
Original Air Date: March 02, 1951Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Roundu...
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Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Flavorshookoregonkids.Org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
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. When your mom packs a specially delicious lunchbox for school, doesn't it make you feel all happy and kind of proud? The kids you eat with want a bite or maybe even ask if you'll swap lunches. Well, that probably happens to you all the time. If your mom bakes Betty Crocker cake mix cakes. Mmm. A great big wedge of, say, Betty Crocker honey spice cake sure turns a school lunch into a feast. And I hope your mom knows how easy it is to bake one up. All the good tasting spices and sweet, golden honey and everything are right in the mix. She just has to add water and two fresh eggs for a perfect cake every time. Cake after cake after cake. It's guaranteed perfect by Betty Crocker of General Mills, Minneapolis. So next time you're asked what you'd like in your lunchbox, tell mom some Betty Crocker honey spice cake. Maybe she'll even let you take the whole cake to share at school. A say let's be buddies kind of cake. A perfect Betty Crocker honey spice cake.
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Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.
Teen Advocate
A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 702 a ton. Take action@ flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Narrator
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.
Dirk Durango
Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. I am Silver. Away.
Narrator
The town of Oro, Colorado, was built over the tunnels of the Globe Gold Mine. The mine had not been worked for years, but the tunnels were of great interest to Dirk Durango, a bank robber and highwayman. Durango and three of his former companions met in an old hoist shack that covered one of the vertical shafts near town.
Jim
I called you boys together to hear my plans for robbing the bank. You see that hole in the middle of the floor?
Dirk Durango
Yeah, sure.
Jim
Top an old mine shaft. Isn't it dirt? Yeah. There's a ladder going down to a tunnel of the Globe Mine. Where's the tunnel lead to? Under the town. There are no end of tunnels under Oro. They run in all directions. The diggings is a regular Chinese puzzle. Hey, I begin to savvy. Under the center of town, there are tunnels on a higher level. And I'm sure there's one just about 20ft beneath the bank. By digging up from the roof of that tunnel, we should be able to go right through the floor of the bank.
Dirk Durango
Dirk, you said those tunnels are like a Chinese puzzle. How do you figure on finding the right one? How do you keep from getting lost, Slag?
Jim
I've got the answer right here in this letter. This is from a mining engineer named Mark Haslam.
Dirk Durango
Who's he?
Jim
He was the engineer for the Globe Mine. I read about him in the mining journal and wrote him a letter. Since then, we've been writing back and forth. Does he know who you are? I used a fake name and gave my address as general delivery.
Dirk Durango
That engineer should know the layout of the tunnel.
Jim
That's what I figured. And I was right. He has charts showing every detail of the diggings. But, Dirk, how could you get the charts without letting Hazleth know what you've got in mind? I told him I had a new mine near Tom and wanted to break through into the globe tunnels to ventilate it. That's often done, you know. I offered Hazlett $5,000 to come here with his charts and fix up a ventilation system. That was smart. Is he coming? Yeah.
Dirk Durango
Well, you tell him when he sees.
Jim
You don't have a mine, he'll never see that. He agreed to meet me at Salvation Spring. That's 10 miles west of town. Tomorrow morning. You go with me, Slag.
Dirk Durango
Whatever you say, Dirk.
Jim
We'll shoot Hazlett and take the diagram of the tunnels. Then we'll be set to clean out the bank.
Narrator
The following morning, Malone, Ranger and Tonto rode through a woods approaching Salvation Spring from the west, While Durkin Swag, who had been riding in the opposite direction through the woods surrounding the water hole, drew reinforced. Dismounting, they advanced through the underbrush to the edge of the clearing. They saw a man near the spring at the far side of the clearing, about a hundred yards away.
Dirk Durango
Dirk said, there he is.
Narrator
At that moment, the lone ranger and Tottle neared the opposite side of the clearing. A masked man suddenly signaled a halt and pointed ahead.
Dirk Durango
Someone's cant of Salvation Spring.
Narrator
Looking through the trees, Tonto saw a tall, dark man less than 20 yards beyond the edge of the woods.
Jim
Look this way, Kimasabe.
Dirk Durango
He probably heard our horses.
Jim
Him hurt.
Dirk Durango
That shot came from the other side of the clearing.
Jim
Two men there.
Dirk Durango
Try to help the man who shot. I'll go after the gunman.
Narrator
Dirk and Swag, only partially screened by brushwood, were amazed to see a masked man dash from the woods and charge toward them. Dirk started shooting, and the Lone Ranger returned the fire. But the distance was too great for accuracy with six guns. Then Slag's rifle cracked. The lone Ranger dropped the reins, reeled in the saddle. Then a silver halt. It fell to the ground. Toto leaped into the saddle, firing as he raced across the clearing to avenge his mask friend. But the outlaws didn't linger. Running to their horses, they leaped to the saddle. A short time later, the lone ranger regained consciousness to find himself lying on the ground in the woods near Salvation Spring. Toto was bandaging a scalp wound.
Jim
You all right, Kimi? Bullet just grazed head. Knock you out.
Dirk Durango
Where?
Jim
Who help me carry you here?
Dirk Durango
Two men.
Jim
Ah, them get way.
Dirk Durango
Yes, I remember. They shot a man camped near the spring.
Jim
Him there under blanket. Him dead.
Dirk Durango
Murder. Did you learn the identity of the dead man?
Jim
No, but him got surveyors too.
Dirk Durango
I noticed that he find plenty papers.
Jim
And sandal bag them all there on ground.
Dirk Durango
I'll look them over. Meanwhile, you better see if the killer left any tracks.
Jim
Me do that.
Dirk Durango
Then ride to Oro and tell the sheriff what happened.
Narrator
While Tanto was gone, the Lone Ranger examined the dead man's possessions. He read several letters and studied a number of technical drawings. It was afternoon when Toto returned, accompanied by a middle aged lawman.
Dirk Durango
Cooks to town. Loose trail there.
Jim
Me bring Sheriff Barstow back.
Dirk Durango
Your ancient friend told me about you, mister. You got anything to prove you're the Lone Ranger? Here's an identification card signed by the Federal marshal of this district. Well, that satisfies me. Dotto told me about the murder. I'll lift this blanket. Sheriff Barstow, do you know the dead man? Yes, that's Mark Haslet. He worked for the Globe Mine in Oro before it petered out. Wonder what he was doing back here. Well, I found some letters and paper that may answer your question. Here they are. The letters are signed to John Tate. I never heard of him. One of the letters offers Hazlitt a job. Yes, this one I'm reading. Let's see. Hmm. There's no mine near enough to town to hook up to the old Globe tunnels. As this letter suggests, there's only mines around here in the mountains north of Oro. Well, what do you make of the correspondence? Well, offhand, I'd say Hazlett was lured into a death trap by the man who wrote those letters. Yes, I'd sure like to find this John Tate. Probably a fake name. He gave his address as General Delivery. The postmaster might be able to describe him. Well, I doubt it. Oro is full of strangers who have their mail sent to General Delivery. Did you get a good look at the killers? No. They were screened by brushwood, and I had only a glimpse of them at a distance. But I'll be glad to help you find them. I'll need help. We might bait a trap for them. A trap? Yes. I'll serve as live bait. What do you mean? The men who shot Hazlett can't know whether he's alive or dead. And I'm sure they didn't know him by sight. Not if John Tate's one of the killers. He says in this letter that he'll need a description to recognize Hazlett. The engineer was shot in the back. So the killer still haven't seen his face. Not even at a distance. What are you getting at? I. I'm about the same size as Hazlitt. I'm sure I can wear his hat and coat. You mean disguise yourself as him? Yes. I'll wear his gun, then take his charts and equipment and ride his horse into town. His face is paler than yours. Well, I have makeup material to lighten my complexion. Sheriff. If the killers mistake me for Hazlett and see my head bandaged as it is, they'll think they merely wounded the engineer. In which case, they might make another play to kill him. Well, that's what I'm counting on. Bring them into the open. You're taking a big risk, but your plan might work. I'm sure it's worth trying. Sheriff, can you keep Hazlett's death a secret? Yes. I'll take the body into town after dark. The coroner will cooperate when I tell them the plans. Good. You want to leave your horse in the stable behind the jail? Oh, yes, Sheriff. Thanks. I'll leave my gun belt and some of my clothes there, too.
Jim
Me take him there after dark.
Dirk Durango
We'll all wait until after dark to enter the town.
Jim
Me keep watch on you, Kimasabi.
Dirk Durango
Yes, Tano. Keep the sheriff posted on what happens. But don't interfere until I signal you. Me savvy. And you'd better wear a disguise. Oro is full of ragged ute Indian beggars. Todo my dress is one of them.
Jim
And that what me do.
Dirk Durango
I sure hope we get those crooks before they kill the Lone Ra.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.
Teen Advocate
A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from the nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Progressive Advertiser
Drivers who switch and save with Progressive could save hundreds. With that kind of money, you could go big time on a fancy water bottle with ultra titanium alloy metal. You're not sure why you need all that. I mean, it just holds water. But you're getting it anyway. Because if you're hiking near an active volcano and you accidentally drop the bottle into molten hole lava, your water will still be icy cold. Switch to Progressive and you could save big time for water bottles. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states. Potential savings will vary all over the country.
Dirk Durango
In every direction. How you, how you doing is the question. And here's what the happy people have to say.
Narrator
Eaton are Wheaties and do do an okay okay.
Wheaties Advertiser
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Narrator
Keep on eating your Wheaties and you be do do do an okay okay. Now, to continue that evening, Malone Ranger, disguised as Haslett, sat in the hotel dining room in town. Dirk saw him there and introduced himself. A few minutes later, they rode out.
Dirk Durango
Of town over there.
Narrator
As the two men dismounted at the hoist house, Dirk explained.
Jim
I'm using this shed as a temporary office, Mr. Haslett. I associates who want to meet your inside.
Dirk Durango
Very well.
Jim
Zip right in.
Dirk Durango
Thanks.
Jim
Now, boys, this is Haslet.
Dirk Durango
All righty. Howdy.
Jim
Now, Haslet, raise your hand.
Dirk Durango
What heist? You heard the bart. What do you mean? I got it.
Jim
Cal, you go outside and stand guard. Let me know if anyone comes near.
Dirk Durango
Right. What's the meaning of this? If you're hazing me or joking, I don't.
Jim
It's no joke. Now, keep your hands up. Keep them covered, Jim. I am.
Dirk Durango
Slag.
Jim
The charts are in his coat pocket. Hand them to me.
Dirk Durango
Right. Here they are, Dirk. Now I might as well finish the job we started this morning.
Jim
No, no, don't kill him yet. I want to look over these charts and make sure they're what we need.
Dirk Durango
Oh, you're the man who shot me. Why do you want to kill me? What have I done to you? We got nothing against you, Hazlett. It's just that we can't afford to let you live. You could identify us as the men who took your charts. But what do you want? That'd mean identifying us as the men who robbed the bank. Oh, that's your plan, Slag?
Jim
You talk too much.
Dirk Durango
Ah, what's the difference, Jim? This gentle never be able to tell what he knows. Obviously, you intend to cut through the floor of the bank from a tunnel. Now you're savvy.
Jim
Those charts what you want, Dirk? Yeah. It'll take time, but I think we can figure them out.
Dirk Durango
That being the case, it's time to shoot Hadley. Oh, wait. You'll need more than those charts to find the tunnel that runs beneath the bank. What do we need? A survey above ground. To chart the location of the bank. You'll have to measure the distances very accurately and the compass direction.
Narrator
While the Lone Ranger outlined the problem, Toto, who had followed his friend from town, saw the guard in front of the hoist house and remained at a distance to avoid discovery. The Indian didn't suspect that the Lone Ranger's life hung by a thread, though.
Dirk Durango
You see, those charts are worthless for your purpose unless you have a surface survey.
Jim
You know, Dirk, I think he's right.
Dirk Durango
What he said makes sense to me.
Jim
Hazlett's surveillance instruments are on his horse. Neither of you know how to use them. I don't. Neither does Cal.
Dirk Durango
Neither do I.
Jim
In that case, Hazlett, I'm gonna change my plans. As far as you're concerned, I'll give you a chance to stay alive.
Dirk Durango
Yes.
Jim
You make the surveys and do the calculating for us. And after we have the money from the bank, we'll let you go free.
Dirk Durango
You may not keep your word, but I'll have to trust you. I have no choice. I'll accept your proposition.
Narrator
The work began early the following morning. The Lone Ranger, still posing as Hazlett, had decided to play along with the crooks for the time being and knew enough about surveying to use the transit and direct Jim and Cal, who carried the rod and chain, while Durkin Slag stood guard at his side. He was looking through the transit in the center of town when Sheriff Barstow came from the jail, which was across the street from the bank.
Dirk Durango
What's going on, Jeff?
Jim
Hello, Sheriff. We're surveying for a branch line that will connect Oro to the C and R Railroad.
Dirk Durango
Oh, so that's it. I've seen you men around town wondering what your business.
Jim
Yes, now the secrets out.
Dirk Durango
The railroad will be a fine thing for this town. Mean a lot of new people coming here, more business.
Narrator
While the sheriff spoke, the Lone Ranger pretended to jot down figures in his surveyor's logbook. Actually, he wrote a note, concealed it in his hand, then looked up as the sheriff said, hello, Hasley.
Dirk Durango
Glad to see you. How have you been?
Narrator
While shaking hands, the Lone Ranger passed the folded note to the sheriff. The Lone Ranger finished his work on the surface before dark and that night worked underground by lantern light. While Cal remained on guard at the hoist house. Dirk, Jim and Slag stayed close to the man who posed as Hazlett. Using a compass, level measuring chain and other instruments, the Lone Ranger finally reached his destination and pointed to the tunnel ceiling.
Dirk Durango
Start there and go straight up.
Narrator
Standing on ladders, the men took turns excavating a chimney like opening in the tunnel ceiling. When they stopped at daybreak, their work was over two thirds finished. The following night found Cal once more on guard at the hoist house. When the others resumed work inside the opening, there was room for only one man to dig. After some time, Jim took his turn. He stood on ladders tied together, loosening the dirt and stones overhead with a pry bar. On the tunnel floor, the Lone Ranger was closely watched by Slag and Dirk.
Dirk Durango
We ought to be through in a little while, Dirk. Yeah.
Jim
Hazard's calculations are right.
Dirk Durango
They better be as lippy.
Jim
You've given us any wrong direct.
Dirk Durango
I hear footsteps.
Jim
Someone's coming through the tunnel. Stand still, hasn't it? I got a gun against your bike.
Dirk Durango
Hey, Dirt, it's Cal. Yeah.
Jim
What's wrong?
Dirk Durango
Nothing. I got a prisoner. Let's go.
Narrator
As Cal approached carrying a gun in one hand and a lantern in the other, the Lone Ranger recognized Tonto, dressed as a ragged ute Indian, walking ahead of the outlaw.
Dirk Durango
I caught this engine crawling around the hoist house.
Jim
You searching for weapons?
Dirk Durango
Sure. He had a knife and a gun under his blanket. Here they are.
Jim
I'll take him.
Dirk Durango
I thought you might want to question him or something, so I brought him here. Hey.
Jim
Can't be bothered with him now. Keep an eye on him till we're through. Maybe a better time. Hey, Dirk. Yeah, what is it, Jim? I just struck a flat stone with my bar. Yeah, I think it's the underside of the flag stone.
Dirk Durango
Stone floor.
Jim
Be careful it doesn't drop in your head.
Dirk Durango
Right.
Narrator
Bodurkin's flag stood tense and expectant. They didn't relax their vigilant watch on the disguised Lone Ranger and Tato. Both crooks held guns, ready to fire if either prisoner made an aggressive move.
Dirk Durango
It's coming.
Jim
I got it below.
Dirk Durango
What's up there?
Jim
An opening. We're through to the bank. I'm climbing in.
Dirk Durango
Yeah.
Jim
What do you see? Nothing. Dark. Send someone up with a lantern.
Dirk Durango
I'll take a liner. Not too in dirt.
Jim
Go ahead, Chow.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger stood tense and ready to act. He watched Dirk and Swag and presently saw both outlaws glance upward. He grabbed Dirk's gun hand while Toto swung a fist to Slag's jaw. As the outlaw staggered back, he raised his gun. The shop went wild. Tonto closed in. You not shoot again. Slapping the gun aside, he delivered a knockout blow. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger struggled with Dirk for possession of the gun.
Jim
Turn on me, will you Never get away alive. K. Jim.
Dirk Durango
Come on down here.
Jim
Give me a hand. Need help?
Dirk Durango
You, Kev? No. Toto. Watch that man on the ground. Drop that gun, Dirk. Drop my arm. Drop the gun or I'll break your arm.
Jim
Char. Jim, help me.
Dirk Durango
Don't count on them.
Jim
I'm dropping the gun here.
Narrator
As the outlaw's gun dropped from his fingers, the Lone Ranger took from Dirk's belt the weapon that had been taken from Toto.
Dirk Durango
You're covered.
Jim
You has returned.
Dirk Durango
Otto. How's the man you knocked out?
Jim
Him get conscious now.
Dirk Durango
Good. That'll save carrying him up the ladder. How's everything down there? Under control, Sheriff. Good. We've got handcuffs. The two that came up here.
Jim
The Sheriff. What's he doing in the bank?
Dirk Durango
He's not in the bank, Dirk. He's one of the jail cells.
Jim
Jail cells?
Dirk Durango
Yes. You.
Jim
We were not under the bank. We're under the jail.
Dirk Durango
That's right. We're the world ready for these prisoners, Sheriff. We sure are. You're first, Dirk. Climb that ladder.
Jim
Thanks.
Dirk Durango
My job. You nearly broke it. It's your neck that will be broken, Slag. That's the penalty for murder. Murder? Yes. Now climb that, lad.
Narrator
A short time later, the four outlaws were securely locked in a cell with a floor that was solid. The Sheriff, standing outside the bar door, eyed the prisoners and said, you know.
Dirk Durango
I doubt if any crooks have ever worked as hard as you four to get into a jail.
Jim
Yeah, that double crossing Haslett. How did I know he was tricking us?
Dirk Durango
He handed me a note, told me his plan so we could be here waiting for you, sir.
Jim
What?
Dirk Durango
What do you mean when he said something about a murder? We didn't kill anyone. Yes, you did. You crooks are going on trial for the murder of Hazlet.
Jim
But Cadaver Rod deal is said Hazlet's not dead.
Dirk Durango
We didn't kill him. Hazlet is dead and you crooks killed him.
Jim
But he left here just a few minutes ago with that Indian.
Dirk Durango
He posed as Hazlet to make you crook. Show your hand. But he's not Haslet. He's the Lone Ranger. I don't feel.
Teen Advocate
Use of flavored. Tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems, Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids, but there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Flavorshookoregonkids.Org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Progressive Advertiser
Drivers who switch and save with Progressive could save hundreds. With that kind of money, you could go big time on a fancy water bottle with ultra titanium alloy metal. You're not sure why you need all that. I mean, it just holds water. But you're getting it anyway. Because if you're hiking near an active volcano and you accidentally drop the bottle into molten lava, your water will still be icy cold. Switch to Progressive and you could save.
Dirk Durango
Big time for water bottles.
Progressive Advertiser
Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates not available in all states. Potential savings will.
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 time.
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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.
Teen Advocate
A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.
Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids
It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavors hookoregon kids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Special Edition | The Lone Ranger (03-02-51)
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes
In this special edition of The Lone Ranger, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported back to the golden age of Western radio dramas. This episode masterfully preserves the thrilling adventures of the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion, Tonto, while showcasing the exceptional digital restoration that enhances every sound from the original 1951 broadcast. The episode immerses the audience in the Wild West, bringing to life classic themes of justice, bravery, and cunning strategy against outlaws.
The story unfolds in Oro, Colorado, a town constructed over the abandoned tunnels of the Globe Gold Mine. The tranquility of Oro is disrupted by the scheming Dirk Durango, a notorious bank robber and highwayman, along with his accomplices Jim and Slag. They convene in an old hoist shack near town to devise a plan to rob the local bank by exploiting the intricate mine tunnels beneath Oro.
Jim: "Top an old mine shaft... By digging up from the roof of that tunnel, we should be able to go right through the floor of the bank." (05:04)
Jim reveals that he has been in correspondence with Mark Haslam, the former mine engineer, who possesses detailed charts of the mine's layout. This crucial information becomes the cornerstone of their bank heist plan.
Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger, accompanied by Tonto, rides through the woods towards Salvation Spring to investigate suspicious activities. Unbeknownst to Durango and his men, the Lone Ranger is already one step ahead, surveilling their movements.
As Durango and his crew prepare for the robbery, they encounter a man by the spring, whom Durango mistakenly believes to be an ally. A shootout ensues when the Lone Ranger intervenes, resulting in a graze to his head and a strategic retreat by the outlaws. The Lone Ranger, though injured, manages to survive the encounter with Tonto's assistance.
Dirk Durango: "We'll shoot Hazlett and take the diagram of the tunnels. Then we'll be set to clean out the bank." (06:28)
After recovering, the Lone Ranger examines the dead man's possessions, uncovering letters and technical drawings that hint at deeper conspiracies. Upon presenting his findings to Sheriff Barstow, it becomes clear that Hazlett was lured into a trap, likely orchestrated by a mysterious figure named John Tate.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, the Lone Ranger devises a clever plan to bait the outlaws. He proposes to disguise himself as Hazlett, leveraging his understanding of surveying to manipulate the crooks into revealing their true intentions and identities.
Lone Ranger: "I'll wear his gun, then take his charts and equipment and ride his horse into town." (11:50)
Under the cover of night, disguised as Hazlett, the Lone Ranger infiltrates the outlaws' operation, cautiously participating in their planning while covertly gathering intelligence. As the outlaws begin excavating the tunnel towards the bank, the Lone Ranger uses his skills to subtly sabotage their efforts without raising suspicion.
Durango: "We ought to be through in a little while, Dirk." (20:38)
Lone Ranger: "An opening. We're through to the bank. I'm climbing in." (21:00)
As tension mounts, the Lone Ranger's true identity is perilously close to being exposed. A critical moment arises when Cal, another outlaw, is brought in with a prisoner, revealing the depth of the Lone Ranger's infiltration.
The final act reaches a fever pitch as the Lone Ranger, with Tonto's support, confronts Durango and his gang within the confines of the bank tunnel. A fierce struggle ensues:
Dirk Durango: "You've nearly broke it. It's your neck that will be broken, Slag. That's the penalty for murder." (23:34)
Lone Ranger: "Turn on me, will you? Never get away alive." (22:40)
In the heat of the battle, the Lone Ranger skillfully disarms Durango and engages in a tactical fight that culminates in the capture of the outlaws. With the scheme thwarted, justice is served, and the safety of Oro is restored.
Jim: "But you crooks killed him." (24:13)
Lone Ranger: "You crooks are going on trial for the murder of Hazlitt." (24:28)
The Lone Ranger: Embodies the quintessential hero of Western lore—brave, intelligent, and honorable. His strategic mind and unwavering commitment to justice drive the narrative forward.
Tonto: The Lone Ranger's steadfast friend and confidant, whose resourcefulness and combat skills are indispensable in their quest against outlaws.
Dirk Durango: The antagonist whose greed and deceit set the stage for conflict. His interactions reveal a man desperate to achieve his nefarious goals, ultimately meeting his match in the Lone Ranger.
Jim and Slag: Loyal henchmen to Durango, their actions and decisions play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama, highlighting themes of loyalty and betrayal.
Jim: "Top an old mine shaft... By digging up from the roof of that tunnel, we should be able to go right through the floor of the bank." (05:04)
Dirk Durango: "We'll shoot Hazlett and take the diagram of the tunnels. Then we'll be set to clean out the bank." (06:28)
Lone Ranger: "I'll wear his gun, then take his charts and equipment and ride his horse into town." (11:50)
Dirk Durango: "You've nearly broke it. It's your neck that will be broken, Slag. That's the penalty for murder." (23:34)
Lone Ranger: "Turn on me, will you? Never get away alive." (22:40)
This special edition episode of The Lone Ranger brilliantly captures the essence of classic Western radio dramas, enriched by modern digital restoration techniques. The narrative expertly weaves suspense, action, and strategic ingenuity, offering listeners an engaging and immersive experience. Andrew Rhynes' introduction sets the stage for a timeless tale of good versus evil, underscored by memorable performances and vivid storytelling that honor the legacy of the original series.
For those who haven't had the pleasure of listening, this episode serves as a captivating introduction to the adventures of the Lone Ranger, demonstrating why these stories continue to resonate with audiences today.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, introductions, and outros to maintain focus on the core content of the episode.