like he promised he would.

[Expedia]

I'll say I saw it happen, but that Reese rode off before I could get to him.

[Roy Lyman]

Right. Only be sure you get the word to Joe Morton first. Don't tell the sheriff till you see Joe right off from town.

[Expedia]

I won't, Roy. You'll take care of Reese meanwhile.

[Roy Lyman]

He'll be as dead as Morton a minute after he gets here. After that, handling Joe Morton will be easy.

[Ned Morton]

Ho. Ho. Ho. Ho, now.

[Narrator]

Ho.

[Joe Morton]

Ho.

[Narrator]

Ford Reese was killed when he arrived at the place of appointment. Roy Lyman went through the dead man's pockets and removed the letter he'd sent to Reese just as he had done through Ned Morton a little earlier. There were witnesses present when Tech Buell arrived in Bovina and told Joe Morton of the tragedy. Morton's reaction was immediate and violent.

[Ned Morton]

Dirty coyote. He killed dad. Did he? He said he would and he did. Well, I'll get him. I'll do the same to him right now.

[Expedia]

Don't be crazy, Joe. Let the sheriff handle this.

[Ned Morton]

The sheriff know? I'll do the job quicker and better. I'm going out and get my dad's body. And after that I'll get Ford Reese if it's the last thing I do. Murdering coyote. Now, Joe, wait. Don't go. Let the sheriff game old. Pay any attention, Tack.

[Joe Morton]

He's loco. Yeah, he sure is. And he means it. He'll kill Ford Reese.

[Expedia]

Yeah, I reckon he will. I better go tell Sheriff Dunbar.

[Ned Morton]

You better. There goes Joe Morton, riding out of.

[Joe Morton]

Town like mad to where his father is.

[Narrator]

As Tech Buell watched Joe Morton's horse disappear, he walked towards the sheriff's office, smiling to himself.

[Expedia]

What a surprise you're gonna get Bob when you find your old man's body. Yeah, what a surprise.

[Joe Morton]

Ho. Ho.

[Ned Morton]

Ho, down, boys.

[Narrator]

There were two bodies at the spot where Tech Buell told Joe Morton he would find his father. As Joe Morton saw Ford Reese's body nearby, his rage gave way to bewildered surprise. He knelt beside Reese and took the dead man's gun in his hand. He sniffed at the barrel, then looked into the bullet chamber. No bullets had been fired. Then he heard a step behind him and turned. But he was too late. Before he could adjust the gun in his hand, Roy Lyman had grabbed Joe Morton and yanked the boy's gun from his holster. He pressed the gun against the boy's back.

[Roy Lyman]

Let me have that gun in your hands, you.

[Joe Morton]

You murderer.

[Roy Lyman]

Give it to me. All right, now turn around with your hands up.

[Narrator]

Roy Lyman had a gun in each hand pointing at Joe Morton. When the latter turned, a surprised look on his face.

[Ned Morton]

Mr. Lyman, put on those guns. Look over there. Dad's been murdered. Poor Grease has been murdered, too.

[Roy Lyman]

I saw you do it.

[Ned Morton]

What? Saw me do it. I just got here.

[Ford Reese]

Stand back.

[Roy Lyman]

Stand back, I said.

[Ned Morton]

Ralph, shoot. But you didn't see me kill Reese. He killed Dad.

[Roy Lyman]

I know about that part. I only know I saw you kill him.

[Ned Morton]

Oh, you didn't. I couldn't have, because now. What are you doing?

[Roy Lyman]

I see the sheriff and his men coming this way. I'm going to shoot and summon them here.

[Narrator]

Joe Morton's gun was in Lyman's right hand. As he spoke, he lifted it and fired into the air three times, covering the lad with a gun in his left hand. Then he fired the second gun into the air once, shouting as he did so.

[Joe Morton]

Sheriff.

[Roy Lyman]

Help.

[Ned Morton]

Help. Sheriff Dunbar. Oh, Sheriff.

[Roy Lyman]

Sheriff, I'm glad you've come.

[Joe Morton]

Hey, what's this say? There are two bodies here.

[Ned Morton]

Yes, Sheriff. Ford Reese is dead, too.

[Joe Morton]

So, Joe, you got Reese before we could stop you, huh?

[Ned Morton]

I didn't kill him, Sheriff.

[Roy Lyman]

Oh, but he did, Sheriff. I saw him.

[Ned Morton]

I.

[Roy Lyman]

Please, take these guns, someone. I'm scared of guns. I'm afraid I'll faint and I.

[Ned Morton]

Hey, he's fainting. Grab him. Yep, I got him. I look at him, afraid of a gun and faints.

[Joe Morton]

Well, he held it long enough to keep Joe Martin for us. Put the cuffs on, Joe, Baldy.

[Ned Morton]

Sure thing. I'd get those wrists out, Joe, but I didn't kill Reese, Sheriff. I swear it. I didn't use my gun. I just use it.

[Joe Morton]

Is this your gun?

[Ned Morton]

Yes, but I didn't shoot it. Lyman, did you hurt him?

[Joe Morton]

I'm not sure I did. Come along, Joe.

[Ned Morton]

No, no, I won't take those cuffs away. I won't let you hold him. Throw a Punch, will ya? Now keep quiet. I won't. Lyman is lying.

[Roy Lyman]

I never hit.

[Joe Morton]

Oh, you didn't have to hit him, Baldy, but you can take him into the hoosgow. I'll see how Lyman is. Between him and Tech Buell, we've got this whole story. Too bad about Joe Morton. I feel sorry for him, but he'll hang for this.

[Narrator]

There were some bits of evidence in Joe Morton's favor, but the preponderance was with the prosecution. The county attorney warned the jury before it retired to render a verdict.

[Ned Morton]

First degree murder is that which is premeditated. Certainly this was a murder of premeditation.

[Joe Morton]

Witnesses heard Joe Morton say he would kill Rhys. Another witness who braved death to capture.

[Ned Morton]

Joe Morton saw him kill the deceased in cold blood. There is no excuse, no factor that can cause you to render a verdict other than guilty.

[Narrator]

The 12 men, rugged and tight lipped, shuffled into the jury box in less than an hour after their retirement. When the judge asked for their verdict, it was given by the foreman who looked straight ahead as he spoke.

[Ned Morton]

We find the defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.

[Joe Morton]

Quiet.

[Ned Morton]

Quiet in the courtroom.

[Joe Morton]

Bailiff, if those people don't keep quiet out there, put them under arrest, huh? That's better. Now, if the defendant has anything to say.

[Ned Morton]

I have plenty to say. It's a frame up. A dirty, rotten frame up.

[Joe Morton]

Enough of that, young fellow.

[Ned Morton]

I didn't kill anyone. I didn't. Lyman was lying. Lying, I tell you he was.

[Joe Morton]

If that's all you have to say, you may stop now. The jury has given its verdict.

[Ned Morton]

I won't stop saying it. You could see he was lying. He had to be.

[Joe Morton]

Take him away, Sheriff. We'll hang him next week. Sometime soon as I set a date. Better keep quiet and come along, Joe.

[Ned Morton]

Sheriff, I'm not a murderer. But if I get my hands on that lion skunk, Roy Lyman, I will be a murderer. I'll kill him. I'll kill him. Enough of that.

[Joe Morton]

Abaldi, help me get him over to the jailhouse.

[Ned Morton]

Drag him along. No. Come on.

[Narrator]

Among the spectators who left the courtroom after the trial was an Indian who had remained standing in the background throughout. He mounted his horse quickly and headed for the hills.

[Joe Morton]

Get him up. Sc.

[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.

[Ned Morton]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Tonto rode to the Lone Rangers camp where he told the masked man of the verdict and Joe Morton's reactions to it.

[Ford Reese]

He's not guilty. I don't blame him for acting violent. I certainly wouldn't send him to the gallows after hearing the evidence.

[Ned Morton]

Ah, me know how you feel, Kemo Sabe. Men say he saw murder, but he had no witness.

[Ford Reese]

Another thing. If the story Joe Morton told is true, it accounts for the bullets fired from his own gun and that of Ford Reese.

[Ned Morton]

But sheriffs say him not here. Many shots.

[Ford Reese]

That could be because there are a great many men in the posse. All were galloping their horses. It would be difficult under the circumstances to know how many shots had been fired. It's true we need the law in the west as never before. But law and truth are not always the same.

[Ned Morton]

What you do, Kimasabe.

[Ford Reese]

I don't know what we'll learn, but there's a chance we might uncover something that didn't come out at the trial. We're going to see this man, Roy Lyman, as the moon.

[Narrator]

When Ranger and Tottle prepared to ride in on the trail to Bovina, Roy Lyman and his man Tech Buell were riding the same road away from the town.

[Roy Lyman]

Yes, it's a good thing I decided.

[Ned Morton]

To act the way I did when.

[Roy Lyman]

I first came to this town. Otherwise, the jury might have believed Joe Morton's story about me.

[Narrator]

As it was.

[Expedia]

I want a thousand dollars now, Roy.

[Roy Lyman]

What did you say?

[Expedia]

You heard what I said.

[Ned Morton]

All right.

[Expedia]

I want a thousand dollars as down payment for not telling the truth about you killing Ned Morton and Ford Reese. That's why I want a thousand dollars now before it's too late.

[Roy Lyman]

Too late for what?

[Expedia]

To save Joe Morton. In case you don't pay me, I've got your right. You know it, Roy. Once you buy those two ranches like you expect to, you're liable to ditch me. You tried it in Texas once.

[Roy Lyman]

Yes, but.

[Expedia]

No buts about it. I want money now we get back to the ranch.

[Roy Lyman]

Suppose I give it to you now?

[Expedia]

You got that much money in your pocket?

[Roy Lyman]

No, not money.

[Ned Morton]

I have this. You stupid fool. You what?

[Narrator]

As Tech Buell slumped from his saddle to the ground, Roy Lyman heard horses galloping in his direction from somewhere behind the bend in the road. He turned his horse quickly and galloped into the brush and over a hill, away from the scene. The Lone Ranger and Tonto, galloping around the bend in the road, came upon the body of Tech Buell. The man was still alive and conscious. And as the two men knelt beside him in the road, he spoke.

[Expedia]

I'm dying, but I must tell him.

[Ned Morton]

Man who see Reese kill Morton.

[Expedia]

Yeah, that's right. Only I didn't. I lied.

[Narrator]

What?

[Ford Reese]

Take it easy, man.

[Narrator]

Who shot you?

[Expedia]

Roy Lyman shot me and Tom Morton and Ford Reese.

[Narrator]

Gasping more as he became weaker, Tech Buell told his story to the Lone Ranger. There were lapses in the tale he told, but there could be no doubt as to facts he was telling about his own shooting when he died.

[Ford Reese]

Toto, we'll see the sheriff and tell him what this man told us. We must save Joe Morton.

[Narrator]

But Joe Morton, in irate desperation, had no idea of being saved. As the guard in the ramshackle jailhouse entered Joe's cell with his first meal for the boy, Joe leaped on the man.

[Ned Morton]

Shut up or I'll choke you to death. Shut up. Now give me your keys and your gun. You won't, huh? Right. There. Now I'll take him.

[Narrator]

Joe Morton left the cell block and used the keys to get into the outer office. Sheriff Dunbar and his deputy Baldy were wide eyed as they saw the boy with a gun leveled at them.

[Ned Morton]

Don't reach for your gun, Sheriff. I don't want to shoot you. Now you, baldy, take his gun and throw it across the room. Go on. I'll throw your gun too. You.

[Expedia]

All right.

[Ned Morton]

Now the two of you walk back into the cells. I'm gonna lock him one of them Move.

[Joe Morton]

You don't think you're going to get away with this, do you, Joe?

[Ned Morton]

No, but you're gonna hang me anyway. I'm gonna make sure when you get me this time that you have reason to it. All right, walk into the cell now, Joe. Let's go. Don't try to tell me anything, Sheriff. My mind's made up. By the time you catch up with me, I'll have killed Royal Lyman like he deserves to be killed. Don't start yelling till I get out of here. Yes, I might change my mind and shoot both of you too.

[Joe Morton]

There.

[Ned Morton]

You're locked in. Wish me luck.

[Narrator]

A few seconds later, hangers on outside the prison were startled to see the sheriff's horse gallop across the main street and into the hills with prisoner Joe Morton riding it. Minutes later, when the Lone Ranger and Toto neared the street, they saw the crowds running to the sheriff's office.

[Ford Reese]

Tato, that's a mob gathering.

[Ned Morton]

Hurry there.

[Ford Reese]

Then come back here and tell me what's happening.

[Joe Morton]

Get him up.

[Ned Morton]

Hey, Scott. Hopper.

[Narrator]

Tuttle returned shortly to the spot where the Lone Ranger waited, screened from the main street.

[Ned Morton]

Kimasabe. Joe Morton scape.

[Narrator]

What?

[Ford Reese]

How did he do it?

[Ned Morton]

Lock sheriff and men in cell. They getting out now. Posse going after Joe Martin.

[Ford Reese]

Which way did he head?

[Ned Morton]

Right to home of Roy Lyman. Say him going to kill Lyman.

[Ford Reese]

Totta, we can't let him. We've come to clear him a murder. Now he's intent on committing one.

[Ned Morton]

What we do?

[Ford Reese]

Kimasabe, you stay and tell the sheriff about the dead man we found. Tell him we're certain Lyman's guilty and ask him if he'll ride with you to the Lyman ranch. I'm going to get there before Joe Morton does. Tell the sheriff I may need help. And if he comes, I'm sure he'll learn the truth about Reese's murder.

[Ned Morton]

Come on. Settle there.

[Narrator]

Joe Morton had galloped the horse. He rode until the froth was flecking the lips of the animal. The horse began to stagger, it seemed, as it slowed on the path of the hill going downward to Roy Lyman's ranch house. Then he heard another horse thundering down the trail after him. He grabbed the gun he had taken from the floor of the sheriff's office on leaving and turned to face his pursuer. He saw a great white horse ridden by a masked man coming towards him. Joe Morton paid no heed to the masked man. Instead, he cocked his gun, ready to fire. The Lone Ranger reined his giant white horse to a stop near some underbrush. Then he shouted to the tight lipped boy, go put that gun down.

[Joe Morton]

I'm your friend.

[Ned Morton]

I have no friends. Don't follow me. If you do, I'll shoot. All right, you want it, huh? Here.

[Narrator]

As the shots hit the trees behind the Lone Ranger, the masked man leaped from his horse and hurried him into the thick underbrush. There, out of sight of Joe Morton, he removed his lariat from the saddle and tied one end of it securely to a heavy clump of bushes. He backed behind a tree and tugged at the rope. The clump of bushes rustled violently. Immediately, Joe Morton shot at the spot where he thought the Lone Ranger was moving.

[Ford Reese]

So you think I'm there in the bushes?

[Ned Morton]

Good.

[Narrator]

That's what I want. The Lone Ranger dropped to the ground silently holding the unsecured part of the lariat in his hand. Then, creeping and crawling, he trailed the rope behind him, tugging hard on it at intervals so that the bushes continued to rustle and sway. Almost noiselessly, he made his way in a semicircle to where Joe Morton hid behind the rock. Joe Morton could see occasional movement in the underbrush where the masked man and his horse had sought shelter. He wanted to shoot, but realized he must save his Two remaining bullets for Roy Lyman. The bushes continued to move as he backed away from the shelter of his rock. He turned, ready to make a run for his horse. But he ran directly into the arms of the masked man who had risen from the ground a few feet behind him. The Lone Ranger's arms tightened around Morton's body like a vice.

[Ford Reese]

Didn't expect me, did you? Now drop that gun and listen to me.

[Ned Morton]

How did you get here? Let me go.

[Narrator]

No, Joe.

[Ford Reese]

Now listen to me. I want to help you.

[Ned Morton]

Then let me go.

[Ford Reese]

Drop the gun first. That's it. Now hear what I have to say, because I'm going to talk fast.

[Narrator]

Roy Lyman had left his den at the rear of his ranch house when he heard what he thought were shots in the hills. But there had been silence for minutes. Now he returned to the great room, nervous. He cleaned his pistol, examined the barrel carefully, then placed bullets into the chambers. More minutes passed, and satisfied with the condition of the revolver, he placed it in his table drawer.

[Roy Lyman]

You sure took care of me, little gun. Hope I won't have to use you for a while again. But that's the front door. Who can that be?

[Narrator]

As he hurried into the front room, the window behind him opened and the Lone Ranger crawled through nimbly and quietly. He had watched Lyman and had seen the man place his gun in the table drawer. Quickly, he went to the table, removed the weapon and emptied it of its bullets. He placed the empty gun back into the drawer as he heard Rose Lyman coming toward the room with Joe Morton. As he left through the rear door, he saw Toto and the sheriff's men at the crest of the hill behind the ranch. Roy Lyman, leading Joe Morton into the room a few seconds later was puzzled, for Joe Morton, acting on the Lone Ranger's instructions, had lulled the man with his approach. Now, Roy Lyman, his mind working fast, sat the boy in a chair opposite his table.

[Roy Lyman]

I'm sorry, I can't help you, Joe. This sort of outlawry makes me ill.

[Ned Morton]

You're going to help me, though, aren't you? Give me a chance. Don't let him hang me.

[Roy Lyman]

I can't interfere with the law, Joe.

[Ned Morton]

No, but you did. You interfered with the law when you perjured yourself in court and said, I killed Ford Reese.

[Roy Lyman]

Joe, my boy, you're insane. I did only what I was supposed to do.

[Ned Morton]

Yes, what you were supposed to do in order to get Dad's ranch on the ranch of Ford Reese. What you were supposed to do.

[Roy Lyman]

Just a minute, boy. I don't know what you're saying.

[Ned Morton]

Yes, you do. You see, Mr. Lyman, Tech Buell didn't die. He didn't? No, he lived. After you shot him, I found him on the road getting away from jail. He told me everything. I've been fooling you since I came here, waiting to see what you'd say and do. I was go.

[Roy Lyman]

What's that you have there in this table drawer?

[Ned Morton]

This? This.

[Roy Lyman]

A gun. A gun that's going to drill you. If you don't tell me where you have Tech Buell.

[Ned Morton]

I won't tell you. He's gonna help me. He's going into court and tell how you killed my father and Mr. Reese.

[Roy Lyman]

That's enough. He perched himself too. He said he saw your father killed. But he didn't.

[Ned Morton]

I know. Because you did the killing yourself first.

[Roy Lyman]

I want to know where Tec is.

[Ned Morton]

So you can kill him too?

[Roy Lyman]

Yes. I thought I'd finished him off, but. Morton, what are you looking at behind me?

[Joe Morton]

He's looking at us, Lyman.

[Roy Lyman]

What?

[Joe Morton]

We've been listening to your story, Sheriff Dunbar. Your game is up, Lyman. I wouldn't have believed you to be the rotten cur you are if I hadn't heard you convict yourself with your own words.

[Ned Morton]

All right, Baldy, arrest him.

[Joe Morton]

Boys, give us that gun.

[Ned Morton]

I'll give you the gun. I'll give you bullets.

[Roy Lyman]

I'll go down fighting.

[Ned Morton]

Here, here, here.

[Ford Reese]

Your pistol's empty, Lyman. I emptied it while you answered Joe's knock at the door.

[Ned Morton]

No.

[Roy Lyman]

No, you can't arrest me.

[Ned Morton]

You won't. I'll beat you with my bare head. I'm punching your rotten mouse.

[Joe Morton]

Nice punch, Joe. He probably deserves more than that from you.

[Ned Morton]

I'll let the law see that he gets it, Sheriff. The masked man saw me on that. Just think, stranger. I'd actually be a murderer by now if it weren't for you. When you would?

[Joe Morton]

He's gone, Joe. But we know what he did. His Indian friend Tonto told us what he planned to do.

[Ned Morton]

He did it.

[Joe Morton]

You'll be free once I bring it before the judge and have a motion made.

[Ned Morton]

Yeah, but the masked man. I wanted to thank him. What he did for me.

[Joe Morton]

What he did for you, Joe, is only what he's done for others a hundred times. You see, he's the lone Ranger.

[Ned Morton]

Sam. S.A. sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, Directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[Ned Morton]

Foreign.

[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 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 Technogod and Craig 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.

[Ned Morton]

Sam.