Sign of the Noose | The Lone Ranger (10-23-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Sign of the Noose" | The Lone Ranger (04-23-50)

Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "Sign of the Noose" from the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to the golden age of Western radio dramas. This episode, digitally restored for enhanced audio quality, pays homage to classic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. Set in Cottonwood City, the story revolves around Jim Dillon, his daughter Ruth, and the mysterious activities of the Cattlemen's Protective Association (CPA).

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Tonto, the Lone Ranger's steadfast companion, arriving in Cottonwood City to gather supplies. Aware that his appearance as a heavily armed Indian might cause alarm, Tonto cleverly hides his weapons before blending into a crowd near a store. His keen observations hint at underlying tensions in the town:

• Jim Dillon's Bar 7 Spy: At [03:45], a rancher named Jim Dillon discusses recent troubles, revealing that the "sign winders" killed another rider and drove Jim's cattle over a cliff. Tonto deduces, “[03:58]” that only homesteaders or sheep herders would commit such acts.

Rising Tensions

Jim Dillon and his daughter Ruth are depicted as independent ranchers who have resisted joining the CPA. Their resilience becomes a central theme as the CPA's dubious motives surface:

• Jim’s Determination: At [04:03], Tonto remarks, “[04:05]” that Jim "should have known better" by not joining the CPA, highlighting the growing conflict.
• Ruth’s Incident: Jim's horse accident, mentioned at [04:23], introduces Ruth as a strong character who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama.

The Confrontation

As Jim attempts to present evidence against the CPA, tensions escalate. Jim's visit to the sheriff's office with proof of the CPA's wrongdoing leads to a violent altercation:

• Tonto's Intervention: At [05:37], Tonto urges Jim to leave peacefully, stating, “Don’t shoot him, Steve. Here comes the deputy.”
• CPA's Deception: Inside the CPA office, Lance Layton and Bill Strong plot to eliminate Jim, showcasing their criminal intentions.

Climactic Struggle

The Lone Ranger and Tonto engage in a tense investigation, uncovering crucial evidence that ties the CPA to nefarious activities:

• Discovery of Evidence: At [11:19], Tonto finds a piece of apple with a smudge of burned powder, leading to the revelation that the killer used an apple to silence his gun.
• Ruth’s Courage: Ruth collaborates with the Lone Ranger and Tonto, demonstrating bravery as she assists in the investigation and confronts the antagonists.

The Final Showdown

The episode reaches its peak with a dramatic confrontation between the Lone Ranger, Tonto, Ruth Dillon, and the CPA members:

• Battle with Layton: At [17:19], a fierce struggle ensues as Layton attempts to eliminate Ruth, but Ruth fires her father's revolver, wounding Bill Strong and forcing Layton to the brink of a precipice.
• Heroic Rescue: Despite Layton's fall, Ruth's quick thinking and the combined efforts of the Lone Ranger and Tonto save both Layton and the Lone Ranger from a tragic outcome.

Resolution

The aftermath reveals the depth of the CPA's corruption and the restoration of justice:

• Uncovering the Truth: At [20:26], Tonto unveils a letter from Lance Layton, exposing the CPA as a fraudulent organization designed to defraud its members while blaming hill folks for their crimes.
• Justice Served: With the Sheriff's arrival, the evidence ensures that the wrongdoers face justice, mending the strained relations between cattlemen and farmers.

Notable Quotes

• Tonto on Jim's Independence: “[04:05]” "Jim Dillon is one of the few cattlemen in the valley who've held out against joining. He should have known better."
• Tonto's Strategic Insight: “[10:58]” "What that means the killer used an apple to silence his gun."
• Ruth's Bravery: At [17:16], Ruth declares, “I can't reach your hand, but here's the cane,” showcasing her determination to save both the Lone Ranger and Layton.
• Tonto on the CPA's Motives: “[16:30]” "The remainder of the letter provides positive proof that the Cattlemen's Protective association was organized for the sole purpose of defrauding its members."

Conclusion

"Sign of the Noose" masterfully blends suspense, action, and heroism, encapsulating the essence of classic Western radio dramas. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners experience enhanced audio that amplifies the rich soundscapes—from the creak of saloon doors to the thunder of hooves. The episode underscores themes of justice, integrity, and the enduring fight against corruption, all while honoring the legendary legacy of the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to old-time radio westerns, this episode offers an engaging and immersive journey into the Wild West, filled with memorable characters and a compelling storyline that resonates with timeless values.

Transcript

[Jim Dillon]

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 high. O Silver, the Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the oat cereal that's ready to eat, Betty Crocker mixes and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions present by special recording, the Lone Ranger. You're going to love the big exciting news today. Now, there are two brand new Betty Crocker cake mixes. There's Chocolate Malt and Peanut Delight. I'll bet you can hardly wait to try them. And I wouldn't blame you. They're just so good today. Let me tell you about the chocolate malt. It's a wonderful new way to enjoy an old flavor that's a favorite with so many of us. There's honest to goodness delicious malted milk right in the mix. And of course, there are all the other fine quality ingredients you choose yourself, like famous softest silk cake flour and pure vegetable shortening. And because it is a Betty Crocker cake mix, mom knows it's the easiest way ever to bake a perfect cake. So next time mom goes shopping, be sure to remind her to get that brand new, delicious treat, Betty Crocker's Chocolate Malt Cake Mix. You'll love it. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask 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 hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto]

Come on, Silver.

[Jim Dillon]

Let go, big fella. Are you Silver? Away.

[Narrator]

Leaving the Lone Ranger at a camp near Cottonwood City, Toto rolled into town to buy supplies. He knew that the sight of a heavily armed Indian would arouse suspicion. So he stole his guns and cartridge belt in a saddlebag before he dismounted and joined a large group of idlers in front of a store. While he listened to the aimless conversation, Toto noticed that the jail, a small adobe building, stood just across the street. Separated from the jail by several weed grown lots, was the office of the Cattlemen's Protective Association. The Indian studied it closely, then turned his eyes on an excited rancher who hurried toward the store.

[Jim Dillon]

Jim Dillon's Bar 7 spread last night.

[Tonto]

Where'd you hear that leaf?

[Jim Dillon]

I got it from a bar 7 man who rode over my way looking for the gang's trail. He said the sign winders killed another rider and drove a lot of Jim's cattle over a cliff.

[Narrator]

Nobody but homesteaders or sheep herders would do a thing like that.

[Jim Dillon]

That's how I figure it, Steve.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

It wouldn't have happened if Jim had.

[Narrator]

Joined the cattlemen's protection like the rest of us ranchers.

[Tonto]

Jim Dillon is one of the few.

[Narrator]

Cattlemen in the valley who've held out against joining. He should have known better.

[Jim Dillon]

Well, he and his daughter Ruth are mighty independent. Hey, look at that buckboard come. That's Ruth Dillon driving. Jim's on the seat beside him.

[Narrator]

I never knew him to ride in a buckboard before.

[Jim Dillon]

Well, he's been crippled up for a spell. A horse fell with it.

[Ruth Dillon]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Who now? Jump out yet? Now, give me your cane and I'll help you down.

[Jim Dillon]

Oh, I'll hold on to the stick. Just give me a hand here.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Ruth Dillon]

There you are, dad.

[Jim Dillon]

Jim, we heard what happened last night. Those nesters, they had nothing to do with it, Jim.

[Narrator]

Then who did raise your ranch?

[Jim Dillon]

You, little lady. I've got proof enough to hang the bombing. I'm gonna turn it over to the sheriff right now.

[Narrator]

Come on, Ruth.

[Ruth Dillon]

All right, dad.

[Narrator]

Tottle, who was eager to learn Jim Dillon's secret, saw that he could not approach the jail without being observed by the curious crowd. As the others watched the rancher and his daughter, the Indian suddenly drew a knife, the only weapon he had retained. Brandishing it, he gave voice to a war chant and began dancing around a hitching pole.

[Jim Dillon]

Look at the engine.

[Narrator]

He's going loco. I'll plug it.

[Jim Dillon]

Don't shoot him, Steve. Here comes the deputy. Let's go. Out of hand. The engine's doing a war dance there. You, redskin, give me that knife or I'll let daylight through. You savvy? Me savvy? Yeah. You take knives, I'm going to throw you into jail to cool off. That'll teach you to do your dancing on the reservation. Now get going. Me?

[Tonto]

Go.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, two men had met on the second floor of the building which housed the headquarters of the Cattlemen's Protective Association. One was Lance Layton, who had organized the cpa. The other was Layton's assistant, Bill Strong, parrying an apple with a pocket knife. Layton asked, how did you find the.

[Jim Dillon]

Situation in other parts of the territory before I called you back. Lance, there's no limit on how far we can go with our outfit. Say, how come you call me back just to lead the raid on Jim Dillon's prayer? I couldn't trust any of our hired gunmen to manage it. There's one thing in your letter I didn't savvy. Yeah? What was that? I'll show you. What in thunder is that letter?

[Tonto]

You.

[Jim Dillon]

You mean you didn't burn it as I told you to? I kept it so I could check with you and make sure what you meant. But I haven't got it now, you fool. Hey, folks, Jim Dillon just went to the sheriff's office. Yeah. Yeah, I expected that, Rusty. He said he had something that would prove who pulled the rig. The letter. Dillon's in the jail office now. I can see him through the window, taking the chair right in front of it. Then we've still got a chance. Hey, what are you doing with that apple? Pulling a hole in it. Now stick it on the muzzle of this ballad rifle here. See how it fits. Yeah, I see. Open the window a little. Take this rifle. I want you to plug Dylan. What's the apple for? To muffle the shot so it won't be heard outside this building. Can you aim with it on the muzzle? I can hit that fella in the jail office shooting from the head. All right. I'm going to jail right now. Rusty, you're to shoot the moment you see that I'm inside the excitement. I'll try to get hold of that compounded letter.

[Narrator]

As Layton hurried toward the jail, Jim.

[Jim Dillon]

Dillon was saying, Jeff, the fellows who run the CPA have made fools of nearly everyone in the valley. What those letters should stand for is Crook's Protective Association. Now, looky here, Jim, you're going too far here. I am. Am I? Well, I've got something that will back up my words in court. Get in there, Rich Joe, why in the blazes did you bring that redskin in here? He was acting up across the street. I've got troubles enough without being bothered with him. Run him out of town. You heard the sheriff Engine. Get back to your reservation and stay there.

[Narrator]

Having no other choice than to obey, Tonto moved reluctantly toward the door. But before he reached it, Lance Layton entered.

[Jim Dillon]

Howdy, sir. Howdy, Lance. Step up here and face Jim Dillon. Jim says he has evidence that you fellas who managed the CPA outfit are crooks. He's lost his mind. That's what I think. Where's your evidence, Jim? Right here in my what was that? Look at that window.

[Ruth Dillon]

Dad, what is you.

[Jim Dillon]

He fell out of his chair.

[Ruth Dillon]

Dan. Oh, Dan.

[Jim Dillon]

Here, let me look at him. Miss.

[Tonto]

There.

[Jim Dillon]

I got his shirt off.

[Ruth Dillon]

Sheriff, please call the doctor.

[Jim Dillon]

No, it's too late now. Your father's gone.

[Tonto]

No, no.

[Ruth Dillon]

It's dancing.

[Jim Dillon]

One of those hill fellas who raided his ranch must have got him. I didn't hear a shot, but it looks like the bullet came from that brush outside. Joel, get out there and look around. I'll gather up a posse. Right. I'll put the CPA boys on the case. Jim wasn't a member. Mitch, me feel plenty sorry for you. Me trying to get put in jail to help your father. What do you think can carry evidence?

[Ruth Dillon]

I don't know. He didn't even tell me he had anything in the car.

[Jim Dillon]

There go Pottyman. Other people coming here. Me going out.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Lance Slayton had rejoined his confederates in the Protective Association's office. He was saying Dylan didn't have that letter on him.

[Jim Dillon]

I bet he didn't find it. He must have found something. When the sheriff asked him to show his evidence. He said something about it being right there and his. And that's as far as he got. You told us his daughter was there. Maybe he was going to say she had it. Rusty, that's the answer. We'll have to get it away from her before the sheriff comes back or she'll turn it over to him. Rusty, you what? Likely she'll go back to the ranch to break the bad news with her kin. She does. Go down to the corral, Bill and I'll be waiting there with the horses. Right. I'll take that pallet rifle with me. What for? One more killing won't make it any worse for us.

[Narrator]

As the three crooks left the office, the Lone Ranger, who had been alerted by the hue and cry of the departing posse, left Silver and slipped into the main part of Cottonwood City to learn what had happened. Taking advantage of everything that offered concealment, he soon reached the chaparral covered lot between the CPA building and the jail. There he met Totto, who had been searching vainly for a trace of the killer. After the Indian had finished a quick report of all he had seen and heard. The masked man said, I'll help you.

[Tonto]

Make another search of this thicket.

[Jim Dillon]

Well, better we start by wall of CPA office.

[Tonto]

Me not look there Is anyone in the building.

[Jim Dillon]

Me not think so. Leighton. Two other fellows leave a little while ago. Them locked door.

[Tonto]

All right, then. Come on.

[Narrator]

Cautiously working their Way to the side of the office building. The masked man and Indian soon reached a point opposite. The bullet shattered window in the jail. Suddenly, the Lone Ranger bent forward and scooped something from the ground.

[Jim Dillon]

What you find?

[Tonto]

A piece of apple with a very faint smudge of burned powder on it. What that means the killer used an apple to silence his gun. A potato or some other fruit or vegetable of that nature would have served as well.

[Jim Dillon]

Not see any sign of him stand here.

[Tonto]

He didn't. He couldn't have seen the lower part of the jail window because of the bushes. That's right. The only possible place from which he could have fired. The upper floor of the CPA building. Probably he stood well back in a room and shot through an open window. The powder blast and bullet shattered the apple. One piece fell here.

[Narrator]

What we now?

[Tonto]

Gratify Ms. Dylan. After she recovers from the shock of her father's murder, she may be able to remember something that will enable us to find the evidence of which he spoke.

[Jim Dillon]

Let her go.

[Narrator]

And Buckboard.

[Tonto]

We'll stop her outside the town. Get Scout.

[Narrator]

I'll go after Silver. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Jim Dillon]

Ever stop to think how much fun.

[Narrator]

You can have with a blackboard? Why, you can play games, Autumn.

[Jim Dillon]

Draw pictures, leave messages, practice spelling, all sorts of things.

[Narrator]

But here's the news. There's a blackboard on the back of.

[Jim Dillon]

The special Wheaties blackboard package at your grocer's right now, all you need to use on this blackboard is ordinary chalk. And you can wipe it off with cloth or a regular blackboard eraser and.

[Narrator]

Use it again and again. In fact, I think you're going to.

[Jim Dillon]

Want several of these Wheaties blackboard packages.

[Narrator]

You know, so you can let your friends join in with the fun playing.

[Jim Dillon]

Tic tac toe or having drawing contests. Or maybe you'll want extra blackboards so.

[Narrator]

You can save your own best drawings.

[Jim Dillon]

You see, there's no extra charge for the blackboard.

[Narrator]

Nothing to do, nothing to send in.

[Jim Dillon]

You just pay the regular Wheaties price. So look for the Wheaties package with.

[Narrator]

The sign on the front that says blackboard. That means there's one of these wonderful blackboards on the back ready to use.

[Jim Dillon]

Be sure to pick up several. They're at your grocers right now. Ask for the special Wheaties blackboard package.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. As the Lone Ranger and Tottle ran for their horses, Rusty carried word of Ruth Dylan's departure to his waiting partners in crime. Throwing themselves into their saddles, the Three killers guided their horses across country in an effort to head off the girl. A short time later, a young homesteader who was riding toward town met Ruth on the trail. Both pulled up. Why, you've been crying.

[Ruth Dillon]

Dead sick.

[Jim Dillon]

Dead.

[Ruth Dillon]

Murdered. Murdered right in the sheriff's office. The sheriff is out with a posse right now. The CPA gunman may be riding too.

[Jim Dillon]

I suppose they'll shoot any hill man on sight.

[Ruth Dillon]

Tim, I want you to go along with me to the ranch where you'll be sitting.

[Jim Dillon]

Look, coming up the trail.

[Ruth Dillon]

A masked man and an Indian.

[Jim Dillon]

And I haven't any guns.

[Ruth Dillon]

He is dead. Six shooter.

[Jim Dillon]

I've got it. Don't be frightened.

[Tonto]

We won't harm you.

[Jim Dillon]

Whosoever, Raise your hands up. I'm covering you.

[Tonto]

I haven't had much experience with guns, my friend. Your gun isn't cocked. I could draw and fire while you're pulling back the hammer.

[Jim Dillon]

Why, I forgot to summit.

[Ruth Dillon]

Why are you wearing that mask, mister? What do you want?

[Jim Dillon]

Him friend of mine, miss. Him want talk with you.

[Ruth Dillon]

You're the Indian who was in the sheriff's office. Ah, you seem to want to help me.

[Tonto]

We both want to help you. We believe that the Cattlemen's Protective association is being operated by crooks, just as your father did. In all probability he was shot from the CPA office with the connivance of Lance Layton.

[Ruth Dillon]

But why?

[Tonto]

Apparently the criminals were afraid your father would expose them. My friend Toddle tells me that you know nothing about the evidence he was about to show the sheriff.

[Ruth Dillon]

That's the truth.

[Tonto]

Where do you think your father could have found the evidence?

[Ruth Dillon]

I've been thinking of that too. This morning I drove dad out to the cliff where the cows and Ryder were killed.

[Narrator]

He.

[Ruth Dillon]

He walked around for a while, leaving me in the buckboard. When he came back, he said something about the association leaders being murderers. And then he told me to drive to town.

[Tonto]

Oh, Ms. Dylan, will you and your friend lead us to the cliff?

[Ruth Dillon]

Yes, of course. Tim, put that gun away.

[Jim Dillon]

Sure, I'll stick it inside my shirt. Get up. Come on, get him.

[Narrator]

An hour later, the Lone Ranger and Tottle were engaged in an intensive search along the top of the brush fringed cliff. Ruth and Tim followed them as they moved ever farther away from the horses and buckboard, examining the earth, rocks and shrubs. Toto was saying.

[Jim Dillon]

Oh, here, let me see where him punch ground with cane. Oh, look. Look what we find.

[Tonto]

That's a lead cylinder about a half inch thick and a foot long.

[Jim Dillon]

What's it used for?

[Tonto]

Storekeepers. Once Sold lead in the form of rods. A rod could be easily cut and melted into bullets. Mr. Lund, did you ever see anything like this around your home?

[Ruth Dillon]

No, never. The only muzzle loading done on the place belonged to my grandfather who died years ago. That was his cane my dad used.

[Tonto]

Well, that gives me an idea. I'd like to look at that cane.

[Ruth Dillon]

I'll get it for you. Come on.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Tonto looked up from the ground and observed him, boy.

[Jim Dillon]

And girl, coming back with cane. Why you want it?

[Tonto]

Because that cane dates back to a time when it was a common practice for men to carry loaded walking sticks. Because firearms are untrustworthy and hard to conceal.

[Jim Dillon]

Why you say loaded?

[Tonto]

Well, by that I mean the canes were hollowed out at the bottom ends and filled with some heavy metal, which made them very effective clubs.

[Ruth Dillon]

Here it is, mister.

[Jim Dillon]

Get your hands up with them. You're covered from both sides.

[Narrator]

Unwilling to risk the girl's life in a gun battle with an unknown number of men hidden behind the brush, the masked man raised his arms as did the others. Layton and his fellow crooks broke from COVID him.

[Jim Dillon]

Leighton must to get the guns right.

[Tonto]

What's the meaning of this?

[Jim Dillon]

You'll find out soon enough. Yeah, I got the masked man's guns. That takes care of the injured. Take off his mask, then search the girl. You put your hands on Ruth, you'll do nothing. Take that.

[Narrator]

Throwing herself to her knees beside the stunned homesteader, Ruth shielded him from the eyes of the killers and snatched her father's revolver from inside his shirt. Just as Layton growled, I'll take that mask off myself. At that instant, Ruth caught the gun, turned and fired. Her bullet missed Layton, at whom she had aimed, but hit Bill strong. Wounded, the crook dropped his weapon and tumbled into the brush, where he lay helpless. Layton turned his gun on the girl. Before he could fire, the Lone Ranger sprang upon him, pinioning his right arm.

[Tonto]

Let go of that gun.

[Jim Dillon]

Shoot him, Rusty.

[Narrator]

Rusty, who had kept his own six shooter holstered while disarming the masked man and Indian, tried to draw. Then Tonto closed with him and bore him to the ground. While Tonto and Rusty rolled on the ground, the Lone Ranger and Layton fought on their feet, crashing back and forth through the bushes. The CPA organizer, whose strength almost matched that of the masked man, still clung to his Colt.

[Ruth Dillon]

Oh, my arm.

[Jim Dillon]

You're breaking my arm.

[Tonto]

Drop that gun.

[Narrator]

The struggle took the two men ever closer to the brink of the precipice. In a desperate effort to free himself, the crook made a Lunge that carried him to the very edge. For a moment, they swayed. There. With one foot over the edge, the Lone Ranger let go of Layton's arm. But he was too late to save either himself or the killer. He slid from the rim rock with his face to the cliff. Fell headlong, clawing the air.

[Ruth Dillon]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

Forcing herself to the brink of the frightful precipice. The girl peered down. Six feet below, she saw the masked man clinging to a bush he had managed to grasp as he fell. He was kicking the face of the cliff, trying to find something to support his feet.

[Ruth Dillon]

Hold on. I'll get one of your ropes.

[Tonto]

You won't have time. The bush is pulling out.

[Ruth Dillon]

I can't reach your hand, but here's the cane.

[Narrator]

Grab hold.

[Jim Dillon]

I have it, but you can't support my weight alone.

[Ruth Dillon]

I'll try.

[Jim Dillon]

I just came to. What happened?

[Ruth Dillon]

While you're lying there, the masked man. He's down there. Helped me hold this cane.

[Jim Dillon]

There.

[Narrator]

I've got a grip on it.

[Jim Dillon]

I'll try to get a foothold on this bush.

[Ruth Dillon]

The bush pulled out. It's gone. Pull, Tim, pull.

[Jim Dillon]

I'm pulling as hard as I can. Got him up a foot or so.

[Ruth Dillon]

King's breaking.

[Jim Dillon]

Let me help you. Get down beside us. Maybe you can reach him with your hand. Now give me other hand, Kimasabi. He's got good grip now.

[Narrator]

All together, the combined efforts of the two men and girl brought the Lone Ranger to the top of the cliff. A moment later, he scrambled over the rim rock to safety. Extending a hand to Ruth, he said.

[Tonto]

Miss Dylan, I owe you my life. Please accept a small token of a gratitude too great for words.

[Ruth Dillon]

Thank you, mister. It's a lucky thing you had me get that cane you're picking up.

[Jim Dillon]

Look at the thing. It's almost busted.

[Tonto]

I'll finish breaking it.

[Jim Dillon]

The end is hard. There's a paper in it.

[Tonto]

Yes, I'm getting it out. There ought to look after Rust and the other crook while I read this.

[Ruth Dillon]

Tim. That must be the evidence they had found.

[Jim Dillon]

What is it, mister?

[Tonto]

It's a letter written on association stationery. The sign of the noose is printed at the top. Address to Bill Strong and signed by Lance Layton.

[Jim Dillon]

What does it say?

[Tonto]

It contains an order for Strong to return to Cottonwood City. Lead a raid on this ranch with Rusty's help. Since a rider was killed here, that's enough to hang those two. Even though they escaped punishment for Mr. Dillon's murder. I'll tell you more in a moment.

[Ruth Dillon]

How do you suppose the masked man knew there was something in that cane.

[Jim Dillon]

I'll bet that piece of lead told him. Your dad must have taken it out of that cane so he could hide the letter.

[Ruth Dillon]

Of course, I remember now of hearing it said that the cane was leaded.

[Tonto]

The remainder of the letter provides positive proof that the Cattlemen's Protective association was organized for the sole purpose of defrauding its members. They bought protection from Layton's own gunmen.

[Jim Dillon]

And then blamed us hill folks. A couple of homesteaders were sent to prison on their perjured testimony.

[Tonto]

This letter should free them. It should also bring about the end of the association and the misunderstanding between cattlemen and people who want to farm a raise sheep.

[Jim Dillon]

I reckon Leighton is dead.

[Tonto]

No man could have survived such a fall.

[Jim Dillon]

He got them two fellows bandaged and tied good. They weren't the only fellows who helped Layton.

[Tonto]

The names of the rest of the cooks will surely be found in Layton's office records. If you get those, I'm sure you and the sheriff will be able to put all the crooks in jail.

[Jim Dillon]

We'll see that none get away, mister. Why, there's the sheriff now. He's leading a posse along the other side of the river.

[Tonto]

It will be quite a while before they find a place to cross. Ms. Dillon, when the sheriff gets here, will you give him this note and explain what happened?

[Ruth Dillon]

Yes, of course. Are you leaving?

[Tonto]

Yes. I prefer not to be asked to make explanations. My presence might be confusing to the sheriff and his party. So, come on. Adios, Tim.

[Jim Dillon]

Adios, mister.

[Ruth Dillon]

Adios.

[Jim Dillon]

Adios, Engine. Ruth, what was it that masked man gave you?

[Ruth Dillon]

A silver bullet.

[Jim Dillon]

A silver bullet. Jumping John Rogers.

[Ruth Dillon]

Tim, does it mean something to you?

[Jim Dillon]

I should say it does. I've heard of a man who gives bullets like that to people he likes. Our friend is the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by Special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same.

[Andrew Rines]

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