Sheepman’s At War | The Lone Ranger (10-04-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Sheepman’s At War | The Lone Ranger" (10-04-39) Summary

Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: January 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of the "Old Time Radio Westerns," titled "Sheepman’s At War," host Andrew Rines brings listeners back to the tumultuous days of the Wild West. This installment features the iconic Lone Ranger as he navigates the escalating tensions between cattle ranchers and sheepherders in Buffalo Bend. Through rich storytelling and memorable performances, the episode delves into themes of conflict, cooperation, and justice on the frontier.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a vivid portrayal of Buffalo Bend, a small town caught in the throes of a range war between cattlemen and sheepherders. The introduction sets the stage for the conflict:

• Narrator (05:07): "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi Yo, Silver the Lone Ranger."

This imagery immerses listeners in the rugged landscape and the imminent danger looming over the town.

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Introducing the Randall Family

Central to the story are Dave Randall and his wife, Connie, recent settlers from the East struggling to establish their homestead amidst mounting pressures from local ranchers.

• Dave Randall (05:56): "Hi there, Dave."
• Connie Randall (06:07): "Dinner's almost ready. Here, give me your hat."

Their optimism and determination to make a life in Buffalo Bend are immediately evident, juxtaposed against the harsh realities they face.

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Conflict Emerges

The tranquility of the Randall household is shattered when Ward Dunlop and Zach Wimble, representatives of the cattlemen, arrive with demands:

• Zach Wimble (08:03): "We were just about got time. Just on our way to a Ranger's meeting in town."
• Zach Wimble (09:03): "We wouldn't want you to suffer."

Their ultimatum forces Dave and Connie to confront the possibility of losing their home, highlighting the tension between individual settlers and powerful ranching interests.

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The Range War Heats Up

A crucial meeting at the local café serves as the battleground for escalating tensions. Ward Dunlop takes charge, rallying the ranchers against the sheepherders:

• Ward Dunlop (10:31): "They framed him, Ward. They framed him and all of us know it."

Dave Randall learns of Adam Sawyer's unjust imprisonment, deepening the sense of injustice pervading the community.

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The Lone Ranger’s Intervention

Amidst the brewing storm, the Lone Ranger and his trusted steed, Silver, observe the unfolding events. Recognizing the potential for widespread conflict, the Lone Ranger devises a plan to prevent a full-scale range war:

• Lone Ranger (15:34): "Perhaps you and I, Kimasabe, can do something about that."

His strategic thinking aims to quell the unrest without resorting to violence, emphasizing his role as a mediator and protector.

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Climax: Confrontation and Resolution

Tensions reach a boiling point as Zach Wimble's men attempt to enforce their demands, leading to a confrontation with the Lone Ranger and Dave Randall:

• Dave Randall (19:26): "Come."

In the ensuing conflict, the Lone Ranger adeptly thwarts the antagonists’ plans, ensuring the safety of the Randall family and restoring peace to Buffalo Bend.

• Lone Ranger (23:40): "Who else wants to slap leather?"

The resolution underscores themes of justice and the triumph of good over malice, characteristic of Lone Ranger narratives.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Conflict Between Progress and Tradition: The struggle between cattle ranchers and sheepherders symbolizes the broader tension between established practices and new settlers seeking to carve out their own spaces.

2. Justice and Mediation: The Lone Ranger embodies the ideal of a fair and just mediator, striving to resolve conflicts without unnecessary bloodshed.

3. Resilience of Settlers: Dave and Connie Randall's determination to build a life despite external pressures highlights the resilience and optimism of pioneers.

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Notable Quotes

• Dave Randall (16:40): "How's a little bit of land I can plant going to hurt these ranchers? With miles and miles of open range?"

• Connie Randall (17:04): "Perhaps they'll change their mind. Perhaps we can show them that we want to be friends."

• Lone Ranger (20:07): "Dave, our arrival doesn't mean you'll lose your home. It means your only chance to save."

• Zach Wimble (21:27): "We won't. Hey, what's the mess man?"

• Dave Randall (24:20): "We'll have to convince Dave that we mean to help him. If he'll listen, I believe we can."

These quotes capture the essence of the characters' struggles and the overarching quest for harmony in Buffalo Bend.

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Conclusion

"Sheepman’s At War | The Lone Ranger" masterfully blends action, drama, and moral lessons, staying true to the spirit of classic Western radio dramas. Through the courageous efforts of the Lone Ranger and the steadfastness of the Randall family, the episode delivers a compelling narrative about standing up against injustice and fostering community cooperation. Andrew Rines' skilled presentation and the enhanced audio quality make this episode a standout tribute to the golden age of radio Westerns.

---

Note: This summary intentionally omits non-content sections such as advertisements, intros, and outros, focusing solely on the narrative and thematic elements of the episode.

Transcript

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[Unknown]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi Yo, Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

Cattle raising was the first great industry in the western United States. But when fresh waves of immigration reached the new territory, sheepherders and farmers claimed a part of the open range. The ranchers were determined to drive them out, and range wars might have followed if it had not been for the masked rider of the plains. It was he who persuaded the cattlemen that there was room for everybody and that only through cooperation could the winning of the west be accomplished. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Unknown]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Buffalo Bend. There's going to be trouble. Hurry O silver away.

[Narrator]

The husky young man who paused to wipe the perspiration from his face before entering the door of a small cabin had the unmistakable stamp of the easterner about him. He wore shafts and a broad Stetson, but his skin was burned, not tanned. And when he walked, it was with the stride of a man not accustomed to broken ground, but to the pavements of a city. He straightened himself and assumed a smile before pushing the door open. Then.

[Lone Ranger]

Hi there, Dave.

[Dave Randall]

You'd think I'd been gone a month instead of just the afternoon.

[Connie]

It gets so lonesome.

[Dave Randall]

Sure it does. Smells like something good to eat.

[Connie]

Dinner's almost ready. Here, give me your hat.

[Narrator]

There.

[Connie]

Now then, tell me what you did today.

[Dave Randall]

Got the first acre almost cleared. Cleared away enough stones this afternoon to make a wall all along the south side. There now. How's that?

[Connie]

Poor Dave. You're working so hard and enjoying it.

[Dave Randall]

I am, Connie. I mean it. It's fun. You wouldn't get me back east in an office again with a team of wild horses.

[Connie]

You. You're not just saying that, Dave?

[Dave Randall]

Huh?

[Connie]

I mean, because it was my fault we had to come west.

[Dave Randall]

Would you like to go back?

[Connie]

Oh, no. Not ever. I. Why, Dave, I only sat down to rest once today. Six months ago, I could hardly get out of bed.

[Dave Randall]

Another six months and you'll be as good as new.

[Connie]

Oh, I will, Dave. I will.

[Dave Randall]

Good. Fresh air, exercise, all the food you can eat. Well, almost all you can eat.

[Connie]

And we'll have our garden.

[Dave Randall]

And there's game. I'm getting to be a pretty good shot. Oh, what if we haven't? Money? That'll come when we've had a crop.

[Connie]

Of course it will, Dave. Think of it. Back east, we'd have had to save half our lives just for land enough to build a home on. Here, it's free for the taking. In five years, we'll have as fine a place as you'd want to see.

[Dave Randall]

I'll be a dog on plutocrat.

[Connie]

And I'll be so healthy you won't know.

[Dave Randall]

And we'll both be so happy we won't know each other. I. What's that? Two men, Connie. They're our first company. Set the table. I'll invite them in. Now, hurry. We'll show the folks around here that Easterners can be just as friendly as anyone born in the West.

[Connie]

Oh, I look afraid.

[Dave Randall]

You look swell.

[Lone Ranger]

Hello there.

[Dave Randall]

Step in. Glad to see you.

[Narrator]

Evening.

[Unknown]

New Dave Randall?

[Dave Randall]

That's right. Come in. I'd like you to meet my wife and maybe you'd have time for a bite to eat.

[Unknown]

We were just about got time. Just on our way to a Rangers meeting in town.

[Ward Dunlop]

Oh.

[Unknown]

Thought we'd stop by on the way. I'm Ward Dunlop. My place is a big one beyond the ridge. This here's Zach Wimble.

[Dave Randall]

How do you do?

[Zach Wimble]

Stopping by now to save us another trip later on. You're a squatter here, ain't you?

[Narrator]

Well, I.

[Zach Wimble]

Of course you are. Well, squatters ain't wanted.

[Narrator]

What?

[Zach Wimble]

This is cattle country. Going to stay that way. You got till the end of the week to move on.

[Dave Randall]

But I don't understand.

[Unknown]

You don't have to savvy nothing but that. You gotta clear out if you don't. Well, there's been other squatters in this county of Ho U. There ain't none here now above ground.

[Dave Randall]

Now, just wait a minute, Dave.

[Connie]

What's the matter?

[Dave Randall]

Did you hear what these fellows said, Connie? They're giving us orders to leave. Calling us squatters. Just as good as threaten me if we didn't go.

[Zach Wimble]

Oh, no, we ain't looking for trouble, ma'am. We ain't got nothing against either one of you. Maybe you're fine folks, maybe you ain't. Don't matter either way. Squatters just ain't welcome.

[Dave Randall]

But. But, men, this is our home. It's the only home we've got.

[Unknown]

Can't help that.

[Connie]

Well, we couldn't leave if we wanted to. We. We have no money.

[Zach Wimble]

We don't aim to be hard on you. Reckon we could make up a purse?

[Dave Randall]

You're offering us money to leave?

[Zach Wimble]

We wouldn't want you to suffer.

[Dave Randall]

Your offering is the same as charity.

[Unknown]

A young fellow.

[Dave Randall]

Just a moment. You listen to me. You call this cattle country, but there hasn't been an animal ranging up here since we came. We aren't in your way or in the way of anyone else. And we're staying. You hear that? We're staying. Go ahead and threaten if you like. Maybe I am an Easterner, but I don't scare.

[Zach Wimble]

Now get out.

[Unknown]

Get off my. You can't get it back. We ain't the time to argue. We gotta get to the meeting.

[Zach Wimble]

Brave young fool.

[Unknown]

Remember, mister, the end of the week.

[Zach Wimble]

Or leave on a rail.

[Ward Dunlop]

Get out.

[Connie]

Oh, Dave. A minute ago we. We had everything. And now we've got nothing. Not.

[Narrator]

A ranchers meeting had been called for that evening in the small town of Buffalo Bend. And the cafe had been chosen for the meeting place. Everyone not expressly invited was excluded. But there was one man present, unseen and Unsuspected by the others, he sat a great white stallion just outside a half open window at the rear. And his features were concealed by a mask. Inside the cafe, one of the ranchers.

[Ward Dunlop]

Shouted, here comes Ward and Jack now. That's all we was waiting for. Let's get down to business. Evening, Chad.

[Unknown]

Howdy, Chad. Howdy, Bill.

[Narrator]

What made you late?

[Zach Wimble]

Well, we rode around with them squatters, gave them their marching orders.

[Ward Dunlop]

They'll leave them.

[Unknown]

Said they wouldn't, but they will. Well, they don't amount to nothing. Figure I should take charge here?

[Narrator]

Sure, go ahead.

[Unknown]

All right, gents, quiet down. Meetings, call to order. Men. Most of you know what's happened. But for those that don't, or those that have been away the past month. I'll give you the facts as brief as I can. A little over three weeks ago, the sheepmen south of us got the notion they could take over our range. Well, they soon found out they couldn't. We met them beyond the flats and turned them back. It took some lead to persuade him. And afterwards there was a couple of breeds left behind that'll never herd woolies again. Well, more than one of our boys reached the end of the trail, too. Wait. That's over and done with. We come out on top for just one reason. We had a gent to lead us who savvied what to do and when and how. We followed his orders and gave them sheepmen the licking. They needed friends. The fellow I'm referring to is Adam Sawyer.

[Ward Dunlop]

They framed him, Watt. They framed him and all of us know it.

[Unknown]

You're right.

[Lone Ranger]

Adam.

[Unknown]

Should have known better to go over to Kingsville. That's a sheepman's town. But he went just the same. And now he's sitting there in jail waiting for a trial where he won't have a chance and a hangman's noose at the end of it.

[Ward Dunlop]

Boy. Thundering won't hang. They try it and we'll clean out the town.

[Narrator]

We'll break him out.

[Ward Dunlop]

Why don't we all ride to Kingsville together?

[Unknown]

We could show them a thing or two. We'll decide what to do, men. That's what we're here for. But me for one, I'm again riding over there in force. It'd mean more killings. It'd mean a pitched battle with every sheepman and every cattleman in the section choosing sides.

[Narrator]

What's the matter, Ward?

[Ward Dunlop]

You scared?

[Unknown]

I'm not afraid. I think there's a better way. I'm not forgetting that the US Marshal's Been swearing in extra deputies just in case there's another ruckus. None of us wants to find himself arrested by the government.

[Ward Dunlop]

I'll take the chance.

[Narrator]

So will I.

[Unknown]

You choose to start a range war, you square off again the law when there's a better way.

[Narrator]

What better way?

[Ward Dunlop]

You got one. We want to hear it now.

[Unknown]

Let war talk, you idiots.

[Ward Dunlop]

Well, we're waiting.

[Unknown]

Listen to me. Me and Zach had a reason when we asked to have this meeting kept private. We got a plan we think will work. If you don't like it, say so and we'll forget it. But let me tell it first.

[Narrator]

Go ahead.

[Unknown]

Well, it's this. Most of us are known in Kimsville, but some of us ain't. I'd say let's choose maybe a half a dozen from those that are strangers. There's let them go to Kingsville. Let them look over the ground, wait their chance, then break Adam out and dust it back here. The sheepman won't dare to follow. Adam will be free. Nobody will be hurt. It will have showed them gents they can't take a slap at the cattlemen of Buffalo Bend and get away with it. Now, how does that sound?

[Ward Dunlop]

Well, it sounds to me like sand.

[Narrator]

I'm apologizing for what I said about your being scared. I knew better at the time. You and Zach are the only ones of us that have used your hand.

[Ward Dunlop]

And you, armrest figure to do like Ward says.

[Unknown]

Thanks, men. Believe me, you won't regret it. That leaves us with just two things to do. Choose the fellows that'll go and give our words. We keep this to ourselves.

[Narrator]

An hour later, though, their plan won't work.

[Lone Ranger]

It's reasonable. There's no question. But what? Adam Sawyer was arrested merely to strike at the people he represents. Perhaps, as leader of the cattlemen, he was morally responsible for the sheepherders who lost their lives. The other hand, the sheepmen started the fight and cattlemen were killed as well. What Ward Dunlap and his friends don't realize is this. There were ranchers present at that meeting who were in the pay of the sheepmen. They're small ranchers who'll do anything for cash. Whoever the men chosen to go to Kingsville, the sheepmen will know their identities. They'll be picked up before they can raise a hand.

[Narrator]

That bad?

[Lone Ranger]

It's bad, but it'll lead to worse. The next time, there will be a range war, the very thing Ward hopes to avoid. There'll be killings from one end of this territory to the other.

[Narrator]

How Stop them.

[Lone Ranger]

Perhaps you and I, Kimasabe, can do something about that. Perhaps at the same time, we can take care of another matter.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Lone Ranger]

A young couple from the east who came here hoping to make a home.

[Ward Dunlop]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Call Scout here.

[Unknown]

Scout here.

[Lone Ranger]

Silver, where are we?

[Narrator]

Riot to see Dave Randall.

[Lone Ranger]

If we hurry, we can get there by dawn.

[Narrator]

Come on, Silver.

[Unknown]

Get him up strong.

[Ward Dunlop]

Come on.

[Narrator]

EARLY the next morning Eat something, Dave.

[Connie]

Please. I have hardly two bites.

[Dave Randall]

I'm not hungry, Dave.

[Connie]

Well, you're thinking of yesterday. You're thinking of what those men said.

[Dave Randall]

Well, why shouldn't I? You think it's just something I can forget by telling myself to do you.

[Connie]

You shouldn't get angry with me.

[Dave Randall]

I'm sorry, Connie. I guess it's got me so worried I don't know what I'm saying. It's a darned unfair. How's a little bit of land I can plant going to hurt these ranchers? With miles and miles of open range?

[Connie]

It wouldn't. Of course.

[Dave Randall]

Most of them are rich. We haven't a penny. They have dozens of men working for them. You and I are alone. Oh, I'll stay on. I'll fight them. But it's because I can't do anything else. If we left, we'd have to leave a foot. You're not strong enough for a change. So soon we. What's the use of talking about it? We're here and we can't move on.

[Connie]

Perhaps they'll change their mind. Perhaps we can show them that we want to be friends.

[Dave Randall]

I doubt it.

[Connie]

You can't tell. They might.

[Dave Randall]

Connie, why? Don't say anything. Just do as I tell you. They promised us until the end of the week. They're striking already. It's a masked man. Hand me that gun.

[Narrator]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story, the Lone Ranger in Tonto, unaware that Dave Randall was waiting inside with a loaded gun, walked toward the door of his cabin.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll have to convince Dave that we mean to help him. If he'll listen, I believe we can.

[Dave Randall]

Open the door, walk in.

[Lone Ranger]

Come.

[Unknown]

You. Drop me.

[Ward Dunlop]

Denim his arms. Get back me. Let's go.

[Unknown]

Drop it. Quick.

[Connie]

Don't you dare hurt him.

[Unknown]

Don't you dare.

[Dave Randall]

Don't you touch him.

[Unknown]

Why you there, you coward.

[Connie]

Oh, you coward.

[Dave Randall]

Don't. Connie. They've got us.

[Lone Ranger]

Is this what you've learned since coming to the West, Dave? To shoot without warning?

[Dave Randall]

I'm not a hired gun hand, am I? I knew it was the only chance I'd have against you.

[Connie]

I wish he'd hit you.

[Advertiser]

I wish he had.

[Lone Ranger]

We've done nothing to harm you.

[Dave Randall]

You wouldn't call it that, huh? You think it's nothing to drive a man from his home.

[Narrator]

Oh, you heap big fool.

[Lone Ranger]

Be quiet, Hunter. I think I understand now, Dave. You believe we were sent by the ranchers. You thought we were here to make you leave, weren't you? No.

[Connie]

You don't mean.

[Lone Ranger]

I suppose you're not to blame when you saw my mask, but you made a mistake. We're not your enemies. We hope to be your friends.

[Dave Randall]

But I thought.

[Lone Ranger]

I know what you thought. You were wrong. If you weren't, you'd have had reason to be sure of it by this time.

[Dave Randall]

Then what?

[Lone Ranger]

Dave, our arrival doesn't mean you'll lose your home. It means your only chance to save.

[Narrator]

Was late in the afternoon of that same day that five grim faced cattlemen rode along the trail to kin. Each was heavily armed and each was fully determined to rescue Adam Sawyer. Ward Dunlop, too well known to the sheepmen, was not among them, but his friend Zack was.

[Zach Wimble]

And we'll keep just to this pace all the way, men. And get us to Kingsville after dark. Keep our horses halfway fresh in case we have to make a quick getaway.

[Narrator]

All right, Zach.

[Ward Dunlop]

There'll be a crowd in town tonight.

[Narrator]

That should help. We won't be noticed so much.

[Zach Wimble]

That's one thing Ward figured on. Before we get to town, we'll start dropping back one to a time. We don't want to get there in a bunch. But after we're there, we don't want to be seen altogether.

[Narrator]

We're taking your orders, Zach.

[Zach Wimble]

Well, ain't much to say Just use horse sense is all. Kind of drift around, listen to the talk. Maybe you'll pick up something that'll come in handy. But stay away from the jail. I'll look that over myself.

[Ward Dunlop]

All right, Zack. And when do we meet?

[Zach Wimble]

Ward says there's a grove behind the feed store. That's the place. Time will be midnight. And don't let nobody see you. We'll compare notes and make our plans.

[Narrator]

Good enough.

[Ward Dunlop]

And if any of us is recognized.

[Zach Wimble]

Hightail if you can. If you can't, the rest will hear the shooting. We'll fight our way out the best way we know how and try for at em some other time.

[Ward Dunlop]

So the thing to do is to keep from being found out.

[Unknown]

Right.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't mind a fight particular. It'd be a real pleasure to drill some of them tallow scented vomits. But I sure hate like the dickens they have to leave Adam behind.

[Unknown]

We won't. Hey, what's the mess man?

[Ward Dunlop]

And that's blasted squatter and the redskins. Tender schedule. And keep your hands from your host.

[Unknown]

Now my hand. Who's next?

[Lone Ranger]

Who else wants to slap leather?

[Ward Dunlop]

Why you not shoot? What's this mean?

[Unknown]

What in blazes you want with cash?

[Ward Dunlop]

You're after it.

[Lone Ranger]

It isn't.

[Ward Dunlop]

Then what is it?

[Lone Ranger]

It's your mounts. Out of the saddle.

[Unknown]

Quick. All of you.

[Ward Dunlop]

Oh, Horsley, hurry.

[Unknown]

Tell us what you do here.

[Zach Wimble]

So you came out. In your true courage you showed us just what kind of a sneaking coyote you are.

[Dave Randall]

This time Zack, we're giving the orders.

[Zach Wimble]

I was feeling half sorry for you. Now by thunder, I'll run you and that woman of yours out of this.

[Unknown]

Part of the country if it's the.

[Zach Wimble]

Last thing I do.

[Lone Ranger]

On your way.

[Ward Dunlop]

Hey you. You mean we got to hike it back afoot?

[Narrator]

Exactly.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh now wait.

[Unknown]

Listen. That's just a suggestion. My next shots may be closer. Now you go.

[Dave Randall]

It's a long way back to Buffalo Bend, gentlemen. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll get there.

[Ward Dunlop]

Come on, Pollard.

[Unknown]

One of these days we'll skin you, pull cat to liar and nail your.

[Ward Dunlop]

Hides to the calaboose.

[Unknown]

Them got walk long way now.

[Dave Randall]

And in those high heeled boots they're wearing. I've got an idea. After they've reached town, they'll find a place to sit mighty comfortable.

[Lone Ranger]

We still have lots to do. Not too much time to do it in.

[Unknown]

What do now?

[Lone Ranger]

First help me put on a disguise. Then you and I change horses. Kimasabe, you ride Silver. I ride Scout. Dave and I are entering Kinsville. And I can't risk being recognized.

[Narrator]

And what we do with other horses?

[Lone Ranger]

Round them up, put them on a single lead rope and take them back to Buffalo Bend. You let them loose when you reach town. Friends of those fellows will catch them soon enough.

[Narrator]

How to do it?

[Dave Randall]

You and I ride to Kingsville alone, stranger.

[Lone Ranger]

Right. And if nothing delays us, we should get back to Buffalo Bend as soon as Zack and his friends. Unless they find horses on the way, they won't reach town until morning.

[Dave Randall]

We've done all right so far.

[Lone Ranger]

And we'll the rest of the way, Dave. All right, Tata. We gather these horses and then the disguise.

[Narrator]

The captured mounts were rounded up. The Lone Ranger disguised and then Tonto rode toward Buffalo Bend with the horses while the Lone Ranger and Dave took the trail to Kinsville. It was after dark when they reached their destination and drew rein before the jail.

[Unknown]

Oh, Scout.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, boy.

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Ward Dunlop]

Oh, there. Oh, boy.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff's inside.

[Narrator]

Dave, you'll wait here.

[Lone Ranger]

Not right here. Not attract attention. But I won't be far. Careful to keep your coat high around your face and your hat pulled down as well as possible. Don't let the sheriff get a better look at your features than necessary.

[Dave Randall]

You bet I won't.

[Unknown]

Everything all right over there?

[Ward Dunlop]

Yep.

[Dave Randall]

Who are those fellows?

[Lone Ranger]

Guards, most likely sheep men. They know the ranchers will free Adam Sawyer if they can. Think you can go through with it?

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Lone Ranger]

You've got nothing to fear? Not a chance in 10 that anything will be suspected. But there is. I'll be on hand.

[Dave Randall]

Well, here goes.

[Lone Ranger]

Good luck.

[Unknown]

Chair.

[Dave Randall]

Barlow.

[Unknown]

What?

[Ward Dunlop]

Oh, sure. That's me. What do you want?

[Dave Randall]

You've got a prisoner here.

[Ward Dunlop]

I got lots of prisoners.

[Dave Randall]

The man I mean is Adam Sawyer.

[Ward Dunlop]

Yeah? What do you want with him?

[Dave Randall]

Just to talk.

[Ward Dunlop]

What fur?

[Dave Randall]

I'm afraid it's a private matter.

[Ward Dunlop]

You want to talk to him alone?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Ward Dunlop]

We can't do it. It ain't allowed. He's a real desperate character.

[Dave Randall]

Give me 10 minutes, that's all I ask.

[Unknown]

Hey.

[Ward Dunlop]

Who are you? You one of them pesky cattlemen?

[Dave Randall]

Do I look like one?

[Ward Dunlop]

No, can't say as you do. Are you a lawyer?

[Dave Randall]

No, I'm not.

[Ward Dunlop]

Then who in business?

[Dave Randall]

What does it make? What's the harm in letting me see him? Your prisoners can have visitors, can't they?

[Ward Dunlop]

Well?

[Dave Randall]

Afraid I might try to break him out. Your jail looks well guarded, young fellow.

[Ward Dunlop]

You'd be a fool to try it.

[Dave Randall]

Very well, then.

[Ward Dunlop]

I reckon it can be done. Mind if I search you first?

[Lone Ranger]

Not at all.

[Ward Dunlop]

Got anything hidden? In that coat you're wearing.

[Dave Randall]

Look for yourself.

[Narrator]

I will.

[Ward Dunlop]

Ain't nobody putting anything over on me. Ain't sayin he ain't all right. Just ain't taking chances.

[Narrator]

I don't blame you.

[Ward Dunlop]

And that ain't all.

[Lone Ranger]

No?

[Ward Dunlop]

You don't talk private with that feller less than I lock you up inside with him. You got any objections to that, you can just go on about your business. You can holler when you're ready to be let out.

[Dave Randall]

Sheriff. I was just about to make that same suggestion.

[Narrator]

Thirty minutes later, one of Sheriff Barlow's deputies entered the office.

[Ward Dunlop]

Everything quiet, Sheriff? Always is, ain't it?

[Narrator]

Most times.

[Ward Dunlop]

Hey, didn't I see some young fella.

[Narrator]

Come in here a while back?

[Ward Dunlop]

You did.

[Narrator]

What'd he want?

[Ward Dunlop]

To talk to Sawyer.

[Narrator]

Yeah? Who was he?

[Ward Dunlop]

Dunno.

[Narrator]

Well, didn't you ask him?

[Ward Dunlop]

He's still here. He wasn't saying. And he left 20 minutes back. And is it your place to ask me questions? Or do you figure maybe I'm still the sheriff of this county?

[Narrator]

Sorry, Sheriff. Didn't mean nothing by it. Just curious was all. I was only thinking if them sheepman was. Hey, you hear that?

[Ward Dunlop]

It's one of the prisoners. Something must have happened.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Ward Dunlop]

Watch the trouble back there, huh? What's the trouble?

[Unknown]

It's Sawyer.

[Ward Dunlop]

If that young whippersnapper hurt him somehow.

[Dave Randall]

Let me out of here, chumpin.

[Ward Dunlop]

She horseifact King Sawyer. Here. What's happened here? I thought you went out. Where'd Sawyer get to? Speak up. Can't you speak up?

[Dave Randall]

He hit me. Knocked me out. Left these clothes and stole mine.

[Ward Dunlop]

He's gone. He's got away. You must have let him out. You call yourself a sheriff? It was that coat and the hat. It covered his face almost. When the sheepmen hear about this, you can just say goodbye to that badge. Get out of here, you. Sheriff, we'd better get on the trail.

[Narrator]

The sun was just rising in the east when five footsore and weary ranchers trudged down the main street of Buffalo Bend. They were so exhausted they could hardly shuffle along. Until suddenly they caught the sound of approaching hoofs.

[Ward Dunlop]

Doggone agents getting up this time of day. Oh, my poor feet. The masked man. It's the masked man and that squatter. Who's a third one. Must be the redskin. Fellas, here's our chance. We still got our guns. Give us.

[Unknown]

All right here. Dirty horse thieves. Here, Golf gone. Coyotes and fools.

[Ward Dunlop]

Put down those guns. Take off hiring. It's Adam Cole. Scout. We got you two fellas.

[Zach Wimble]

We got you, you thieving snakes. Now it's your turn to reach.

[Ward Dunlop]

They take your prisoner. Adam.

[Unknown]

Adam, how'd you get loose from jail?

[Narrator]

We started at Kingsville to get you.

[Ward Dunlop]

But if it hadn't been for the masked man and Dave here, I'd still be in jail and you with me.

[Unknown]

He's right, Zach.

[Lone Ranger]

The sheepmen had been warned that you were coming and knew just who to look for.

[Unknown]

They had extra guards in town.

[Lone Ranger]

You wouldn't have lasted in Kingsville five minutes.

[Ward Dunlop]

But what do you mean?

[Lone Ranger]

You wouldn't have believed us if we told you so. We did the only thing we could set you afoot so that you couldn't continue.

[Narrator]

Adam, how much of this is true?

[Ward Dunlop]

What's more, this young fellow risk being jailed to get me out. He got in to see me, had me change clothes with him and stayed behind while I got out pretending to be him. The sheriff hadn't believed I knocked him out. He'd be there yet.

[Dave Randall]

But the masked man thought of the plan, gave me the chance to do my part and seen the whole thing through.

[Zach Wimble]

That ain't explaining what become of our horses.

[Narrator]

Look there, fellas.

[Ward Dunlop]

There's our horses there by the cafe.

[Narrator]

The engines with him.

[Ward Dunlop]

Where I'll be.

[Unknown]

Zack.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, after what Dave's done tonight, you don't treat him and his wife as they deserve to be treated. I'll take care of you myself.

[Ward Dunlop]

You hear that, Zack? What the masked man says goes from me. And twice as strong.

[Zach Wimble]

What kind of a skunk you take me for?

[Ward Dunlop]

I heard you threatened to run him out tonight.

[Unknown]

Run him out?

[Ward Dunlop]

I'd like to see the gent that.

[Zach Wimble]

Have the nerve to try it. Now look here, young fella. Forget anything we've said. This county's your stamping ground and you're here to stay.

[Dave Randall]

Wait until Connie hears that.

[Ward Dunlop]

Hey, where's the masked man going? He joined the entry. Come here.

[Unknown]

Hail Silver.

[Ward Dunlop]

Hey.

[Dave Randall]

Gone. And I never even thought to ask his.

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[Dave Randall]

SA.

[Narrator]

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

[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 the following ranch hand 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 707-98-687 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.