Telegraph Lines Cross the Nation | The Lone Ranger (12-15-39)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Telegraph Lines Cross the Nation | The Lone Ranger" (12-15-39) Summary

Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines brings to life the adventurous tale of The Lone Ranger as he navigates the challenges of constructing the first transcontinental telegraph line in the 1860s. This episode, titled "Telegraph Lines Cross the Nation," dives deep into the interplay between progress and sabotage, highlighting the timeless struggle between innovation and those who seek to impede it for personal gain.

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Plot Overview

The episode centers around the ambitious project of linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with the first transcontinental telegraph wire. Spearheaded by Tex Morgan, the project's scout and troubleshooter, the endeavor faces numerous obstacles, including harsh wilderness conditions and hostile forces led by the antagonist, Mullins.

Setting the Stage

• Opening Narrative ([03:48] - [04:35]): The Lone Ranger introduces himself as the champion of justice, emphasizing his role in bringing law and order to the untamed frontier. The soundscape, enriched by digitally restored audio, immerses listeners in the Wild West atmosphere, complete with the thundering hooves of Silver, the Lone Ranger's faithful horse.

The Mission Begins

• Construction Commences ([04:20] - [05:25]): Tex Morgan rallies the crew to commence their journey westward to Fort Bridger, aiming to establish the telegraph line before the onset of winter. He announces, "Congress has voted $400,000 to help us with the expenses of our venture. I can promise you this. Before winter is here, Western Union will have linked the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific with the first telegraph wire ever to span a continent." ([04:35])

Introducing the Conflict

• Sabotage Attempts ([05:25] - [08:45]): As the telegraph line progresses, Mullins confronts Tex Morgan, accusing him of failing to adequately impede the telegraph crews as previously agreed. Tensions rise when Mullins reveals his intent to disrupt the project to seize gold from the South Pass. A heated exchange ensues:

  • Mullins: "The telegraph must be delayed until after winter sets in and the miners close down their claims." ([07:54])

  • Tex Morgan: "Caught me trying to fire their wagons. If it hadn't been too dark for him to recognize me... You being funny?" ([07:44])

Escalation and Investigation

• Seeking Allies ([09:25] - [17:01]): The Lone Ranger takes on the task of safeguarding the telegraph project. He collaborates with Buck Goodwin, the foreman, uncovering clues about Mullins' sabotage efforts. Suspicion mounts around Tex Morgan's disappearance, leading the Ranger to investigate further.

Key Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The embodiment of justice, determined to see the telegraph line completed against all odds.

• Tex Morgan: The project’s scout and troubleshooter, whose disappearance raises suspicions and adds complexity to the narrative.

• Mullins: The primary antagonist aiming to sabotage the telegraph project for personal gain, particularly to control gold distribution.

• Buck Goodwin: The foreman who works closely with Tex Morgan and assists the Lone Ranger in unraveling the sabotage plot.

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Climax

The tension peaks when Tex Morgan is captured by Mullins and his crew. The Lone Ranger, alongside Buck Goodwin, mounts a daring rescue mission. Confrontations escalate as they navigate through treacherous terrains and face off against Mullins’ men. A pivotal moment unfolds when the Lone Ranger captures Mullins, leading to the revelation of Tex Morgan's involvement and the true motives behind the sabotage.

• Lone Ranger to Mullins: "If you've been telling the truth, then why isn't Tex here?" ([27:15])

Resolution

Through courage and strategic maneuvering, the Lone Ranger successfully rescues Tex Morgan, restoring trust and unity among the telegraph crew. The project resumes with renewed vigor, culminating in the successful transmission of the first message across the telegraph line. The episode concludes with a heartfelt message reinforcing the importance of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.

• Final Message: "To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States... They desire in this the first message across the Continent to express their loyalty to the Union." ([29:06] - [30:08])

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Progress vs. Sabotage: The episode highlights the struggle between advancing technology and those who resist change for personal interests.

2. Integrity and Leadership: The Lone Ranger exemplifies steadfast leadership and moral integrity, inspiring those around him to overcome challenges.

3. Unity and Collaboration: Success is portrayed as a collective effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.

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Notable Quotes

• Tex Morgan on the Telegraph Project:
  "Congress has voted $400,000 to help us with the expenses of our venture. I can promise you this. Before winter is here, Western Union will have linked the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific with the first telegraph wire ever to span a continent." ([04:35])

• Mullins Confronting Tex Morgan:
  "The telegraph must be delayed until after winter sets in and the miners close down their claims." ([07:54])

• Lone Ranger Addressing the Crew:
  "Men, this is a moment when all of us deserve to be proud." ([29:06])

• Tex Morgan on the Importance of Unity:
  "Tex was as much my friend as yours. I told you what I think. It's my opinion nothing we can do now can either help nor hurt him." ([22:09])

• Lone Ranger on Responsibility:
  "I just happen to believe that a life is more important than any schedule." ([16:19])

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Conclusion

"Telegraph Lines Cross the Nation | The Lone Ranger" masterfully blends historical context with thrilling Western drama. Through meticulously restored audio, listeners are transported to a bygone era, experiencing the raw intensity and noble struggles of building a new frontier. Andrew Rines delivers a richly detailed narrative that not only entertains but also honors the legacy of classic Western radio dramas. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Lone Ranger and the timeless themes of justice, perseverance, and unity.

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For more episodes and exclusive content, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Tex Morgan]

Over.

[Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and the hearty Hio Silver, the Lone Ranger.

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[Lone Ranger]

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[Tex Morgan]

It's.

[Lone Ranger]

No greater champion of justice can be found in the pages of history than the masked rider of the Plains. It was he who brought law and order to a lawless frontier. It was his strength and courage which protected the early settlers from outlaws and hostile Indians. And it was his knowledge of the country which made it possible for the pioneers of progress to win their battle against the wilderness. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the pass come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tex Morgan]

Come on, Silver. We're heading west to Fort Bridger.

[Lone Ranger]

Tell us.

[Tex Morgan]

Waiting on the trail ahead. Hail, silver. Away.

[Lone Ranger]

The 1860s had scarcely begun when following close upon the inauguration of the Pony Express, still another important project was undertaken that would bind the east and the west even more firmly. Gentlemen, I have great news. We have been successful. Today, Congress has voted $400,000 to help us with the expenses of our venture. I can promise you this. Before winter is here, Western Union will have linked the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific with the first telegraph wire ever to span a continent.

[Tex Morgan]

Come on, get a move on. Ice them pole. Bring up the wire. Hustle, you loafers. We're on our way to Fort Bridger.

[Lone Ranger]

Steady, Silver. Look at it. T a thin copper wire to carry messages across a wilderness. It calls for men with courage to undertake a venture like this Kimasabi. Before they finish, they'll have to meet and conquer stampedes, drought, storms, mountains, Indians, a thousand other obstacles. But there in those crews are the men who can. Despite these obstacles, the telegraph was strung across country with amazing speed. While one party worked westward from Omaha, a second erected poles and stretched wire eastward from San Francisco. Port Bridger had been chosen as a point where both parties would meet. And it had become a race to determine which would arrive there first. But as a goal was neared, certain men found that the completion of the telegraph would be contrary to their interests. And.

[Tex Morgan]

We heard you was looking for us, Mullins.

[Mullins]

I have been.

[Lone Ranger]

What did you want?

[Mullins]

Let's get a table. There's one. Come along. Well, sit down.

[Lone Ranger]

What's on your mind?

[Mullins]

Don't pretend you don't know, Red. I thought you and War Cloud were such excellent friends. If I remember correctly, just a month ago you gave me your word his braves would hold up those Western Union crews. Well, they haven't.

[Lone Ranger]

They've done what they could.

[Mullins]

It couldn't have been much.

[Lone Ranger]

No? Well, they sure hacked down poles a plenty.

[Mullins]

Yeah, which probably delayed the Telegraph all of 24 hours. You know what I wanted? I wanted raids on the camps.

[Lone Ranger]

Poor Cloud wouldn't risk it. Too many good engine fighters with him.

[Mullins]

So that was a waste of time. Well, Jake, what's your issues?

[Tex Morgan]

You mean, why didn't I keep him from getting supplies?

[Mullins]

What did you think I meant?

[Tex Morgan]

All right, I'll show you why I didn't hear. Look here. Another inch to the right and I'd cashed in my chips.

[Mullins]

Got drilled, eh? Who did it?

[Tex Morgan]

Tex Morgan.

[Mullins]

How come?

[Tex Morgan]

Caught me trying to fire their wagons. If it hadn't been too dark for him to recognize me. And if I hadn't let out pronto, I wouldn't be here now. Too bad, huh? You being funny?

[Mullins]

If I am, I don't feel it. You know what this thing means to me? What it means to all of us? The telegraph must be delayed until after winter sets in and the miners close down their claims. That's when the smeller at South Pass will have more gold on hand than any other time all season.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, but what are you. Wait.

[Mullins]

Neither of you seems to understand the situation. We can strike at the guards and make away with the gold. That won't be difficult. But we can't escape to the north or to the south. Our best chances to the west.

[Tex Morgan]

And if they connect up the telegraph to Fort Bridges.

[Mullins]

They can put the alarm on the wire within five minutes of the hold up. Within 30 minutes, every army post east and west of South Paz could have Men on the trail would be blocked in. Every direction would be finished.

[Lone Ranger]

Them Western Union crew should be done.

[Tex Morgan]

Within a month and no freeze up in sight.

[Mullins]

It'll come.

[Lone Ranger]

It's you.

[Mullins]

Almost any time now. But that doesn't mean we can just sit back and hope it arrives before the line's finished.

[Lone Ranger]

What can we do?

[Tex Morgan]

We've tried most everything and would have.

[Mullins]

Succeeded if it hadn't been for one man. You mean Tex Morgan?

[Lone Ranger]

He's poisoned.

[Tex Morgan]

Just so.

[Mullins]

And that's where we've made our mistake. We've tried to delay the work, but have done nothing to get rid of the one man who's done more than anyone else to spoil our plans.

[Tex Morgan]

Boss, I reckon I savvy.

[Mullins]

If you don't, I'll make it clear. Forget everything else but get Tex Morgan.

[Lone Ranger]

The progress of the telegraph line was an interesting thing to observe. First men dug post holes following the route of the old Oregon Trail. Behind them came others unreeling the wire upon the ground. Still others distributed the poles and bringing up the rear. In that part of the crew whose duty it was to erect the poles and attach the wire. Tex Morgan, scout and troubleshooter for the entire organization was responsible for the safety of the laborers.

[Buck Goodwin]

Oh boy.

[Lone Ranger]

Ho, ho there. Ho.

[Tex Morgan]

Hi there, Tex.

[Buck Goodwin]

Hello, Buck.

[Tex Morgan]

Well, how do you like it? By nightfall we'll have done close to 20 miles today. Not bad, huh?

[Buck Goodwin]

Boy, you just ripping along? Bet the fellows working east from Salt Lake City can't do no better.

[Tex Morgan]

We'll beat em to Fort Bridger yet. Wait to see. Where you been, Tex? Back trailing?

[Buck Goodwin]

Uh huh. There's been something I wanted to tell you. Keep your eyes peeled. There's trouble in the wind. And it ain't just engine troubles either.

[Tex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Buck Goodwin]

Somebody don't want this line finished, Tex?

[Tex Morgan]

I ain't sure.

[Lone Ranger]

I say I ain't either.

[Tex Morgan]

But you said.

[Buck Goodwin]

All I can tell you, Buck, is the little I know. A couple of days ago I talked with a friendly Indian. Said his name was Tonto told me some skunk, a white, had been trying to get War Cloud to attack our camp.

[Tex Morgan]

We're gonna be raided?

[Lone Ranger]

Nope.

[Buck Goodwin]

I reckon not. Tarno said War Cloud weren't looking for no trouble.

[Tex Morgan]

Thank gosh for that.

[Buck Goodwin]

But it shows somebody don't like us. And it ties in with a couple other things, too. Take that load of poles we lost. Ford in the river looked mighty funny. And last week. One night last week, some army tried to set fire to our supplies. We're just lucky he didn't and he got away.

[Tex Morgan]

My thunder racing, Tex. Why in blazer should anybody be agin us?

[Buck Goodwin]

Don't ask me. But you, you know as much about it now as I do, so watch things we can't.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, there.

[Buck Goodwin]

Who's this?

[Lone Ranger]

Which one of you gents is Tex Morgan?

[Buck Goodwin]

That's me, I guess. Looking for me, mister?

[Lone Ranger]

And if I can talk to you alone.

[Tex Morgan]

Hey, what?

[Buck Goodwin]

Go ahead, Buck. I'll talk to him.

[Tex Morgan]

Well, I'll see you later.

[Buck Goodwin]

All right, let's have it.

[Lone Ranger]

Tex, I heard somebody tried to burn up your supplies, huh?

[Buck Goodwin]

Who told you that?

[Lone Ranger]

That's my business.

[Buck Goodwin]

Look here, mister.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold it. Where and how I heard it is my affair. I just dropped by to see if maybe you wouldn't like to know where to find that gent.

[Buck Goodwin]

The one trying to burn our freighters. Right?

[Lone Ranger]

Where is he? If I take you where he is and point him out, what's in it for me?

[Buck Goodwin]

What's your handling?

[Lone Ranger]

That ain't none of your business neither.

[Buck Goodwin]

I'll tell you what. Take me to the Pole Cat and I'll see you get paid what it's worth, which is plenty good. But if you don't, I'll blast you out of that saddle.

[Lone Ranger]

Hey, you didn't have to draw on me.

[Buck Goodwin]

I don't take chances, and I want that hombre bad. How far we have to ride?

[Lone Ranger]

Just this side of South Pass and get moving, friend.

[Buck Goodwin]

I'll be right behind you.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up. Come on, boy. Get up. It was the following day that the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode their horses at a trot down a narrow trail that led in the direction of the construction camp. On their right and extending as far as they could see, a cliff towered above them. Suddenly, a voice hailed them from a ledge overhead. You hear someone calling to us? Where are you? Upon himself.

[Tex Morgan]

But you can't see me, so don't waste time, Crime.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you want?

[Tex Morgan]

You acquainted with a fella named Homestead?

[Lone Ranger]

I am.

[Tex Morgan]

Want to deliver a message soon?

[Lone Ranger]

That depends on the message. What Is it very important?

[Tex Morgan]

He'll thank you for getting it to him. Well, will you or won't you?

[Lone Ranger]

If it is important, yes. Then why don't you?

[Tex Morgan]

You'll find out that when you're in.

[Lone Ranger]

It, it ain't private.

[Tex Morgan]

I got it here in an empty canister. Back in.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's have it.

[Tex Morgan]

There she goes.

[Lone Ranger]

Him throw can. Right. Steady boy, steady.

[Tex Morgan]

Me, me.

[Lone Ranger]

Get him and give it to me. Here, Ken. Hello up there. Hello. Him not answer because he's cleared out. What matter, Clutty? Whoever that fellow was, he knew what he was doing when he chose this place. It would take us three hours to circle the cliff and make our way up to that ledge. We're going to have to take up his trail later. Right now this message must get to Halstead. Who? Him. The engineer in full charge of construction for Western Union. Oh, and when he reads what's here, there'll be fireworks. Let's go, Kimosab. Get him upscout. Come on, Silver.

[Tex Morgan]

Come on.

[Lone Ranger]

Tom Halstead, the engineer, had been riding from crew to crew asking questions of each. Finally he came to Buck Goodwin, the foreman to whom Tex Morgan had mentioned his suspicions just the day before. Buck, come here.

[Tex Morgan]

See you right up. What's new?

[Lone Ranger]

I'm looking for Tex. Have you seen him yesterday?

[Tex Morgan]

Not since. Why?

[Lone Ranger]

He supposed to report to me last night and didn't. I'm worried.

[Tex Morgan]

Chuck's boss ticks. Ain't nobody to worry about. There's a gent can handle himself anywhere. Quit your fussing. Whatever Tex is doing, you can bet he's right as rain. I wouldn't worry about that hombre in any kind of a tight place. He's one of them gents comes up topside no matter what happens. Take my word for it, I've known him longer than you.

[Lone Ranger]

We've got to get the telegraph to Fort Bridger before the months out.

[Tex Morgan]

Oh, we all know that. And we're getting there, ain't we?

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Without Tex, we wouldn't have had a chance.

[Tex Morgan]

Uh huh. The way that feller's kept trouble from us has been a wonder.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, but now if anything's happened to him, I.

[Tex Morgan]

We'll still make out, but nothing has. Why don't you ride back to headquarters? Wouldn't surprise me if you found him there waiting for you.

[Lone Ranger]

You may be right, Buck. I hope you are just the same. I. Buck, what in blaze is you doing?

[Tex Morgan]

What? You'd better get my gun handy. Look at these fellers coming. One's mask and the other's a Red skid.

[Lone Ranger]

What the hell you. There's no need for that gun, Holstead. What do you want? We're giving the message for you. Read it. Who gave you this?

[John Doe]

Read it.

[Tex Morgan]

What's in it?

[Lone Ranger]

Boss, let him finish. But I raise your hand, I walk. They don't get their hands up higher.

[Tex Morgan]

Right, stranger.

[Lone Ranger]

You and the engine that'll get going. Get him.

[Tex Morgan]

Upstown. You take it.

[Lone Ranger]

Did he hit you?

[Tex Morgan]

Just knocked the gun from my hand, boss. But it aches like all blazers when I should get the fellows to chase them on.

[Lone Ranger]

Reason you never catch them, not on the horses they're riding.

[Tex Morgan]

And you mind telling me what's going on here?

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, I'll have to. Men, stop your work. Go back to your wagons. Do nothing more until you get further orders.

[Tex Morgan]

But boss, we got a schedule to keep to. We ain't got an hour to waste. How long will we have to lay off?

[Lone Ranger]

A week, maybe longer, huh?

[Tex Morgan]

You're crazy.

[Lone Ranger]

No, Buck, not crazy. I just happen to believe that a life is more important than any schedule.

[Tex Morgan]

I don't get you.

[Lone Ranger]

Tex has been taken prisoner. Unless we stop work, he dies. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Lone Ranger]

No purchase necessary vgw group void we're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply now to continue our story. It was several hours later that the Lone Ranger and his faithful Indian companion made their way to the top of the cliff which had been hailed earlier in the day and drew their great stallions to a halt. This is it. Tumble. See? Look below there. Me.

[Tex Morgan]

Me.

[Lone Ranger]

See? See those pines? That's where we stopped when that fellow called to us. That right? So this must be the ledge where he was hidden. Let's take a look around. See what you can find in that direction. Now look over here. Hunter. Do it. Wait. Tyler. Come here you pine trail. I found something. Most of this ground is hard packed, but look at this. What do you think of it? Oh, here. Feller Neil. Yes. There. Mark him. Maketh toe. He got on one knee to look over the edge here. And his horse must have been over there, out of sight from below. Now, let's see. There. Sign. You've got keen eyes, Tanto. Where? This side rock. Now I see it. And look here. Now it's plain. Tanda. This is where he mounted again. The trail leads there to the south. That right. Call Scout. Here's Scout. Here, Silver. We follow trail. Yes. Halstead thought we had something to do with Tex Morgan's capture. Kimosabi. Yep. So we've got to find Tex. Not only to make it possible for the work to go on, but to clear ourselves and ride slowly and lead the way. We can make better time once we're away from the cliff. Get him up, Scar. Come on. Old fell days of idleness followed for the telegraph crew. Their wagons, in which the men made their quarters in groups of fours, were drawn up into a great circle not far from the mining town of South Pass. And it was here that Halstead conferred with a group of his lieutenants. Buck, what have you done?

[Tex Morgan]

Everything I could think of. Me and Ed and Frank there done more riding in the past three days than we'd ordinary do in a month. We rode and searched out the country all the way from the Sweet Water to the Black river and ain't found nothing. Boss, I hate like sin to say it, but.

[Lone Ranger]

But what?

[Tex Morgan]

I got a notion. Texas dead.

[Lone Ranger]

I won't believe it.

[Tex Morgan]

Well, I don't want to.

[Lone Ranger]

This country's too wild. You couldn't have searched all of it.

[Tex Morgan]

I don't claim we did. It'd take a year for that.

[Lone Ranger]

You saw nothing of that masked man or the Indian?

[Tex Morgan]

Nothing.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. Well, Clay, what about you? I ain't had no more luck than Buck has. You picked up nothing? Boss, I've just about lived in South Pass. I've hung around every cafe. I've talked to everybody that weren't either deep or dumb. Nobody's got any notion what happened to Tex. And nobody's got the least idea who could gain by holding back the telegraph. I'm sorry I didn't hope for Buck to find anything. But I did hope there'd be gossip in town to give us a clue to what's behind this. If there is, then I missed it complete.

[Tex Morgan]

I got a little good news for you, boss.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes?

[Tex Morgan]

About the Mormons. The Mormons are building east from Salt Lake City to Fort Bridger, you know. Well, that's tough country they gotta work in, Ain't Making as good a time as a figured do.

[Lone Ranger]

I know. I heard that yesterday.

[Tex Morgan]

Well, that means we can still beat em to Fort Bridger if we only get started again.

[Lone Ranger]

You're suggesting that I give orders to go on with the work?

[Tex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

When that message told us Tex would die if we did.

[Tex Morgan]

Tex was as much my friend as yours. I told you what I think. It's my opinion nothing we can do now can either help nor hurt him.

[Lone Ranger]

What do the rest of you think? Well, it doesn't matter. It's my responsibility. I'll have to make the decision. What's it to be, boss? When they hear of this back east, men, they won't like it. But we don't string a mile of wire till we know what's happened. In the meantime, at South Pass, Mullins was as impatient as Halstead. Although for another reason.

[Mullins]

I've been waiting for you.

[Tex Morgan]

I couldn't make it no sooner, Mullins. I hurried past the court house for drinks.

[Mullins]

Not now. We keep clear heads until we're finished here. Now, what's going on? What are they doing at Western Union camp?

[Tex Morgan]

Still setting on the hands, Morgan safe as a bug in a rug. Only time he ain't tied up is when Red lets him lose teeth and looser tide. Red's got an eye on him all the time. You can forget about him.

[Mullins]

Why hasn't Red come here?

[Tex Morgan]

That wouldn't be sensible, would it? When somebody might recognize him as the fellow that rode off with tanks? Better for him to stay out of sight.

[Mullins]

Yeah, I suppose it is. Have much trouble with Morgan when you took him prisoner?

[Tex Morgan]

None at all. Red scheme works. Slick as grease. He let him past where I was hiding. Let me get the drop on that hombre. And there wasn't nothing more to it. He just had to give up. If he hadn't, it had been his finish and he was smart enough to know it good.

[Mullins]

If the weather would only turn cold enough to freeze the streams and stop the mining.

[Tex Morgan]

Turn cold? But it's turning right now. Didn't you know it?

[Mullins]

What's that?

[Tex Morgan]

Sure, just stick your nose outside if you don't believe me. I'll bet there's been a drop of 10 degrees in just the past hour.

[Mullins]

And it's time.

[Tex Morgan]

Now. Wait.

[Mullins]

We can't get up.

[Tex Morgan]

You're riding without even just one drink to warm inside?

[Mullins]

Not one single drink. Now, Jake, listen to me.

[Tex Morgan]

Yeah.

[Mullins]

I want Red back in town before midnight. Bring him to my cabin, but watch the hurry. You there. You trying to hear what we're saying?

[Tex Morgan]

Clear out. He couldn't have heard you.

[Mullins]

There's no telling what a redskin can hear.

[Tex Morgan]

Well, what you start to say, Jake?

[Mullins]

We strike for the goal before morning.

[Lone Ranger]

It was after midnight, and with the exception of the few who stood guard, the men at the construction camp were sound asleep. Suddenly a cry rang out through the still night air. Wake up.

[Tex Morgan]

There's that masked fellow.

[Lone Ranger]

Wake up.

[Tex Morgan]

Wake up.

[Lone Ranger]

From every wagon, the men tumbled to the ground and ran toward the man who had given the alarm.

[Tex Morgan]

There he is. Really? Bring him down. Come on, Silver. Come on, old boy.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Tex Morgan]

He's getting away.

[Lone Ranger]

What is this? What's the trouble, horse? Look up the trail towards town. The mask ran. Yes, so?

[Tex Morgan]

And getting away again.

[Lone Ranger]

He could tell us what happened to Tex, Boss.

[Tex Morgan]

Ain't we going after him this time neither? We are.

[Lone Ranger]

Get your horses and don't stop with saddles.

[Tex Morgan]

Get after that fellow.

[Lone Ranger]

While it was still an hour before dawn, a heavy wagon of the kind employed to freight supplies waited behind the ore smelter at South Pass. The door of the strong room stood open. On the ground to one side lay the bound and gagged figures of several men. Other men working swiftly and silently moved between the wagon and the mill carrying heavy burdens.

[Mullins]

How much more?

[Tex Morgan]

Red's bringing the last. There. Gosh, them bars are heavy. Don't know if the gold's worth all the work it takes to get it. My back's near busted.

[Mullins]

Ah, don't be a fool, Red. Hurry up with that.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm coming.

[Tex Morgan]

Stand aside, Jake. There you are.

[Lone Ranger]

That's all of it, Mullins. Yeah.

[Mullins]

That was fast work.

[Lone Ranger]

It didn't take 20 minutes.

[Tex Morgan]

How much gold you figure we got?

[Mullins]

Hundred thousand at the very least. More than likely twice that much. I'd let you go on.

[Tex Morgan]

Wait. Well, these guards here. What about them?

[Mullins]

Leave them as they are. Reggie, drive.

[Lone Ranger]

Which way?

[Mullins]

West. Follow the regular trail. I've got horses waiting for us beyond town.

[Tex Morgan]

And the gold will hide.

[Mullins]

I know a place. We can come back for it when the search is died down.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, then.

[Tex Morgan]

Let a fight a ball a fool.

[Mullins]

He rods the whole town. I quake. Up into the wagon.

[Tex Morgan]

Right. What do we do?

[Mullins]

Take the reins, Red. Get going.

[Tex Morgan]

Get up.

[Lone Ranger]

Get along there. You'll critters all right.

[Mullins]

Drive slowly now. Don't act as though we're in a hurry. We don't arouse suspicions. We'll be all right.

[Lone Ranger]

Better keep your guns handy just the same. Get up. Get up.

[Tex Morgan]

There they are.

[Lone Ranger]

Somebody's being chased.

[Mullins]

Don't mind them. Keep your eyes on the horses.

[Tex Morgan]

Look at that white horse in the lead. Hey, ain't that a dandy, Mullins? That hombre atop it is masked.

[Mullins]

Yeah, that looks like a redskin.

[Lone Ranger]

Here they come.

[Tex Morgan]

See if they don't just ride past that redskin.

[Mullins]

I've seen him somewhere.

[Tex Morgan]

Pull him up there. What the rays.

[Lone Ranger]

Get back. We jumped the horses.

[Tex Morgan]

Oh, you.

[Lone Ranger]

Go for those guns again and I'll shoot the kill. God blast.

[Tex Morgan]

Major, listen.

[Mullins]

Let us go and we'll make it worth your while. You don't understand.

[Lone Ranger]

You're staying here. Here come other fellas.

[Tex Morgan]

That's him. Place your hand before you get drilled.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold on. Don't try to get away. We've chased you two all the way here. You didn't chase us. We led you here. We? Look in this wagon. These fellas have just robbed the mill. They've got $100,000 in gold here.

[Tex Morgan]

Look at his catch up back.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't understand the school. You say you understand. Listen to me. Then judge for yourself.

[Tex Morgan]

Talk.

[Lone Ranger]

These are the men who kidnapped Tex.

[Tex Morgan]

That's a lie.

[Lone Ranger]

Shut up. These men kidnapped Tex Matado and I found where they'd taken him. You mean. We've known since the day we delivered that message to you where he was. We left him there on purpose. As long as they didn't attempt to harm him, he was safe. We left him there until we could discover why these fellas wanted the telegraph delayed. Don't believe in me talking. You can still get to Fort Bridger in time. Homestead. No harm's been done. These fellas, they put their heads into a noose. Stranger, that's a smooth story. But there's just one thing wrong with it. Yes? If you've been telling the truth, then why isn't Tex here? He will. I am here.

[Buck Goodwin]

And, boss, the masked man's told you the truth from start to finish.

[Tex Morgan]

Tex. Boys, this means we get back to work. We're gonna stretch that telegraph to Fort Richard in nothing flat.

[Lone Ranger]

TWO WEEKS LATER here's the message, sir. I've written it out. Thank you, boss.

[Tex Morgan]

Read it out loud to us, won't you?

[Lone Ranger]

Men, this is a moment when all of us deserve to be proud. I'll read you what's written here. To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. In the temporary absence of the governor of the state, I am requested to send you the first message which will be transmitted over the wires of the telegraph line which connects the Pacific with the Atlantic states. The people of California desire to congratulate you upon the completion of the great work they believe that it will be the means of strengthening the attachment which binds both the east and the west to the Union. And they desire in this the first message across the Continent to express their loyalty to the Union, their determination to stand by its government on this, its day of trial. They regard that government with affection and will adhere to it under all fortunes. Signed Stephen J. Field, Chief justice of California.

[Tex Morgan]

Proud Boss. I'm Fit to Bust it Foreign.

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[Lone Ranger]

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

[Tex Morgan]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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