Stray Bullet | The Lone Ranger (10-24-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "Stray Bullet" | The Lone Ranger (10-24-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: December 8, 2025
Original Air Date: October 24, 1952
Featured Characters: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Big Bill Farnsworth, Bevan, Miller, Collins, Jane Farnsworth

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored edition of "Stray Bullet" from The Lone Ranger series. It plunges listeners into a classic Western standoff between newly settled homesteaders and established cattle ranchers on the frontier. As brewing tensions threaten to erupt into violence, a stray bullet wounds the Lone Ranger, leaving Tonto and the homesteaders to prevent a range war without their most stalwart ally.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

1. The Homesteaders Arrive and Tensions Mount

• [04:50] — [06:46]:
  A group of eastern homesteaders, led by Big Bill Farnsworth, settle and begin to fence their land, angering local rancher Bevan and his men, who insist they have always used the land for grazing.
  • Key confrontation:
    • Bevan warns, “Cattlemen run cattle country. We make our own laws, Farnsworth. You come here, you abide by them, or else.” (06:07, Bevan)
    • Jim Larkin, a homesteader, stands up to Bevan, leading to a gun being pulled and a shot fired as a warning—but the bullet travels further than intended.

2. The Stray Bullet and the Wounded Lone Ranger

• [06:57] — [09:56]:
  • The shot inadvertently strikes the masked Lone Ranger, who is riding nearby. Injured and weakening, he manages to reach Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch, where Tonto tends to his wound.
  • Dramatic moment:
    • The Lone Ranger, barely conscious, urges, “Must prevent range war... Must not have range war.” (09:42, Lone Ranger)

3. Tonto Investigates & Ranchers Plot Their Move

• [10:36] — [13:29]:
  • Tonto, keeping vigil, promises to carry on for his ailing friend and discovers the ranchers (Bevan, Miller, Collins) planning to confront the homesteaders and destroy their fences “prepared for gunplay.”
    • “If the three of us stick together, we can lick the homesteaders... We’d come prepared for gunplay.” (13:15, Bevan)

4. The Lone Ranger’s Counterplan

• [14:23] — [15:48]:
  • Farnsworth agonizes over the coming conflict. Tonto arrives with a plan from the Lone Ranger: “If there’s any way to save our fences without bloodshed, I’d sure like to hear it.” (15:03, Farnsworth)
  • Jane Farnsworth, Bill’s daughter, and Tonto enact this plan, setting the stage for a clever scheme.

5. A Web of Double-Crosses

• [15:49] — [23:00]:
  • Jane, accompanied by Tonto, visits each rancher separately (Miller, Bevan, Collins), impersonates knowledge of a secret deal, and convinces each that the others intend to double-cross them. Each man prepares a written agreement, falling for the ruse.
    • “I suppose you expected my father, Farnsworth. Yes, of course. Dad couldn’t get here, so he sent me in his place. He wants to see the agreement.” (15:39, Jane to Miller)
    • The ranchers, suspicious of each other but motivated by greed and rivalry, all agree to ambush the others—unaware they’re all being manipulated.

6. Showdown and Reconciliation

• [23:17] — [28:22]:
  • The ranchers arrive one by one at the Farnsworth home, each believing they are closing a secret deal. Tonto, with homesteaders, safely disarms each on arrival.
  • A chaotic confrontation devolves into a brawl between the three ranchers, each accusing the others of betrayal.
    • “Each of you seized the opportunity. Each of you wrote an agreement, then came here hoping to close a deal with me. You three men are angry... at each other.” (26:30, Farnsworth)
  • Farnsworth offers a handshake agreement: homesteaders will not fence vital water, ranchers will respect homestead rights, and all pledge friendship.
    • “Your word of honor that you'll not molest us, you'll not tear down our fences...” (27:09, Farnsworth)
    • Bevan concedes: “I’d a darn sight rather be on your side than to be fighting you with these two sidewinders behind my back with guns.” (27:50, Bevan)
    • All agree with a handshake and the feud is resolved in the spirit of Western camaraderie.

7. Celebration and Somber Finale

• [28:22] — [29:31]:
  • The Farnsworths host a celebration banquet, rich with the fruits of peaceful cooperation. The ranchers revel in a spread reminiscent of home, highlighting the rewards of unity.
    • “Chicken and dumplings like my mom made back in memory.” (28:43, Miller)
• Meanwhile, Tonto slips away to care for the Lone Ranger, his heart heavy with worry for his stricken friend, underscoring the deep bond between the two.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bevan lays down the law:
  “Cattlemen run cattle country. We make our own laws, Farnsworth. You come here, you abide by them, or else.” (06:07, Bevan)

• A plea for peace as the Lone Ranger fades:
  “Must prevent range war... Must not have range war.” (09:42, The Lone Ranger)

• Farnsworth's wisdom on unity:
  “You three men are angry... at each other. Each of you has made two enemies in frontier country where survival depends on friends.” (26:30, Farnsworth)

• Resolution and humor at the banquet:
  “As for me, I've had beef three times a day for 20 years. But vegetables and chicken? Shades of my boyhood.” (29:00, Bevan)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Initial conflict over fencing: 04:50 – 06:46
• Stray bullet wounds the Lone Ranger: 06:57 – 09:56
• Ranchers conspire to destroy fences: 10:36 – 13:29
• Tonto and Jane’s double-cross plot: 15:49 – 23:00
• Showdown and fistfight among ranchers: 23:17 – 26:21
• Handshake agreement and party: 26:21 – 29:31
• Somber ending with Tonto and the Lone Ranger: 29:31 – 31:28

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Tone & Style

The episode captures the suspense, drama, and dry humor of a classic radio Western, complete with evocative sound effects and character banter. Dialogue is brisk, straightforward, and rich with the language of the frontier.

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Final Thoughts

“Stray Bullet” showcases The Lone Ranger’s legacy as a champion of justice and negotiation over violence in a landscape shaped by lawlessness and tradition. The deft manipulation of rivalries by Jane and Tonto cleverly prevents bloodshed, upholds the Lone Ranger’s ideals, and reminds listeners that true Western strength lies in unity and honor, not in six-shooters.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

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[B]

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[D]

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.

[B]

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

[E]

Sam.

[A]

Do you know what happens when you replace your regular old electric water heater with a new electric heat pump water heater? You boost your savings a lot. In fact, Energy Star estimates that a family of four will save an average of $550 a year on their electric energy bills. And your new heat pump water heater can pay for itself in as little as three years.

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[B]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked 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.

[C]

Let's go, big fella.

[F]

Silver.

[E]

Ay.

[B]

In the fall of the year, a group of Easterners led by Big Bill Farnsworth settled on land that had just been opened for homesteading. They built their houses and eked out a bare existence through the hard winter. In early spring, as soon as the frost was out of the ground, they prepared to break the soil and plant their crops. But first, they had to fence their land.

[C]

That'll do it, Jim. Let's see.

That post is good and solid. Hey, Luke. We're having visitors.

[E]

Huh?

[C]

Bevan and a couple of his cowhands. Was he the rancher who called on you last week? Same gentleman.

Howdy, Mr. Bevin.

[G]

Hello, Farnsworth.

[C]

This is Jim Larkin. Jim, shake hands with Mr. Bevan. He's one of the biggest ranchers in these parks. Hello, Mr. Bevin. Heard a lot about you.

[G]

Hello, Farnsworth. My boys here reported that you nesters were driving posts into the ground.

[C]

That's right, Mr. Bevin.

[G]

Maybe you didn't hear me when I warned you about fencing this open range land.

[C]

I heard you, Mr. Bevan. Then I checked on the law. This land's no longer open range. It's homestead land, and we have a right to fence it.

[G]

This is cattle country.

[C]

That's right. And if we don't have strong fences, the cattle will chop down our crops.

[G]

Cattlemen run cattle country. We make our own laws, Farnsworth. You come here, you abide by them, or else.

[C]

We know our rights.

[G]

And we know ours. We've always used this land for range, and we're going to keep on using it.

[C]

You're free to use what we don't fence.

[G]

You're not fencing any of it.

[F]

Why?

[C]

Take it easy, Jim. You build any fence, and you'll have us to deal with. I'll deal with you right now. Hold it, Nestor. Pull a gun on me, huh? Well, I'll show.

[G]

That'll do, Lefty.

[E]

You.

[C]

You shot. I just shot your half hat off as a warning. Now, don't ever try to throw your weight around, Nester. Next time, I'll aim a little lower.

[G]

Farnsworth, you've had your warning. Come on, boys.

[C]

All right, get up.

[E]

Get up.

[C]

Come on, get up.

[B]

The bullet fired from the hip by the Bevan ranch hand had streaked upward after passing through Jim Larkin's hat. It still had deadly force when it reached the crest of a nearby ridge. There, the carelessly fired bullet found a mark.

It struck the side of a man on horseback with force enough to knock him from the saddle. That man wore a mask. He was the Lone Ranger.

Leading badly.

[C]

Must get to saddle.

[B]

The Lone Ranger mustered all of his strength to gain his Feet and pull himself onto the back of the great horse. Silver.

[C]

Now, Silver, take me to Tono.

[B]

Silver headed down the southern side of the range of hills away from the valley where the pioneers had made new homes.

It was later afternoon when Thunder Martin rode hard across the rolling plain toward a wooded area. The heavily built man had been employed for years as foreman of a ranch owned by Clarabelle Hornblow. He and Clarabel were among the closest friends of the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

[C]

Whoa there.

[E]

Whoa. Whoa.

[H]

Whoa.

[C]

Hi, Tonneau.

[E]

Thunder Martin. Where'd you come from?

[C]

Clarabell's ranch. I came for you.

[E]

Me? Oh, you know me here.

[C]

The Lone Ranger told me.

[E]

What him go to valley north of Hornblow Ranch?

[C]

Yes, I know that. And on his way back, he was hit by a bullet, huh?

[E]

And he saddled Scout right away.

[C]

I'll give you a hand. Maybe save time. Steady, Scout.

[E]

Steady, feller.

[C]

That way.

[E]

Lone Ranger now.

[C]

Clarabell's ranch. After he was hit, he started for here. He was riding past the ranch when he realized he was too weak to travel this far. So he turned in. He told me what had happened and sent me for you.

[E]

Get him up, Scout. Get him.

[B]

At the ranch house, Totto found his friend pale and weak from shock and loss of blood. The Indian examined the ugly wound, then applied a fresh dressing. By the time he had finished, the Lone Ranger had regained consciousness. He murmured softly, work, work to be done.

[E]

Kimasabe. You not work for a long time. You rest. Trouble. Homesteaders, cattlemen let me know. Kimasabe long time ago, you say there'd be trouble. When homestead men want fences, must.

[G]

Must prevent range war.

[E]

Must not have range war.

[B]

The Lone Ranger slipped into unconsciousness.

Clarabelle brought extra blankets so Toto could sleep on the bedroom floor. But the Indian didn't sleep that night. He maintained a vigil at the bedside. The Lone Ranger wakened several times. Each time, he talked about preventing a range war. He mentioned the names of ranchers and homesteaders.

[E]

At daybreak, Toto said, me watch Kimazabe. If rancher planned trouble, me find out. Now, you rest. You'll not worry. All.

Right, Toto. You carry on for me.

[B]

The following evening, Tottle rode to the cattle town of Osage, some distance north of the Hornblow ranch. He was looking for one of the leading ranchers, the man named Bevan. Acting on the Lone Ranger's instructions, he planned to watch Bevan closely in the hope of learning what the cattlemen were planning.

Toto entered the cafe and stood quietly near the door. In a Few moments, two men came in. The Indian recognized them from the Lone Ranger's description. Their names were Miller and Bevan. They stood just inside the door and looked around. Toto moved nearer.

[H]

Did Collins say he'd meet us here?

[G]

Gave his word.

[H]

He's as anxious as we are to.

[G]

Keep those homesteaders in line.

[H]

Oh, I see him. He sees us. He's a coming this way.

[E]

Good.

[C]

If Collins will stick with us, we'll have no trouble.

[G]

The owners of the smaller ranchers will follow our lead. Hello, Colin.

[C]

Howdy, Bevan. Glad to see you, Miller.

[H]

Same here.

[C]

I was here early, so I asked.

[E]

Baldy about the back room.

[C]

He said we're welcome to use it for our meeting.

[G]

Good.

[H]

Easier to talk then. Let's go.

[B]

While the three ranchers walked through the smoke filled room, Tata went out the front door and hurried around the outside to the dark area behind the building. Collins opened the door to the back room.

[E]

After you, gents.

[G]

Stuffy, in here.

[H]

I'll open the window.

There we are.

[G]

Let's sit down.

[H]

This meeting was your idea, Bevin. Start talking.

[G]

Well, in the first place, all the ranchers use the open range where the homesteaders have settled. Now, if that land is fenced and plowed for crops, we'll have to cut down the size of our herds. Sure enough, if the three of us stick together, we can lick the homesteaders. But we've got to stick together. No double crossing like there's been in the past. You know what I mean, Collins?

[E]

You needn't look at me.

[G]

I'm thinking of the time you cut down a bridge so I couldn't get my cattle to the railroad siding.

[H]

Well, speaking of underhanded tricks, Bevin, I remember when Goose Creek changed its course so it watered your land instead of mine.

[G]

Oh, that's past history. I admit we been rivals. We've taken advantage of one another when we saw the chance. But now it's different. There can't be any double cross if we're to lick the homesteading.

[C]

That's for sure.

[G]

Rode to the settlement yesterday. The nesters were driving fence posts.

[H]

Did you talk to Farnsworth?

[G]

Yeah, and someone's put him straight on his legal rights. He said he'd go right ahead with the fencing. And today when I went to see him, he and his friends were stringing wire. I gave him a final warning.

[H]

Good.

[G]

I figured you men had back me, so I said we'd all call on him day after tomorrow.

[C]

Saturday?

[G]

Yeah. I told him we'd take down any fences that were standing and we'd come prepared for gunplay.

[B]

Totto had heard the conversation. He hurried back to Clarabelle Hornblow's ranch and spent another night at the bedside of the Lone Ranger. The wounded man could barely speak. Each tortured word was a heavy drain on his strength. Brief intervals of painful conversation were spaced by lengthy periods of restless sleep.

The following night found Big Bill Farnsworth pacing the floor of his home. His daughter, Jane, had just finished clearing the supper table.

[C]

I hope I made the right decision. I wish I could be sure.

[F]

You did make the right decision, dad. Didn't all the men agree with you?

[C]

They were willing to do whatever I said. Tear down the fences or leave them up and fight the cattlemen.

[F]

We couldn't have crops without fencing our land. I'll see who it is.

[C]

Probably one of the men to talk about the fight that's coming up.

[E]

An Indian. Me, Tonto.

[C]

Tonto, Come in. Come in, Jane. Tonto is the friend of that masked man who told us our legal rights a few days ago.

[F]

I remember you, Tonto. We met you and the Lone Ranger when we were coming overland nearly a year ago.

[E]

That's right. And me come with message from Lone Rangers.

[C]

Yes, Tano.

[E]

Him know cattlemen come here tomorrow to tear down fence.

[C]

Not if we can help it. We'll fight.

[E]

No. No gunplay not good. Any people get hurt and some die.

[C]

We don't want gunplay, Tano. But if the ranchers force, he know.

[E]

And that why me come here with message from Lone Rangers? A me tell plan. Maybe you not have gunplay.

[C]

If there's any way to save our offenses without bloodshed, I'd sure like to hear it.

[B]

Toto outlined plan that had been suggested during the previous night by the Lone Ranger. Farnsworth and his daughter Jane listened attentively. A little later, the girl left the house and rode with Toto as an escort to the Miller ranch. Miller was cleaning and oiling a gun when he heard a rap on the door.

[H]

I wonder who that is.

[F]

Good evening. May I come in?

[H]

Why, sure. Step right in.

[F]

I'm Jane Farnsworth. I suppose you expected my father, Farnsworth. Yes, of course. Dad couldn't get here, so he sent me in his place. He wants to see the agreement.

[H]

Agreement?

[F]

You needn't act as if you knew nothing about it. I'm in on the secret. Father knows I'm to be trusted. That's why he sent me in his place. He'd like to make sure the agreement is in order before he hands over any money.

[H]

Money?

[F]

Please, Mr. Bevan. You know all about it.

[H]

What did you call me?

[F]

Mr. Bevan. That's your name, isn't it? Don't tell me I've come to the wrong place. I'm sure I took the left branch where the trail divides. I couldn't have made a mistake.

[B]

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

[G]

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[C]

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[D]

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[G]

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[C]

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[G]

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[B]

What's in your wallet?

[C]

Terms and conditions apply. Find out [e-mail] SparkCashPL.

[E]

Sam.

[B]

Now to continue. Miller had heard enough from Jane Farnsworth to suspect an underhanded deal. Another double cross by Bevan. He wanted to learn more about it. So he didn't tell the girl that she had made the wrong turn and come to the wrong ranch.

[H]

Instead, he said, Sit down, Ms. Jane. I got to be mighty careful. I expected to deal with your father. I was taken by surprise when you come here. You sure you understand the deal?

[F]

Of course I do.

[H]

Then repeat it to me.

[F]

Well, tomorrow you and the other ranchers are going to bring your cowhands to tear down our fences. Dad and the other homesteaders will fight. When the fighting starts, you and your cowhands will switch to our side.

[H]

Uh huh.

[F]

Of course, Miller and Collins won't realize that in the confusion of gunplay, you'll aim at the ranchers and cowhands instead of our people.

[H]

Dirty double cross.

[F]

It is a double cross. But you'll be well paid. We're giving you all the cash we could scrape together.

[H]

How much?

[F]

A thousand dollars. Isn't that what was agreed on?

[H]

Did you bring the cash?

[F]

No. Dad wants you to come to our house for it so you and he can discuss the final plans.

[H]

Will he have the cash there?

[F]

Dad always keeps his word. He wants to meet you at midnight. Meanwhile, he wants to study the agreement. If you'll sign it, I'll take it with me. Is it ready?

[H]

Well, Ms. Jane, I didn't write it out. I don't like to put something like that in writing. Where'd I be if your dad showed it to Collins And Collins and Miller?

[F]

How can he show it to them if they are killed in the gunfight.

[H]

Killed?

Well, how about Farnsworth? Sign and I gotta have proof that he's in on the deals, deep as I am. And I'll know he can't charge me with murder without sharing the guilt.

[F]

Make a copy of the agreement and bring it with you. Ask dad to sign the copy when he hands over the cash.

[H]

I reckon that'll do. I'll write it out. It'll only take a few minutes.

[B]

Miller, thinking Jane had made a mistake in coming to his house in instead of Bevins, prepared the agreement and the copy of it. He signed the original and handed it to the girl.

[H]

There you are, ma'. Am. You tell your dad I'll see him at midnight.

[F]

I'll tell him.

Good night, Mr. Bevin.

[H]

Good night.

Bevin. Double crosser. Planned to murder me, Denny.

[B]

Well, Miller had begun to plan. When he let the girl believe that he was Bevin, he felt justified in turning the tables.

[H]

I'll meet Farnsworth. I'll tell him Jane made a mistake, but I'll abide by it. I'll take the cash and it'll be my men who side with the nesters.

[B]

Totto had been waiting nearby when Jane rejoined him. He led the way to another ranch several miles distant. There he again found concealment in the darkness while the girl rode close to the door and dismounted. It was Bevan's home.

Bevan himself opened the door.

[G]

Well, What? Oh, a young lady, I thought my.

[F]

Good evening, sir. Dad couldn't get here himself, so he sent me. He said I should get the agreement from you.

[E]

Agreement?

[G]

What agreement?

[F]

The one you were going to write out and sign. My name is Jane Farnsworth. My dad.

[C]

Farnsworth?

[F]

Yes, sir. Dad wants time to study the agreement before he meets you at midnight with the cash.

[C]

Cash?

[F]

The thousand dollars.

[G]

A thousand dollars.

[F]

And you needn't think I approve of the deal. I think it's sinful to plan a cold blooded shooting of human beings. Even men like Bevin and Miller.

[G]

Bevin and Miller.

[F]

Must we stand here in the doorway, Mr. Collins, aren't you going to ask me in?

[C]

Oh, yes, yes.

[G]

Yes, miss. Do come in.

[B]

Bevin didn't tell Jane that his name was not Collins. He asked what he considered artful questions and learned all the details of a double cross without realizing that the girl was quite willing to be drawn out.

[G]

Tell me, Ms. Farnsworth, how'd you find my place?

[F]

Father told me your house was large and would be well lighted. This looked like it Might be the place. So I turned in. And I was right.

[B]

Bevan accepted the explanation. He conspired to turn the tables on the man he thought had planned the double cross. Like Miller had done. He drew up and signed a simple agreement, which he gave to Jane.

There was one more call to make. That night, Jane went to the Collins ranch house and talked as she had talked to Miller and Bevan and addressed Collins as Miller with the same result.

After the call on Collins, Jane and Tonto returned to the Farnsworth home. Jim Larkin was there, and so were several other homesteaders. Time dragged heavily until the hands of the clock on a shelf approached midnight.

In front of the house, the only light came from a window. Tonto and two homesteaders stood in the darkness, watching an approaching horseman who could barely be seen against the faintly starlit sky. When the man drew rein, he was near enough to be identified as the rancher named Collins.

[E]

Is he you wait an Indian put hands up and a gun. Me not shoot. Me only take gun. Make sure no one get hurt. I'll put hands down.

[C]

Good work, Tondo. What's the idea?

[E]

Hey, Farnsworth shalt not help. Farnsworth know you come.

[C]

And he also knows we're here with Tonto.

[G]

You're wrong.

[C]

Farnsworth didn't know I was coming here. He's expecting someone else. I've got to see him.

[E]

Him expect you with other feller. Who else you see plenty soon. Man ride this way now.

[C]

See someone coming? Can't tell. Over in the shadows, Collins.

[E]

We wait in dark for second man to come.

[C]

This is a mighty high handed deal.

[B]

The oncoming rider saw a horse in front of the house, but thought nothing of it. He couldn't see who waited in the shadows until he drew rein and dismounted.

[E]

You put hands up.

[C]

Huh?

[G]

What is this? What is this? I say?

[E]

Bevan.

[C]

What are you doing here, Collins?

[H]

Why you.

[E]

Hey. Take gun, Bevan. Put hands up.

[C]

We're with the engine, Bevan. Don't resist Me got gun, Collins.

[G]

You double cross and sidewinder now.

[E]

Bevan. Put hands down.

[G]

Collins. I'll break you for this. First you make a deal with the nesters and then you team up with the reds.

[C]

Now hold on.

[G]

You think you'll get away with double crossing me?

[C]

Miller is a double crosser. He was going to cross both of us.

[G]

You made a deal with Farnsworth.

[C]

Miller made the deal, and I can prove it. And by the way, Bevan. What are you doing here?

[G]

Wait here.

[E]

Come another feller.

[C]

It must be Miller. It is Miller. I know the way he sits. A saddle. Miller, I know about your double cross.

[H]

Collins, is that you?

[G]

Yes, and I'm here with him.

[H]

Evan. You double crossing, scheming, sneaky.

[E]

Time's up.

[H]

Who's that?

[C]

An inch and we're back in his play.

[E]

Now you give up. Gun. Draw gun slow and dropping ground.

[H]

All right, I'm a doing it. Where's Farnsworth?

[E]

Him inside.

[H]

Collins, listen to me. Bevin planned to double cross both of us and deal with the nesting.

[G]

That's a lie. It's Collins who planned the double cross.

[C]

I did not. That is, not at first. Miller sold out to Farnsworth. I did not. Collins, I'll make you eat them words. Swing on me, will you? Collins is the double crosser.

[G]

I'll help you deal with him.

[C]

Miller, you're the double crosser. Bevan. And this is for you.

[G]

I'll teach you to hit me.

[B]

The fight was three cornered. Each rancher tried to mete out punishment to one man while defending himself against another. It was a battle royal for several minutes. Then Farnsworth opened the door and called to Trotto and the two homesteaders who were with him.

[C]

That's enough. Break it up. Bring those three inside.

[B]

A few minutes later, three bruised and breathless ranchers were in Farnsworth's home. The leader of the homesteaders looked at them for a moment, then said, by.

[C]

Now, you men probably realize what happened. My daughter called on each of you and gave you the chance to double cross the other two. Each of you seized the opportunity. Each of you wrote an agreement, then came here hoping to close a deal with me. You three men are angry. You're fighting mad. Not at us homesteaders. That's proved by the fact that each of you was willing to fight on our side. You're angry at each other. Each of you has made two enemies in frontier country where survival depends on friends. Are you going to maintain a three cornered feud until all three of you are broke or killed?

[H]

All them too?

[C]

Oh, you know better than that. Now, I've read the agreements each of you wrote. I don't like them. I have an agreement of my own to submit. A verbal agreement sealed by a handclasp. Your word of honor that you'll not molest us, you'll not tear down our fences. Our word of honor that we'll not fence off any water from the open range beyond our land. And our pledge of friendship in exchange for yours. Now that kind of an agreement makes some sense.

[G]

Farnsworth, are you speaking for all the Homesteaders?

[H]

Yep.

[C]

He sure is.

[G]

I don't expect Collins and Miller are big enough men to admit they've been showed up as tin horn double crosses.

[H]

Now, hold on, Bevan.

[G]

If you. But I'll admit it. And I'd a darn sight rather be on your side than to be fighting you with these two sidewinders behind my back with guns. If you shake hands with a man who admits he made a mistake, I'll accept your agreement.

[C]

Put her there, Bevan.

[H]

Bevan, I'm as big a man as you are.

[C]

So am I. In fact, Bevan, I'm a bigger man than you are. I'm willing to shake hands with you and Miller as well as Farnesworth.

[F]

Now you're talking like the Westerners we heard about before we left the East.

[H]

Welcome to the West.

[C]

Handshakes. All right.

Bevin. We figured you ranchers would come to an agreement, so we planned a party. Supper to celebrate.

[F]

Everything's ready, dad.

[C]

Then open the door to the dining room.

[G]

Hey, man, oh, man.

[C]

Look at that table. Smell that grub.

[H]

Chicken and dumplings like my mom made back in memory.

[G]

Mashed potatoes, turnip squash. Great day with a spread.

[C]

Oh, I see. Mince pie and cucumber pickle.

[G]

Look at that strawberry shortcake.

[C]

Just oozing juice. Sorry we can't offer beef steak, gents. I suppose that's what you're used to.

[E]

Beef.

[G]

If you want beef. I'll give you all you want. As for me, I've had beef three times a day for 20 years. But vegetables and chicken? Shades of my boyhood.

[C]

Let me add it.

[F]

Dad, where's Tondo?

[C]

Oh, he left a few minutes ago. James.

[G]

Tondo. Say, who is that Indian? What was he doing around here?

[F]

He's the one who outlined the plan to make friends.

[C]

He outlined the plan, but it was thought up by the Lone Ranger.

[B]

Gaiety reigned in the Farnsworth home, but Tonto was far from gay. The Indian's heart was heavy as he rode alone through the moonlit night toward the place where his friend lay sorely wounded. Too weak to lift a hand, too weak to speak above a whisper, Tonto's life would be an empty shell if the hand of death should claim the Lone Ranger.

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell, Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[E]

Foreign.

[D]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns Dot com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com.

And subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[E]

Sam.