Showdown | The Lone Ranger (01-11-43)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Showdown | The Lone Ranger (01-11-43)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Aired: August 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode showcases a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger, titled "Showdown" from January 11, 1943. Host Andrew Rhynes presents the thrilling tale of The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan as they become embroiled in a hunt for hidden gold tied to an old express robbery, crossing paths with sinister outlaws and unraveling a treacherous plot set in the high border country near the mining town of Spearhead. The episode’s theme centers on justice, redemption, and the lasting consequences of greed.

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Key Discussion & Plot Points

1. The Gun Belt Purchase (05:19–08:03)

• Dan’s Excitement: While visiting Spearhead, Dan, the Lone Ranger’s young nephew, becomes enamored with a fancy beaded gun belt in the window of the Rainbow Cafe.
• Negotiation: Dan haggles for the price and buys the belt for $6, sans holster, despite its claimed history linking it to the infamous Trigger Trenton.
• Tonto’s Wisdom: Tonto warns Dan, “Sometimes men who want to sell tell plenty big lie,” (08:10) underscoring perennial truths about salesmanship in the Old West.

2. A Letter from the Past (08:42–09:44)

• Arrival of a Critical Letter: The Lone Ranger receives a summons from the warden of the territorial prison, urging him to visit a dying convict, Flint Crawford, who has information about a $50,000 express robbery.
  • Memorable quote:
    • Lone Ranger: "It's from the warden of the territorial prison. He's a friend of mine." (09:06)

3. Prison Confession and Outlaw Intrigue (10:39–14:48)

• Flint Crawford’s Confession: Crawford, on his deathbed, reveals he hid instructions to the stolen gold within the gun belt and holster Dan purchased.
  • “Just before you nailed me, I had a gun belt and a holster that used to belong to Trigger Trenton. Well, about the gold. I wrote it all out. Two pieces of paper. Put one of them in the belt, one in the holster.” – Flint Crawford (13:18)
• Prison Break: Tom Warren, a “trustee” in the prison and secretly Tom Ketch of the Ketch gang, escapes mid-confession, intent on retrieving the gold for himself.

4. The Race for the Gold (15:11–17:19)

• Multiple Parties Converge: The Lone Ranger, Dan, Tonto, and Tom Ketch all attempt to retrieve the belt and holster, each for their own purpose.
• Deadly Stakes at the Rainbow Cafe: Tom Ketch arrives too late for the belt, but is ready to use violence to secure the holster and information.
• Attempted Murder: Ketch attempts to shoot Dan inside the cafe for the belt, missing by inches and causing chaos.

5. Murder and X Marks the Spot (20:12–23:33)

• Murder in the Back Room: Leif Keller (Rainbow Cafe owner), is murdered by Tom Ketch after refusing to cooperate.
• Standoff: Tom Ketch corners the Lone Ranger, Dan, and Tonto at gunpoint, forcing them to hand over both belt and holster.
  • Tom Ketch: "I'm giving you just three counts to hand it over. 1..." (22:50)
• Framing the Lone Ranger: The posse stumbles upon the murder scene, accusing the Lone Ranger of Keller’s murder, forcing him to escape.

6. The Real Showdown in Sunburst Basin (24:14–30:10)

• The Final Pursuit: Tom Ketch uses the pieced-together directions from the belt and holster to locate the gold at Sunburst Basin, with the posse and Lone Ranger in pursuit.
• Double-cross and Malice: Ketch plans to kill the Lone Ranger, Dan, and Tonto once the gold is found.
  • Tom Ketch: "It's mine and I'm taking it. Your hands up, all of you." (26:45)
• Ingenious Trap: The supposed tool shed referenced in the directions turns out to be a powder magazine. When Ketch follows the cryptic instructions to shoot at it, it explodes, instantly killing him and exposing the hidden gold.
  • Lone Ranger: “That was a powder shed, not a tool shed. Come on.” (29:57)

7. Justice and Closure (30:10–31:18)

• Discovery by the Posse: The sheriff and his men arrive to see the aftermath; Tom Ketch is dead, and the gold is recovered.
• The Lone Ranger’s Departure: The Lone Ranger requests the gold be returned to its owners and quietly rides away before justice can officially be served.
  • Sheriff: "Are you letting him get away, Sheriff?"
    • "Sure, I'm letting him get away." (31:28)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tonto’s Wisdom:
  “Sometimes men who want to sell tell plenty big lie.” – Tonto (08:10)
• Redemption Theme:
  “Now I’m going to die. I wanted to tell you I don't hold any grudges.” – Flint Crawford (11:56)
• Foreshadowing and Suspense:
  “If you shoot straight, you’ll drill a hole in the wall of the shed. That will show you the way to the gold.” – Flint Crawford’s note, cited by Tom Ketch (25:31)
• Dramatic Climax:
  “That was a powder shed, not a tool shed.” – Lone Ranger, as the plan backfires on Ketch (29:57)
• On Outlaws and Justice:
  “You’re the Lone Ranger. You're the one who helped the lawman catch Flint Crawford.” – Tom Ketch (27:29)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Buying the Belt: 05:56–08:03
• Warden’s Letter and Backstory: 08:42–10:07
• Prison Confession and Break: 10:53–14:48
• Cafe Showdown & Attempted Shooting: 15:19–17:19
• Murder at the Rainbow Cafe: 20:12–23:33
• Sunburst Basin/Gold Discovery: 24:14–30:10
• Final Justice & Departure: 30:10–31:44

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains classic Western radio drama intensity—urgent, earnest, and suspenseful—with a strong sense of frontier justice, sharp dialogue, and atmospheric sound design. The enhanced restoration makes every sound and voice crisp, drawing listeners into the tense world of The Lone Ranger and his companions.

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Conclusion

This episode is a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure, filled with danger, redemption, outlaw cunning, and sudden turns of fate. The restoration brings out the vivid atmosphere, and the story’s enduring messages about justice, trust, and the reckoning for greed resonate as much now as they did in the golden age of radio. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to classic Westerns, “Showdown” is rollicking, edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

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Transcript

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

[Dan]

Hi sil.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion Tato 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. From out of the past come the thundering hoop beats of the great horse.

[Dan]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Faster, boy, faster.

[Dan]

Lord Silver. Hoy.

[Narrator]

Daniel, the 14 year old boy who had proved to be his nephew was a source of great satisfaction to the Lone Ranger. He admired Dan's quick thinking, courage and eagerness to learn. Consequently, the three horsemen were now inseparable. The Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan. Riding the wild trails of the high border country, they made camp a short distance from the small mining town of Spearhead. Tanto and Dan had visited the post office to pick up a letter addressed to the Lone Ranger. That errand accomplished, they walked toward the hitch rack where the horses were waiting. As they passed the Rainbow Cafe, something in the window caught Dan's eye.

[Dan]

Wait a minute, Tunnel. Look here in the window. I've never seen such a big collection of holsters and gun belts. Golly, look at them.

[Lone Ranger]

This Rainbow Cafe. Man who own this place buy and

[Narrator]

sell plenty gun belts all time.

[Dan]

Look at that one over in the corner. The one with the fancy beadwork on it.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, that looked like Indian make it. That plenty good belt.

[Dan]

Gee, I'd like to have a belt like that. Wonder how much it is?

[Tom Ketch]

Don't not know.

[Dan]

I've got almost $6. Let's go and see if that'll buy it.

[Tom Ketch]

Ah,

[Lone Ranger]

What'll it be, gents? Thirsty or hungry?

[Dan]

Neither one. You've got a lot of gun belts in the window. Are they for sale?

[Lone Ranger]

Sure, sonny. It's the finest collection of hardware harness in the whole Northwest. Some of them used and some brand new.

[Dan]

Well, how much are they?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, different prices. You asking about anyone special?

[Dan]

There's a belt and holster hanging over on the right side there. That one right there with the bead work on.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, you mean this one? Yeah, this is one of the fanciest rigs in the layout. Not brand new. In fact, it's secondhand, but it's a real bargain.

[Dan]

Well, how much?

[Lone Ranger]

$15.

[Dan]

Oh, well, I didn't think it would be that much.

[Lone Ranger]

This is a fine piece of leather, son. Look at that beadwork. Somebody put in a lot of hours making this.

[Dan]

Oh, yeah, I like it, but the price is Too high.

[Lone Ranger]

Not for this rig. There's quite a history behind it. Is that son, this outfit used to belong to Trigger Trenton, one of the toughest outlaws who ever thumbed the hammer of a.45.

[Dan]

Trigger Trenton? Well, he's dead, isn't he?

[Lone Ranger]

Might as well be. He's doing life in the territorial prison. Yes, sir. This holster and belt used to belong to Trigger.

[Dan]

Even so, the price is still more than I want to spend. I really don't want the whole thing anyway. I don't carry a gun. The part I'm interested in is a belt.

[Lone Ranger]

Only want the belt, eh? Well, maybe we can make a deal.

[Dan]

I'll give you six dollars for it. Cash.

[Lone Ranger]

Sold. You speak right up, Sam. That's the way I like to do business.

[Dan]

Here's your money.

[Lone Ranger]

And here's your belt. Anything else?

[Dan]

Oh, that's all. Come on, Tono. Gee, this is a fine belt.

[Lone Ranger]

You like it steady, boy?

[Dan]

It's the best one I ever owned. You think it really used to belong to Trigger Trenton?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, me not, no. Sometimes men who want to sell tell plenty big lie.

[Dan]

I don't care who used to own it. It's mine now. Get that boy.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him up, Scout. You two are back early. Get letter? Yeah. Thanks, Tyler.

[Dan]

I got something too, while we were in town.

[Lone Ranger]

You did? What is it, Dan?

[Dan]

Look. Gun belt with beadwork on is pretty fancy, isn't it?

[Lone Ranger]

Where's the holster that goes with it?

[Dan]

Oh, I just bought the belt. I don't need a holster.

[Lone Ranger]

It's a fine piece of leather, Dan. Where'd you get it?

[Dan]

At the Rainbow Cafe. There are a lot of them in the window.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I've noticed that. Excuse me a minute. This letter may be important. This is strange.

[Dan]

Bad news?

[Lone Ranger]

Not exactly. It's from the warden of the territorial prison. He's a friend of mine.

[Dan]

Territorial prison? Where's that?

[Lone Ranger]

Many miles east of here. Dan, I have to start right away.

[Dan]

Why are we going there?

[Lone Ranger]

We aren't going. I'll ride alone. You and Tullo wait for me here.

[Dan]

Oh, but I thought.

[Lone Ranger]

It's a question of time. One man rides faster than three. Here's over here. I read you this letter from the warden. That explains it. He says convict Flint Crawford is near death. He wants to see you. Claims he has vital information to get off his conscience. Maybe something about the disappearance of money from that express robbery five years ago. I suggest you come as soon as possible.

[Dan]

What's it all meant?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Dan, it all goes back about five years. Tyler and I were able to Help a sheriff trap an outlaw that just completed a $50,000 express robbery. Remember that, Tyler. Ah, the outlaw was captured all right. The money has never been found.

[Dan]

Oh, then Miss Flint Crawford. The warden has written about it.

[Lone Ranger]

That outlaw, he received a life sentence. Now he's evidently ill and near death.

[Dan]

You think he's going to tell you where the money is?

[Lone Ranger]

Steady. Silver. I don't know, Dan. Time of his capture, he swore he'd kill me. But sometimes crooks change their minds. Especially in prison.

[Dan]

When will you be back?

[Lone Ranger]

It shouldn't take me over four or five days at the most. This is a good camp here.

[Dan]

Oh, we'll be all right.

[Lone Ranger]

Damn tundle get along plenty fine. Good. I'll see you both later. Adios. Come on.

[Narrator]

Two days later, when the Lone Ranger arrived at the territorial prison, the warden took him directly to the cell block that housed the dying convict named Flint Crawford. As they reached an inner door, the warden called to a trustee who seemed to be waiting for them.

[Dan]

Warren.

[Lone Ranger]

Tom Warren.

[Tom Ketch]

Yes, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

Take this man to Flint Crawford's cell.

[Tom Ketch]

Yes, sir.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll wait for you in the office. Crawford wants to talk to you alone. Thanks, Warden. And don't worry about your guide here. He's Tom Warren, one of my trustees. I'm sure we'll get along.

[Tom Ketch]

Yes, sir. I'll take you to Flint's cell. Just follow me. Flint?

[Flint Crawford]

Yes?

[Tom Ketch]

There's a masked man here to see you. Warden said to bring him in.

[Flint Crawford]

Oh, yes. Thanks, Tom.

[Tom Ketch]

I'll wait here in the hall.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, Crawford, I've come a long way in answer to your request.

[Flint Crawford]

I don't think you got here any too soon. I'm just about to cash in my chips.

[Lone Ranger]

The warden said you wanted to see me about something special.

[Flint Crawford]

Yes. I've been doing a lot of thinking since I've been in here.

[Lone Ranger]

Most men do.

[Flint Crawford]

I was quite an Idahoot before the law caught up with me. It was really you who finally nailed me.

[Lone Ranger]

Was bound to happen sometime.

[Flint Crawford]

Now I'm going to die. I wanted to tell you I don't hold any grudges.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm glad to hear it.

[Flint Crawford]

There's something else. Remember that gold from the express robbery? Nobody's ever found it, have they?

[Lone Ranger]

Not that I know of.

[Flint Crawford]

I knew they wouldn't where I've got it hid. But I can't take it with me. So I'm gonna tell you where it is.

[Lone Ranger]

The express company will be very grateful.

[Flint Crawford]

Listen. Bend over. Clothes. I can't talk loud cause one of the Ketch gang might hear me.

[Lone Ranger]

You Mean Tom and Floyd Ketch. I thought they were outlaw friends of yours.

[Flint Crawford]

They used to be, before that last job. Then they double crossed me. So I took the money and lit out. That was just before you caught me.

[Lone Ranger]

I understand. There's no danger they catch brothers over hearing you here.

[Flint Crawford]

He's assured of that. I think one of them is doing time in here under another name.

[Lone Ranger]

Have you ever seen him?

[Flint Crawford]

No. Might have been flat in my back. Here in this cell. He could be here and I'd never see him.

[Lone Ranger]

Why did you want to tell me about the money?

[Flint Crawford]

Well, it's like this. I don't hate you anymore. And I want it to be you who delivers the gold back to its rightful owner.

[Lone Ranger]

Where is it?

[Flint Crawford]

I can't talk much. I'm getting weak. Just before you nailed me, I had a gun belt and a holster that used to belong to Trigger Tread. Well, about the gold. I wrote it all out. Two pieces of paper. Put one of them in the belt, one in the holster. Get that outfit, you'll find the whole story.

[Lone Ranger]

Where is this gun belt now?

[Flint Crawford]

I sold it to Leif Kelly. He runs a cafe in Spearhead. Yes, I figured nobody had ever traced it that way.

[Lone Ranger]

Directions to the girl's hiding place are written on two pieces of paper. And they're in the gun belt and holster that used to belong to Figure Trenton.

[Flint Crawford]

That's right.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll find it.

[Flint Crawford]

You go after it personally.

[Tom Ketch]

Yes.

[Flint Crawford]

Thanks. It's all I wanted to know. Now I can die without warning.

[Lone Ranger]

I know what that is.

[Flint Crawford]

Take a break, Gordon.

[Tom Ketch]

What's wrong? Just went over the wall.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm sending a posse. Right out. The middle of the day is an odd time for prison break. Which convict was it? You know, that's the worst part. It's the trustee who brought you in here. Trustee? You mean Tom Warren?

[Tom Ketch]

Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

But I've discovered something else. He was serving time here under an alias. His real name was Tom Ketch.

[Flint Crawford]

Ketch? Did you say Tom Ketch?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Did you know who he was? No.

[Flint Crawford]

But I know why he made the break. You heard what I told the Lone Ranger. He's going after that gold.

[Lone Ranger]

So am I. What's this all about? I'll tell you later, Warden.

[Flint Crawford]

I hope you get there first. Honest I do.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, that's the end of Flint Crawford. He's dead. Yes, Warden. But he told me how to find the Express company's gold. And I'm going after it.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger rode day and night to reach Spearhead in as short a time as possible. It was midnight of the second day before he arrived at the camp where Tonto and Dan were waiting. He told them what had happened at the territorial prison. And gave Dan definite instructions. Sometime later, a grim faced rider dressed in the gray denim of a prisoner. Flung himself from the back of an exhausted horse. And knocked at the rear door of the Rainbow Cafe.

[Dan]

Kitsch.

[Lone Ranger]

Tom. Kitchen. I thought you were.

[Tom Ketch]

Never mind what you thought. I'm in a hurry. Listen. Someplace among that leather junk you've got in the window. There is a belt and holster that used to belong to Trigger Trent.

[Lone Ranger]

Not anymore.

[Tom Ketch]

What do you mean?

[Lone Ranger]

The holster's there. But I sold the belt.

[Tom Ketch]

Sold it?

[Lone Ranger]

Sold it to a kid about four days ago.

[Tom Ketch]

Why? That holster and belt have got the answer to where Flint Crawford hid that express money. $50,000. Yeah. Hurry up. Go in there and get me that holster. Tell me where I can find the kid who has a belt.

[Lone Ranger]

What?

[Flint Crawford]

I don't know.

[Tom Ketch]

Don't argue.

[Dan]

Hurry.

[Tom Ketch]

Split the money. 50. 50.

[Lone Ranger]

Here. Wait here.

[Tom Ketch]

So Crawford thought he was turning it all over to that master hombre. Well,

[Lone Ranger]

well. Here's the horse of Thomas. I had to sneak it out real fast.

[Tom Ketch]

What do you mean? This is your place, ain't it?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, but I didn't want to act suspicious.

[Tom Ketch]

About what?

[Lone Ranger]

The kid that bought the belt. He's standing out there right now. Wants to buy this holster to match it.

[Tom Ketch]

What? You're packing a gun.

[Dan]

Give it to me. What do you want?

[Flint Crawford]

If you give me that gun.

[Tom Ketch]

Open that door.

[Lone Ranger]

Not far.

[Tom Ketch]

Just enough so I can get a line on that kid.

[Lone Ranger]

But, Tom, you can't do that. The cafe's full of people.

[Tom Ketch]

What do I care? I'll blast the kid and you grab the belt off of him. Tom, I can't turn that door. Which one is he?

[Lone Ranger]

Up there in front, standing by that engine.

[Tom Ketch]

All right. I'll throw a slug into his back.

[Narrator]

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

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[Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. The bullet from the gun of Tom Ketch missed Dan by a fraction of an inch. The killer was about to fire again. But the first shot had thrown the crowded cafe into a panic. And in the confusion, Tahto signaled to Dan.

[Dan]

Dan, I think that shadow was aimed at me. Come, we leave plenty fast. Quick, wash it open. Here. Steady, boy. There must be some reason for no talk, right? Tell Lone Rangers.

[Lone Ranger]

You missed him.

[Tom Ketch]

Who is that kid? You know, I never saw him four

[Lone Ranger]

days ago when he walked in here and bought that belt.

[Tom Ketch]

I'll find him. It won't take long.

[Lone Ranger]

So I've had the way to find $50,000 in gold. All this time laying in the window in that old belt and holster.

[Tom Ketch]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

We're the only two that know about it.

[Tom Ketch]

Are you sure Crawford knew he's dead by now.

[Lone Ranger]

They'd leave just you and me. 25,000 a piece.

[Tom Ketch]

No, you're wrong, Leif. I've been thinking it over. It doesn't leave you and me. It just leaves me.

[Lone Ranger]

No, no, Tom.

[Dan]

No, no, don't.

[Tom Ketch]

Now if I can find that kid, it's all.

[Lone Ranger]

Did you see who were doing the shooting? No, we not seen plenty people in

[Dan]

cafe when we first went in. The man that sold me my belt took a holster out of the window and went in the back room.

[Lone Ranger]

Was it the beaded holster we're looking for?

[Dan]

Oh, I couldn't tell him who so fast.

[Lone Ranger]

The first thing we'll do is look into that back room at the Rainbow Cafe. Come on, Zoom.

[Dan]

Get out of my count.

[Lone Ranger]

There's a door over there. Come on.

[Dan]

If whoever shot at me has the holster, it's no good without the belt.

[Lone Ranger]

That's a dangerous part of it. Quiet. I'll try this door. This must be the back room.

[Dan]

Oh, you can hear the people in the cafe.

[Lone Ranger]

Wait. I'll light a match.

[Dan]

Oh, there's nothing here.

[Flint Crawford]

Look.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, man on the floor. He's been shot.

[Dan]

What's the man that sold me my belt.

[Lone Ranger]

And he isn't the one who tried to kill you, Dan.

[Tom Ketch]

You're right. The first one of the moves gets just what Leif gets.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, it's a man I met at the prison den. His name is Ketch. Tom Ketch.

[Tom Ketch]

Before that match burns out, reach Elman. Light the lamp.

[Lone Ranger]

Good idea,

[Tom Ketch]

Masman. So you found the kid with the belt, huh?

[Lone Ranger]

We've known each other for quite a while.

[Tom Ketch]

I'm giving you just three counts to hand it over. 1.

[Lone Ranger]

2. Give him the belt.

[Dan]

Then give him the belt.

[Lone Ranger]

There's nothing in it worth risking your life for.

[Dan]

Find it over here.

[Tom Ketch]

Now you're starting to get smart. Stand where you are. Don't move, any of you.

[Dan]

Oh, now he's got them both. The bell and the holster.

[Narrator]

Repollo Crook.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Tuttle. That's as soon as we can. Hey, Lance.

[Dan]

The men in the cafe. L L. Quick.

[Lone Ranger]

You and Huno get to the horses. I'll handle this.

[Dan]

Le. What's wrong? Open up.

[Lone Ranger]

Shot.

[Dan]

Mass man, you killed him.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, wait a minute. I didn't kill this man.

[Dan]

It's coldblooded murder. Arrest him, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

Stranger you have up here, guns in leather. I'll shoot the first man that draws. Now listen, all of you. Leif Killer was dead when I came through the back door a few minutes ago. I didn't kill him.

[Dan]

He's a lion. Do your duty, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

I know who did kill him. I'm going after that man.

[Dan]

Watch out, Sheriff. He's edging towards the door.

[Lone Ranger]

You better not try. I can't get away while the lamp's burning. I'll try it in the dark.

[Dan]

Got away, Sheriff. Come on then. Saddle your horses. We'll trail that critter.

[Narrator]

Knowing that Tom Ketch would follow the directions of the note hidden in the belt, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan headed straight for Sunburst Basin. It was really a broad hollow of volcanic rock that nestled at the base of high mountain peaks. Under the bright rays of the morning sun, each separate rock formation sparkled and shone like a giant jewel. Although the hollow was nothing but wasteland, it was, in truth, sunburst Basin. The masked man, Tonto and Dan reined up their horses sharply at the edge of a winding trail.

[Dan]

Oh, gosh. No sign of Tom Katz.

[Lone Ranger]

We'll find him. We know he's looking for an abandoned gold mine somewhere in the northeast corner of this basin. Sheriff's posse on our trail.

[Tom Ketch]

Me hear him.

[Lone Ranger]

I know itado. We've got to find Catch before the posse finds us.

[Dan]

Well, how can we find?

[Lone Ranger]

Biggest thing in our favor, Dan, is a basin. Poof marks are almost impossible to follow on this hard ground. You hear him? Yes. Is the posse all right? That's our signal to get out of sight. Come on, Silver.

[Dan]

Get him up. Get that boy.

[Narrator]

In the meantime, Tom Ketch had split open the beaded holster and belt and pieced the note together. Following the instructions, he had arrived at a small clearing a few hundred feet from the abandoned gold mine. There he dismounted and read the note again to be sure he had made no mistake.

[Tom Ketch]

Let's see. Go to the northeast corner of Sunburst Basin. There's an abandoned gold mine right by the tool shed. You'll find the scrub pine tree. Take a.45 and draw a bead between the window of the tool shed and the trees. If you shoot straight, you'll drill a hole in the wall of the shed. That will show you the way to the gold sand. Flint Crawford. That Crawford was a pretty slick hombre. Somebody coming. It's that mask for the engine and the kid. Come on, horse, you and me. I got a sight in one of these gullies.

[Lone Ranger]

There's the mine in the tool shed. Ketch isn't here.

[Dan]

I wonder if maybe he couldn't find the place.

[Lone Ranger]

I doubt it. Then Tom Ketch worked this country as an outlaw and he'd be able to

[Tom Ketch]

find anything, even a middling critter like you. Catch. Put up your hands and keep them mad.

[Lone Ranger]

So you were here ahead of us.

[Tom Ketch]

This is the second time you've tried to grab something that belongs to me.

[Lone Ranger]

You're talking about the gold that Flint Crawford buried up here. I think the express company has first claim to it.

[Tom Ketch]

It's mine and I'm taking it. Your hands up. Hold of you.

[Lone Ranger]

There's a posse headed this way. Catch.

[Tom Ketch]

Posse? You're lying.

[Lone Ranger]

The sheriff broke into the back room of the cafe just after you left. They're looking for the man who murdered Leif Keller.

[Tom Ketch]

Looking for the. And they think it's you, don't they?

[Lone Ranger]

It's good. Maybe.

[Tom Ketch]

Walk over here. Keep reaching. You make one move toward that hardware. I'LL blast you. Now, just take these two guns of yours and drop them. I'll feel better with them out of your reach. Now, you're not gonna be around very long, so you might as well know that I know who you are.

[Lone Ranger]

Is that so?

[Tom Ketch]

Sure, you're the Lone Ranger. You're the one who helped the lawman catch Flint Crawford.

[Lone Ranger]

At least your facts are right.

[Tom Ketch]

The only thing I can't figure out is why he turned soft and call you in to tell about that gold.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you intend to do with

[Tom Ketch]

us first, just so you'll know what you missed I want you to read both pieces of Flint's note. Yeah. Go on, pick it up and read it.

[Lone Ranger]

Take a.45 and draw a bead between the window of the tool shed and the tree. You shoot straight, you'll drill a hole that will show you the way to the gold sign. Flint Crawford.

[Tom Ketch]

See what you missed out on.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you need us for?

[Tom Ketch]

I don't. So I'm gonna march her right over to that ledge the other side of the shed. Then as soon as I dig up the gold, I've got a lead slug for each one of you. All right, Keep your hands up and start walking. Move.

[Dan]

Say, I know this place. I've been up here a lot of times.

[Tom Ketch]

What's that, then?

[Dan]

Oh, I didn't recognize it from the way we came up.

[Lone Ranger]

Is it really an abandoned mine?

[Dan]

Yes. But that tool shed he's talking about.

[Tom Ketch]

Any chance of you hombres getting away? So stop talking about it. Keep moving. See?

[Dan]

Look at it. It isn't an ordinary tool shed. The bottom part is made of stone.

[Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Flint Crawford]

Yes.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I think I understand.

[Tom Ketch]

What's that you blabbing about?

[Lone Ranger]

I think I understand now why Crawford wrote out those instructions. Why he was so anxious for me to get the gold.

[Tom Ketch]

Yeah, well, thinking. So you're going to get out of it. All right.

[Lone Ranger]

Stop right here. There's something you should know. Catch. Don't fire that gun. Because if you do, mind the palaver. But I'm trying to help you now.

[Tom Ketch]

Now, I'm going back and put a hole through that tool shed. But in the meantime, I've got your critters perched up here in plain sight. Make a move over here, I'll plug you. Understand?

[Lone Ranger]

Perfectly.

[Tom Ketch]

And don't think you can run faster than I can shoot. I'd have my eye on you.

[Dan]

Do you understand what I mean?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, I do. Dan. Look at Ketch. He draws a bead on that shed while he's standing by the Pine tree he'll have to shoot down. Tonto's not savvy. There isn't time to explain, Toto. Just hug the ground.

[Dan]

Look. He's gonna shoot.

[Narrator]

Three men watched intently as Tom Ketch stood by the distant pine tree and leveled his gun according to the instructions of Flint Crawford's note. They noticed he was careful to keep one eye on them, although it wasn't necessary. They waited on the ledge and made no attempt to escape. Suddenly, as they watched, flames spat from Catch's.45.

[Dan]

What's that?

[Lone Ranger]

Ben was right, Toto. That was a powder shed, not a tool shed. Come on.

[Dan]

I'm glad our horses were far enough back to keep away from the glass.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Look at this. Oh, that plenty big hole in ground. There must have been 200 pounds of blasting powder stored in the bottom of that shed.

[Dan]

Gee, we were really lucky. Suppose we'd got here first and fired that bullet instead of Catch? We would have.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, then you'd have recognized the shed. Oh, look. Here. Inside a hole. Big box here.

[Dan]

Bond with iron. Why, look. Yes, it says Wells Fargo Express Company.

[Lone Ranger]

And the stolen gold is probably insane.

[Dan]

Why, then Flint Crawford did bury it here.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan. He planned that I would be the one to fire that bullet.

[Dan]

Golly.

[Lone Ranger]

Dutch Harris posse. They finally pick up trail. Go. Stay where you are, Dan.

[Dan]

Masked man.

[Lone Ranger]

The engine and the case. Put up your hands.

[Dan]

It must have been them who shot off the blast.

[Lone Ranger]

You're wrong. The man who set off this blast is lying right over there against that rock, dead.

[Dan]

There is a critter over there, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

The same man who murdered Leif Keller last night. Tom Ketch. Tom Ketch? You don't mean the outlaw who was sheriff over and take a look.

[Dan]

He's right, Sheriff. It is Ketch.

[Lone Ranger]

Right beside that hole is a strong box stolen from the express company five years ago. Well, I'll be. Get my guns, Tuttle, and bring the horses. Make it, Catch. Escaped from territorial prison three days ago. Sheriff, will you write the warden and tell him what happened?

[Flint Crawford]

Why, sure.

[Lone Ranger]

But our job is done. Thanks, Tutta. Come on, Dan. Easy, big fellow.

[Dan]

Steady, boy. Be ready.

[Lone Ranger]

Will you take that gold back to Spearhead? Turn it over to the express company? I'll take care of it.

[Tom Ketch]

Come on, Silver.

[Dan]

Minimum. Scout up, boy. Are you letting him get away, Sheriff?

[Lone Ranger]

Sure, I'm letting him get away.

[Dan]

I thought I recognized that masked man.

[Lone Ranger]

And I just remembered who he is.

[Dan]

I will see.

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[Dan]

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[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 by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Tom 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.

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