Steamboat on the River | The Lone Ranger (05-27-42)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: Steamboat on the River | The Lone Ranger (05-27-42)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: March 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Old Time Radio Westerns" dives into a classic Lone Ranger tale set during the westward expansion and the construction of the first Transcontinental railroad. Titled "Steamboat on the River," the story centers on sabotage, espionage, and the courageous efforts to protect the vital delivery of blasting powder—necessary for railroad construction—traveling by steamboat. Powerful business interests oppose the railroad, leading to a web of plots, secret codes, and heroics from the iconic Lone Ranger and his allies.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Setting and Stakes (02:56–05:09)

• The completion of the Transcontinental railroad is pivotal for the nation's future, but it is fiercely opposed by cattlemen, stagecoach lines, and steamship companies.
• Outlaw groups step in to sabotage progress. The Lone Ranger has been commissioned by the President to safeguard the construction.
• Omaha is a boomtown and central supply hub for the railroad’s efforts.
• Major characters: Colonel Parkman (chief engineer), Ms. Barkley (secretary with mysterious government orders), Henry Wilson (shadowy figure formerly trusted by major interest groups), and the Lone Ranger.

Notable Quote:
_"If certain parties knew about it, they'd attempt to destroy it. And we need all the supplies we can get." – Colonel Parkman, on the blasting powder’s arrival by steamboat (04:36)

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Suspicions and Secret Communications (05:09–08:42)

• Ms. Barkley and Parkman discuss the political backdrop and the potential for spies among the railroad’s adversaries.
• A silver bullet, delivered by a Native American, signals covert communication from the Lone Ranger.
• Ms. Barkley meets the Lone Ranger in disguise; they discuss Henry Wilson and the looming threat.

Notable Quote:
_"That Indian who brought it in, I should have held him." – Colonel Parkman, puzzling over the bullet (07:17)
_"This isn't a declaration of war from Indians. Take a closer look at this bullet." – Ms. Barkley, revealing the silver bullet (07:36)

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Wilson’s Return & The Sabotage Plot Unfolds (10:40–13:22)

• Henry Wilson, now under suspicion, claims to have fled Washington out of fear for his life and insists on helping to capture the would-be saboteurs targeting the powder boat.
• Wilson warns of “Lefty,” an operative with a limp and a scar, who plans to blow up the boat.
• The plot thickens—Ms. Barkley, Colonel Parkman, and Wilson navigate trust, secrecy, and imminent threat.

Notable Quote:
_"The one means of saving my own life is to put these...these plotters in jail." – Henry Wilson (11:01)

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Abduction and Alliance (13:30–17:39)

• During a nighttime attack and confusion, Colonel Parkman and Henry Wilson are abducted by Tonto and the Lone Ranger for their own protection and to execute a counter-plan.
• Lone Ranger insists Parkman must go in person to St. Joe to apprehend Lefty, as telegrams won’t suffice.
• The authenticity and intentions of Wilson are questioned by Lone Ranger and Parkman.

Notable Quote:
_"You have a strange way of safeguarding that boat." – Colonel Parkman to the Lone Ranger (17:39)

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The Sabotage in Motion (20:00–28:16)

• The tension escalates as Lefty boards the boat; Red and Butch, two accomplices, plot with him.
• Believing they are in the clear after lawmen (and Parkman) seem to have left, Red and Butch light a fuse in the powder room.
• Lefty, revealed as a special government detective, misleads the criminals and orchestrates their arrest below deck, extracting a confession.

Notable Segment:

• 24:30–28:16: The confession scene, with Red and Butch panicking as the fuse burns and finally admitting Henry Wilson orchestrated the sabotage.

Notable Quotes:
_"We got the fuse. Yep. One end's in the kegs. I'll set it alight as soon as we put in at the next landing." – Red and Butch (23:40)
_"Yeah. Yes, yes. We admit it. Only let us get off the boat. That's all. Hurry before it's too late." – Red, under pressure (28:07)
_"That's what we wanted to know. We got the confession. Come on out." – Lefty (28:17)

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The Lone Ranger’s Triumph and the Reveal (28:16–29:31)

• The Lone Ranger had already extinguished the fuse, and with the confession secured, the criminals are captured.
• The scheme to frame Parkman and others is exposed; the Lone Ranger's intelligence and planning are credited for saving lives and the valuable cargo.

Notable Quote:
_"We wanted your confession. We wanted you to name Henry Wilson. You two crooks meet the Lone Ranger. He snuffed out the fuse as soon as you'd left the cabin." – Lone Ranger (28:17)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Silver Bullet delivery: (07:19–07:48)
• Lone Ranger’s counter-sabotage plan: (17:39–18:30)
• Red and Butch’s panic as the fuse burns: (28:07–28:17)
• Lone Ranger’s reveal and clever ploy: (28:17–28:50)

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Noteworthy Characters and Their Roles

• Lone Ranger: Shrouded in mystery, master of disguise and strategy, orchestrates the entire sting operation.
• Tonto: Loyal and quick-thinking, assists in both abductions and more.
• Colonel Parkman: The determined and upright chief engineer, representing good leadership under pressure.
• Ms. Barkley: Resourceful, trusted government operative, acts as a mediator between clandestine operations.
• Henry Wilson: Portrays himself as a potential victim and helper, only for his duplicity to be unveiled.
• Lefty, Red, Butch: Criminal accomplices, ultimately outwitted by the combined efforts of the Lone Ranger and lawmen.

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Structural Insights

• Storytelling: The classic Lone Ranger structure combines suspense, undercover tactics, secret messages (the silver bullet), and a final twist.
• Thematic Focus: The episode significantly emphasizes the battle between progress (the railroad) and vested interests, showcasing both the darkness and the heroism of the Old West.

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Conclusion

"Steamboat on the River" encapsulates everything beloved about radio Westerns—action, deception, and the triumph of good over evil. The Lone Ranger, with aid from allies, ensures the safe passage of the blasting powder and foils a cunning plot. For both nostalgia fans and newcomers, this episode delivers old-school adventure with restored clarity and depth.

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For more episodes and restored adventures, visit otrwesterns.com

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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

[A]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my Howie do it gaming team take on Gilly the king and wallow. $267 million gaming in an epic Global Gaming league video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.

[B]

The building of the first Trans Continental railroad was one of the greatest steps toward the winning of the west. Politically and economically. It was of prime importance to the future of the country. But powerful forces, cattlemen, stagecoach lines and steamship companies opposed it. Outlaw opposition sprang up and the Lone Ranger was commissioned by the President to lead the fight against the enemies of progress. 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. Horn silver for Omaha. Omaha became a boom town when the construction of the railroad to the west got underway. It was the focal point for laborers in search of work who came from all parts of the country. It was in Omaha that all the supplies were brought together. Tons and tons of building material, rail for the tracks, timber from the north and south to be used for construction camps and railroad ties. Colonel Parkman, the engineer in charge of the stupendous undertaking, lived for the time being in Omaha late one afternoon in his office. I guess that's about all we can do today, Ms. Barkley.

[C]

Very well, Colonel Parkman, this last letter is ready for you to sign.

[B]

Oh, good.

[C]

You notice the slip that said that the blasting powder would arrive by steamboat?

[B]

Yes, coming up from the south. Well, as soon as it gets here, we'll arrange to transfer it to wagons and send it west, where it'll be needed to clear some big rocks from the right of way.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

By the way, Ms. Barkley, don't breathe a word about that blasting powder.

[C]

Oh, no, sir.

[B]

If certain parties knew about it, they'd attempt to destroy it. And we need all the supplies we can get.

[C]

Colonel Parkman, I wonder if your warning doesn't come too late. There'll be a lot of people who know of the explosive. Those who brought it to the river, the men who loaded it on the steamboat, the crew of the boat.

[B]

I know. I wish we could maintain more secrecy about things. Confounded. We've had stiff opposition so far, but I'm afraid it's nothing to what we'll have in the future. How is that, Ms. Barclay? Just how much do you know about this? Well, call it a triangle.

[C]

I heard about it in Washington when Henry Wilson was there.

[B]

Henry Wilson? Yes.

[C]

But as far as I knew, his operations were perfectly legitimate. He tried to show the lawmakers that the railroad would completely ruin the cattle industry by bringing pioneers who would homestead and break up the range.

[B]

He went beyond that?

[C]

Oh, of course. He showed where the railroad, with faster and cheaper service, was likely to put the stage lines and steamship lines out of business.

[B]

Then what?

[C]

Well, he was overruled. Everyone felt the railroad was important, so the necessary plans were passed upon. That's all that was known of Mr. Wilson.

[B]

He left Washington and came out here?

[C]

Yes. But nobody knows where he is. Or do you?

[B]

I don't know, but evidence points to it. I've talked with several cattlemen, members of the association. They've all admitted that they were beaten and they're willing to make the best of it. They haven't stooped to the things that. Well, things that have happened.

[C]

Are you sure?

[B]

Ms. Barclay, I know those cattlemen. I know the type of men they are. If they can't win a fair fight, they'll lose it sooner than stoop to outlaw methods. But Henry Wilson's triangle. I know about the surveyors.

[C]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Abduction. Well, we can send an army guard with our surveyors from now on, but what'll happen next? What about the graders, the track layers, the woodcutters, all the others that will have to work on the open plains?

[C]

I don't know, sir.

[B]

You. You don't know?

[C]

Well, how would you expect me to know?

[B]

Ms. Barclay, I had unusual instructions from Washington concerning you. I was told to put you to work here in my office. I was also given to understand that there would be times when you'd request a short leave of absence. I was to see that you got it.

[C]

That is very nice. I'm glad there'll be no difficulty.

[B]

I know that you're absolutely reliable, that your patriotism is above questioning whatever assignment you have. You may be sure that I'll cooperate in any way I can. You need only to call on me.

[C]

Thank you, Colonel Parkman. That will simplify things tremendously. Is there anything else?

[B]

Oh, yes. This little package was brought in while you were out of the office. It's for you.

[C]

Oh?

[B]

An Indian brought it in.

[C]

An Indian? Oh, I must open it at once.

[B]

It was sealed very carefully.

[C]

Yes. Oh, here, I. I want you to see this. Look.

[B]

A bullet. That's what the Indians send when they declare war. A bullet or a bundle of arrows. That Indian who brought it in, I should have held him.

[C]

Oh, no, Colonel. That wouldn't have been necessary. This isn't a declaration of war from Indians. Take a closer look at this bullet.

[B]

What's it made of? That silver.

[C]

Yes, Colonel Parkman, it's a silver bullet.

[B]

And what? Oh, I think I understand. I think I do understand. Joan left the office. An Indian walked close to her in passing. There was no sign of recognition. When the Indian was gone, the girl unfolded a slip of paper that had been placed in her hand. She read it, then tore it to tiny bits. She scattered on her way to the home of the people with whom she boarded. Later in the evening, just before dark, she met a tall man dressed in the clothes of an Easterner. She knew this face was cleverly disguised instead of masked, as it had been on other occasions when she had talked to the Lone Ranger. The subject of their conversation was Henry Wilson. There's no trace of him yet, Ms. Barclay. But I'm quite sure that he's somewhere in the West.

[C]

All that I know is he left Washington.

[B]

He cleaned up the office he had there, didn't he?

[C]

Oh, yes. He took all the papers, records, reports and maps that had been trusted to him by the Triangle.

[B]

There's a lot of information there. I know that information. He would know a lot about the West. But there's one thing that doesn't ring true.

[C]

What is that?

[B]

Henry Wilson wasn't the sort of a man who would steal. Remember, there were three important organizations that trusted him. The Cattlemen's association, the stage line operators and the steamboat company investigated him mighty carefully before they turned everything over to him.

[C]

I suppose any man, that is, almost any man, might become dishonest if there was enough money to be had.

[B]

I have more confidence in men than that.

[C]

I wish I had.

[B]

When does Colonel Parkman expect a boatload of blasting powder?

[C]

You know about that?

[B]

I'm afraid a lot of people know about it.

[C]

Oh, I thought that might be the case.

[B]

Just how much of a setback would it be if the boat was blown up?

[C]

It would be a serious one. Very serious. The blasting powder is needed to clear the right away.

[B]

That's what I thought.

[C]

It would take a long time to get more to St. Joseph and then to Omaha.

[B]

Do you think that I think what?

[C]

Well, of course you'll assume that someone will try to destroy the powder.

[B]

The life of everyone on board the boat. Hey there, Miss Barkley. Oh, Miss Barkley.

[C]

It's Willie from the boarding house.

[B]

Hi, Miss Barkley. There was a message for you. I was told you might be here in the park.

[C]

What is it, Willie?

[B]

It's from the colonel.

[C]

Colonel Parkman?

[B]

Yes, ma'. Am. He says he wants to see you in the office as soon as he can get there.

[C]

Tonight?

[B]

Yes, ma'. Am. He said it was powerful important. He said I was to tell you if he wasn't going there, that there was a Mr. Wilson.

[C]

Henry Wilson?

[B]

Yes, ma'. Am. That was the name. Is he going to be in that office? I reckon so, mister. That's the way it sounded when the colonel told me.

[C]

I'd better go at once. It'll soon be dark.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

I'll tell you what I said.

[B]

I'll find out. And Ms. Barclay?

[C]

Yes?

[B]

I'll send word to you at the boarding house. It may be in code.

[C]

I'll understand. I'd better hurry. I wonder where Wilson came From.

[B]

Mr. Wilson. Started to explain before you came, Ms. Barclay. Mind starting over, Mr. Wilson? Not at all. I'd like to have my secretary make notes. Sure thing. I understand you're from Washington, Ms. Bartley.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Funny I never saw you there. I guess it isn't so strange at that. I kept pretty much to my office.

[C]

I know.

[B]

The reason I came out here so suddenly was because my life was in danger. Certain unscrupulous men wanted to use information I had to further their own interests. I might explain that in furthering their own interests they will make no end of trouble for the railroad. The one means of saving my own life is to put these. These plotters in jail.

[C]

That's why you came to Colonel Parkman?

[B]

That's right. I thought the. The Colonel would know what to do. Before we can jail them, we must have something against them. Attempted destruction of a boat is sufficient, isn't it? What? I think I can help you capture the men who are planning to blow up the river boat from St. Joe. Wilson. How can you help? Do you know the men who are planning that? Well, I couldn't point them out. How do you know they're going to destroy the boat? I still have sources of information. Where are your headquarters? I prefer to keep them a secret for the moment.

[C]

Do you still have all the letters and papers that were taken from your Washington office?

[B]

Oh, yes, yes, of course. All those things are perfectly safe and I propose to keep them that way. What about the boat?

[C]

What?

[B]

Do you know the plans? I can describe the man who's going to actually fire the blast. Though I don't know him on sight. I. I know he's sandy haired, he walks with a slight limp, he's known as Lefty and he has a knife scar on his right cheek. That's a good description. He'll board the boat at St. Joe. I'll telegraph at once and have him kept off the boat. Oh, no, no, no. I don't think that would be wise. Don't like that idea. There are others in the gang. This fellow is removed and others will replace him. And your suggestion? Have men go on board to watch this man and see him whom he talks to after the boat gets underway. Capture everyone and hold them in confinement till the safe delivery of the powder has been made Good. That's a good suggestion. Prepare the messages, Ms. Barclay.

[C]

Yes, Colonel Parkman.

[B]

And now if. If you have no objection, I'll slip away in the darkness. But where can I reach you, Wilson? Do you know what a commotion your disappearance caused? Until I'M sure that it'll be safe. I'd prefer to give no address. I'll communicate with you. But what if I must? I'm armed, you see, and I don't want to be followed. Colonel Parkman. You'll hear from me soon. Wilson. Are you threatening me? By no means, Colonel. I'll be of little help. Dead. Alive, I may learn more plans of this. This gang. Good night.

[C]

He's the most amazing man I've ever known.

[B]

Well, we'll respect his desires, Ms. Bartley. I suppose he's right in keeping his address a secret. If he won't help.

[C]

Stop on ahead, Mr. Wilson.

[B]

Something's happened.

[C]

Me go help Harley. There. Horses. Help. Help.

[B]

My gun.

[C]

It's pitch dark. I can't see a thing.

[B]

I'll get my gun and find the horse. Colonel Park. Miss Barkley.

[C]

Run.

[B]

Someone's in this room. Run. Joan. Get away. Hurry while you can.

[C]

Where are you, Colonel? I can't see a thing.

[B]

Get away. I'm armed now. I'll get him. I'll shoot it out.

[C]

That boy, Tonto.

[B]

Tell me fix you. You keep.

[C]

No, no, Tonto. He's Colonel Parkman. He's the wrong man. If there only a light here, tell me.

[B]

Take your way.

[C]

Colonel Parkman. It's all right. The Indian will find out you're the Colonel. I promise you. It's all right, Tonto. Can't you understand what I'm saying? Leave him. Where is that other lamp? Tonto? I know it's you, Tonto. Please believe me. I can vouch for the Colonel. Where's your friend, Tonto? Speak to me. Are you still here? Oh, here's the lamp. Where are you? Don't leave until I speak. Go on. Gone with the Colonel. What a frightful mistake. Tonto was made. There's the light. Surely a message of some sort will have been left. No message. Nothing. But it must have been Tonto. Who else was it? Another Indian? It could have been Henry Wilson. Then the Colonel. Wilson's enemies. Oh, where's the Lone Ranger?

[B]

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.

[A]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment. You've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to My sports I can follow the teams I care about, get real time, scores, breaking news, and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset, so enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better, too. Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time, scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app to today so you never miss a moment.

[B]

Now, to continue our story. Two horses, a large white stallion and a powerful pinto, race through the almost total black of night, heading for a thickly wooded section outside of Omaha. Each horse carried double. The first one was ridden by the Lone Ranger. Oh, Silver, you'll pay for this. Colonel Parkman will find your name unless you struggle. Wilson, the easier this ride will be. You wait, my friend. Colonel Parkman will learn. He already knows. You'll see him in a few minutes. What? See him? Colonel Silver, Get on.

[C]

Skunk.

[B]

What are you going to do with me? You all right? Do not struggle. You soon find out what Lone Rangers say. Lone Ranger. Soon we come to woods. There you find cabin, and there you talk to Lone Ranger. A short time later, Tonto arrived at the cabin in the woods. As the Indian opened the door, the dim light of a single candle showed Wilson sitting in a chair with his arms tied behind his back. And now you go inside. You sit down. I want to know the reason for this abduction. Hartman, this Indian captured me a minute after you were seized. Oh. Where's the man who captured you, Wilson? He left me here. He said he'd be back in a minute or two. Him close by. You take seat. Might as well. Lone Ranger. Come in soon. Lone Ranger? Yes, the Indian claims I'll Be talking to the Lone Ranger in just a moment. You've heard of him, haven't you, Wilson? Yes, I. I've heard of him. Look, a Lone Ranger planned this affair. He has a reason for it. I wish I knew for certain that it was the Lone Ranger. You can be sure of that mask. That's the same voice. Are you the one who captured me? Yes, Wilson. And the same man. I removed my disguise that I've been wearing my own clothes on. And that mask. I told Tano to shoot the light out before he went after you. Colonel Parkman. I didn't want you to snap one of those fast shots that have made you so famous. Why are we here? Because I think the most important thing right now is the safety of that riverboat. You have a strange way of safeguarding that boat. Wilson was telling me about the man who plans to destroy it. Now you've captured me, so I can't send word to have that man arrested. How did you describe the man, Wilson? I told Colonel Parkman what he looked like. Why should I repeat? I can tell you. The man is sandy haired, known as Lefty, walks with a slight limp and has the scar of a knife wound on his right cheek. I just wanted to make certain. Then you knew about him. I know the man who answers that description. Then let me go. Let me get word to St. Joe to have this fellow seized. Since you understand the importance of this, Colonel Parkman has the authority to have that man arrested. No one else could make such a demand. Colonel Parkman is going to have Lefty arrested. He'll have to go to St. Joe to do it. A lawman in St. Joe wouldn't put Lefty under arrest because of a telegram. He couldn't be sure it really came from the colonel. Go to St. Joe. I'm to go there? Yes. I think the sailing of the riverboat for the blasting powder can be delayed that long. If you send a telegram, I'll go with you. And what about me? For the time being, Wilson, you'll stay here. Here? You mean in this shack? Yes. Tanner will see that you're fed until we return. You can't do this, Colonel Parkman. He can't keep me a prisoner. I hope you know what you're doing. If I'm wrong, I'll be responsible for anything that happens. Now, I'll untie your hands, Colonel Parkman. Now, you see here. If you don't release me, I'll still stay here with you. Wilson. He won't keep your gag except when he sleeps. You Watch him good there. Come on, Colonel Parkman. The sooner we find a horse for you to ride, the sooner we'll get to St. Joe. The colonel was a splendid rider and a strong man, but he felt the pace the masked man set on the trip to St. Joe's there were pauses only when the horses had to rest and graze and one short break for a few hours of sleep. During the trip, the Lone Ranger outlined certain things. Are you sure of this? Yes. Well, if what you say is correct, of course you can count on me to help in any way possible. Thanks. I was sure I could count on you, Colonel Parkman. Just make sure the boat leaves St. Joe after dark and then. Well, you know when to declare. Left your cook. Yes, I know. Shortly after the riverboat pulled north from St. Joseph, a man whose face was scarred, who walked with a limp, made his way toward the stern where two men stood watching the moonlight on the water. What's the matter, boys? Huh? Lefty. That's right, Butch. It's Lefty again. We're just going to ask you and Red, as the law got wind of you2 in St. Joe. Yeah. What's the matter with you, Lefty? We done nothing wrong. Well, not that the law knows about that is nothing the can be proved. You look here, Lefty. If you're following said anything about following you, Red. Well, you're wasting your time. Savvy? You've got a notion all along that we were a couple of crooks. I'm getting tired of being watched. Tired of it, huh, Red? That's too bad. Because maybe someday you'll get tired enough of seeing me around to try a knife on me like was done a few years ago. And then I'll have you. I'll have you then because I'll be able to shoot to defend myself. Pretty smart, huh? A real smart lawman traveling around just looking for trouble. Uh huh. Trouble that's stirred up by you two. Yeah. Leave us alone. We didn't ask to hear your smart talk. Maybe you'd tell me where you're Omaha bound. Is there a law again going to Omaha? No, nothing to know of. Or is there any new law that says we gotta tell why we're going there? No, I just figured maybe you'd tell me. We're not doing favors for anyone, Lefty. Least of all anyone like you. You just leave us alone. Hurt yourself, boys? You don't want to tell me. I'll find out for myself sooner or later. Butcher, that ornery detective is out for our hide. The boss Said he'd take care of things all right. Maybe he'll do something about Lefty. He'll be better if he wants us to. Hey, look, Butcher. Look yonder. Huh? There's a sheriff of Atchison county. See him? There's other sheriffs with him. Sure as I'm a light, that's who they are. And that big man talking to him is Colonel Parkman. His self in flesh. Parkman? Is that who he is? Sure. He's the head engineer of the railroad. No. Unless, Red, we're up against something tough. We got a whole shipload of lawmen. We won't be able to fire that PO in a hundred years. While they're on board, they're talking over something mighty special. Talk, too. Look at him hang it now. What'll we do now? Wait. They're moving toward Lefty. Going to get him in on the confab. Yeah, and him. A special government detective. I wonder if he let these sheriffs know what his job is. Red. Red, look. Look what they're doing. You can't arrest me. Are you sering about it, Lefty? There's no point in resisting. You're leaving this boat the next landing. Oh, but there's a mistake, I tell you. No mistake at all, Lefty. Henry Wilson told me all about you. Any forged credentials you have are worthless. Henry Wilson? Take him into custody, man, and put him ashore at the next landing. If he's on shore, he won't be able to do much damage. Fred, you heard that, did you hear? The same as I did arresting Lefty. And Parkman said that Henry Wilson told him all about it. I savvy the whole thing now, P. He sure got to hand it to the boss. He fixed this. Old Parkman thought Lifty was on board to explode the powder. That's it. As soon as they leave, the boat will be in the clear. It won't be anything to stop us. When the river boat stopped at a landing, Red and Butch saw the lawman leave with Parkman and Lefty, and a few moments later, the boat was underway again. Now we'll wait for it until the next landing. We wipe fuses to the powder just before the landing, then go ashore and watch the fireworks. Well, I bet this boat will go sky high when all that blasting powder goes off. On through the night, the boat moved with passengers asleep, not suspecting that they were in peril of being blown to bits for the blasting powder. Lights glimmered in the wheelhouse where the man on duty watched for dangers that might be Floating in the river ahead. No one was concerned with the two men who were waiting near one of the cabins. Get that lock. I'll have the will open in a second. There it is. Good. Just stand by the door while I fix a few to the kegs of color. Right. Maybe I should strike light. I don't know where you can find the kegs. That's all there is in here. I got one a fused or one of them is all that'll be needed. That's all. When one explodes, they'll all go once you hit them. Keg? Yep. Shut the door a minute so there won't be so much noise outside the room. Go ahead. The door's closed. I'll use the butt of my gun. That's enough. Take a look now. Make sure no one heard that. No sign of anyone. I got the fuse. Yep. One end's in the cage. I'll set you later off as soon as we put in at the next landing. Good enough. All we got to do now is wait. It was the middle of the night when the riverboat made the next stop. Butch and Red were at the rail watching the slight activity on shore. And Red slipped away and silently went below deck. In a moment he was back at Butcher's side. I lighted her. Butcher. The fuse is burning right now. Then we'd better get ashore in a hurry. I love plenty of fuse. We got lots of time. You shut the door. Sure. Come on. Then we'll go over the side. You here again? What's the same here. A couple of lawmen with me, boys, just in case we have to make an arrest. I wanted to be sure we had the sheriff of the county we're in right now. You want to question them, huh? That's right, Sheriff. Let's take him below deck. Now, wait. You can't do that. We got to get off the boat here. I thought you boys were going to Omaha. No, we get off. Well, that's all right. You'll have lots of time. The boat won't pull out for a quarter hour or so. Where'd you come from? Well, after Colonel Parkman took me ashore. Well, I had a time explaining to him, but I was a federal detective. But when I'd done so, he felt mighty sorry for having took me ashore. Well, I rented a horse for him and we came after the boat park. Was you here, too? I just came on board. Are you ready to question them, Lefty? Yep. Only we'll take him below. No, no, wait. Listen, Lefty, save your top to a below deck. You can't talk here with his folks coming on board and going ashore. I won't go below. Leave me alone. Steady there. Let go of me. We're going below. I want to ask you two about a man that calls himself Henry Wilson. We don't know. Look, let's talk on shore. Come on ashore and we'll tell you anything you want to know. We may have to get rough to take these two or we can talk to. No, no. Listen to me. We don't want to go very long. You can't do that. The terror of the schemers increased when they were taken to within 10ft of the cabin where the fuse the explosive had been lighted. Lefty spoke with nerve wracking deliberation. There's no hurry at all, boys. Just take your time. Time and see if you can't recollect something about Henry Wilson.

[C]

No, no.

[B]

I tell him we can't. We gotta get out of here. Told you, Butch, that there was plenty of time. There's no hurry to get out. What if the boat does leave? Thunder and lightning. If the boat leaves without you. Ben's terror reached a fever pitch. He knew that any instant might bring the blast. It would send everyone on board the boat to sudden oblivion. Lefty kept one shrewd eye on him when he spoke. Curious. Just do it with a turn. The of met you in that little town of Painted. Stop. Stop. Lucky. Get out of here before the blast.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

The ship's going to blow up. Who says so? We know that powder. You lighted a fuse, Hood. Yeah. Yes, yes. We admit it. Only let us get off the boat. That's all. Hurry before it's too late. Who told you to do that? Henry Wilson. He's the one.

[C]

He's the boss.

[B]

He told us to do it. That's what we wanted to know. We got the confession. Come on out. Hey, Red, look. A mask man. He was in that cabin. I was there when you lighted the fuse. You. We wanted your confession. We wanted you to name Henry Wilson. You two crooks meet the Lone Ranger. He snuffed out the fuse as soon as you'd left the cabin. Colonel, there's Silver on the shore. He came right along with us. We're framed. I'll go ashore now. Colonel Tunnel's wedding with Henry Wilson. You knew all the time we plot. You thought you were in the clear. When we followed Wilson's instructions. Lone Ranger knew as soon as he heard Wilson call me a crook. That it was a scheme to get me off the boat. You two stuck your necks right into the noose when you thought the coast was clear, right into the lone ranges. And News. Foreign.

[A]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too. Tyler redick here from 2311 Racing Victory Lane yeah, it's even better with Chumba by my side. Race to chumbacasino.com let's Chumba. No purchase necessary. VTW Group void where prohibited by law. CTNCS21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[B]

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

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You too can join by going to

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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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[A]

Tyler redick here from 2311 Racing. Another checkered flag for the books. Time to celebrate with Chumba. Jump [e-mail]. let's Chumba. No purchase necessary.

[B]

BTW Group void where prohibited by law.

[A]

CTNC21+ sponsored by Chumba Casino.