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Old Time Radio Westerns
The Adventure of the River Wolves | The Lone Ranger (04-24-50)
Original Air Date: April 24, 1950 Host: Andrew Rhynes Show: The Lone Ranger Phone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars: • Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger) • John Todd (Tonto) Writer: • Fran Striker Producer: • George W.
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- [00:01]
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- [00:59]
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.
- [01:29]
Geico Advertiser
A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hio. Silver. The Lone Ranger. It's. It's. With his faithful Indian companion, Cattle, the daring and resourceful masked writer 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 campaign of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the path come the thundering hoofsbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Mo Silver. Let's go, big folks. The Missouri river steamboat Arrow was bound for St. Louis with a rich cargo of furs and gold from the Northwest. As she threaded her way through the treacherous channels in Dakota Territory, churning the muddy water with her side wheels and erupting vast clouds of smoke from her twin funnels, two men leaned against the railing on the passenger deck. Both were in their middle 20s, well dressed and apparently friendly. The one was a United States marshal, the other a prisoner. A marshal was saying, jeff, you ought to stay away from the captain's daughter. Why should I, Marshall? Well, I. Hard to say it. I'm Jeff Gilmore, who broke out of the death row in the St. Louis jail and was captured in Fort Benton. And you're taking me back to him? You think it's right for a fella in your boots to associate with a nice girl like Sue? Sue and I simply walk and talk together. She's lonesome and seems to enjoy my company. Yeah, she's taking a shine to you. I. I don't want her to do that. I'LL tell her who I am. No, don't. If it ever got out that I didn't put you in irons, I'd lose my job. I don't want to get you in a train. I know you don't. We've been friends since we were kids. Yes, but you don't know about my case. You were away when I was trying. Well, I didn't want to ask you about it, but now that the subject's come up. Tell me. You know that Simon Dumont and I were partners in the St. Louis fur house. Yeah. Well, Dumont was a crook. He got to buying stolen furs without my knowledge. Honestly. One day, a St. Louis detective came to the office to check up on Dumont's activities. Dumont stabbed the man with my pelt and knife and then fled, leaving me to take the blame. Didn't the St. Louis officers look for him? No, they didn't. Jeff, when we get back to St. Louis, I'll try to get a stay of execution for you and an assignment is Dakota territory for myself. Maybe I can find Dumont. The odds are all against you. You've never seen Dumont, so you wouldn't know him. From what I've heard, he's grown a beard and keeps changing his name. All lawman would cooperate with me in hunting. Even so, you'd never get a delay in the hand of a jailbreaker like me. Public sentiment is all against me. I don't. Ms. Carol. Ah, but you gentlemen look serious. Sue, the marshal and I have been talking about my future. I hope it's not that, Doc. You never told me what you've been doing or plan to do. The Marshall has a place. Oh, Miss Carol. Isn't that Rockport just ahead? As the steamboat whistled for the next landing, the Lone Ranger and Toto, who had been riding along the north bank of the river, pulled up. Hello. There's the Arrow. She'll refuel in Rockport and look at bales of fur her carry. The river pyres we've been looking for have made it unsafe to ship furs by smaller craft. They've become a menace to shipping from one end of this river to the other. How many flat boats been attacked along here? 3. And all we've learned is that the fur thieves call themselves river wolves and refer to their leader as Nuke, which is French for wolf. Ah, how it happened. Gang never leave trails. Only one answer. It uses only boats and hides close to the river. Maybe better we use both. They shall from now on. We must try to clean up that gang and make the river safe for shipping before all trade comes to an end. Go to town, buy a canoe and paddle downstream. I'll take Scout and meet you opposite the Clam Point light. We'll camp there tonight. Oh, me savvy? Easy, Scout. Easy, fella. At Clam Point. It's where we see old fella hang big lantern on pole to guide steamboat. Yes, that's right. Come on, Scott. It was several hours later when Toto, successful in his quest for a canoe, landed down river and rejoined the Lone Ranger as they discussed their next move. Another canoe was beached on an island several miles below them. Its occupant, a half breed, jumped out and ran toward a nearby trading post operated by Zach Milton. To all appearances, the post, which consisted of a store, warehouse and bunkhouse, was engaged in lawful business. But it actually served as a den for the river wolves and a depot for their loot. Reaching the bunkhouse, the breed threw open the door. Two heavily bearded men who had been lounging inside leaped to their feet with drawn guns. One was Zack Milton, the other, the pirate chief known as Loop. Zach was first to speak. Well, Leggins, what is it? Yes, in Rockport, loaded with furs, all good ones. Mink, martin and beaver. Hershey's carrying a lot of gold too. Gold, eh? That is interesting. Nope. Can't we board her? She's taking on firewood. Won't pass in till sometime tonight. Nobody can board a steamboat that's running full speed with the current. We don't have to tackle her while she's running. Zack. We can ground her. How? What's that? We'll knife the light keeper on Clam Point then take his beacon lantern and hang it on a tree by the big sandbar. I savvy the arrow will take her bearings from it and run aground. She draw about five feet of water. We'll have to use canoe and flatboat to get onto her. We'll put out some shore to mean that she ground another 15 Earth, so the rest should be easy. But we haven't got much time. Ready to run up the gang ride? Twilight had deepened into a starless night when the Lone Ranger and Toto concluded a hasty meal and trampled out their fire. As the last spark died, Toto looked out across the river and stiffened. Kimasabi. Me not see clamp point. Light should be showing now. Maybe air will come along any minute now. Thought of beating the guide here. She may be grounded erect. Isn't that right? Into the canoe. We'll see what happens. A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Tottle found the old light keeper lying at the foot of the beacon pole. As the masked man knelt beside him, Toto struck a match. What? Aylin. She's dead. Stabbed. Where's the big Leonard? It's not a pole and rope that hoist it gone. A halyard has to be cut to be removed. That means the beacon was stolen. I mean, not so happy. That must be the work of the river pirates who intend to lure the Arrow out of the channel. Come on. All right. Jump into the canoe. I'll push off. Get ready. Which way we go upstream. Must stop the arrow. The lies of all on board are at stake. As the masked man and Indian drove their canoe upstream, paddling furiously against the strong current, the Arrow put the lights of Rockport behind there. After a long delay in loading fuel, Jeff, sue and the marshal were in the pilot house watching Captain Carroll and the wheelsman work the clumsy side wheeler through the sandbars, snags and rocks which were a constant menace to navigation. Captain, the ship don't feel right. The current portion be so weak. Maybe we're out of the chair. I know. Lesbian Hacker sounding. I just sounded, sir. What's the gut liner? Mark Dance. There should be 15ft of water off the point. Sound again. As the Yellow plowed on through the night shrouded waters, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe drove their canoe around the bend a short distance downriver. The Indian who had been watching the south bank exclaimed, look, team of hubby. That beacon light. There's Arrow. She's running toward it. That light's got her. Fooled her out of town. To the right. Faster. It's no use. As soon as I'll hail her. Hello, Ben. Somebody's calling from the river. Listen. Did you hear that? Don't bother me, Shoe. L. What does your lion say now? 5ft Wheels been hard apart. She's not swinging very fast. I'll have the fourth wheel reversed. Idle enemy shoes. What's the matter, Dan? We're going to ground. Oh, you mate. What happened? Sir, I can't figure it out. There hasn't been any flood. That would have built up a sandbar off Clown Point. The river haven't fallen either. We'll get below, look for damages. Start shifting the cargo aer. Is there any danger? None at all. I've run ag ground a hundred times on the Missouri. All we need to do is lighten the bow and reverse the panels to get off. But it means an hour's delay. Hot castle there in the companionway. A Mashman and an Indian max sho back so I can shoot. Hey there. We're friends. It don't look friendly to board a ship wearing a mask. If I didn't know those river wolves were too cowardly to attack anything except flat boats. I take you one of them. How did you get here? My friend and I came aboard from a canoe after trying to hail you. We were afraid you'd ground. How so? We'd found the Clam Point light keeper murdered and the beacon gone. That's it out there. But you're on a bar a mile above the point. So the light was moved. Who do such a thing? Who but the river wolves? Big as your boat is. They mean to attack her. Great Scott. You must be right, mate. Forget about the cargo. Break out the guns and arm all hands on the lower deck. Then stand by to repel borders. Do it quietly, mate. Maybe we can surprise the pirates as much as they plan to surprise you. Mask man. I'm a federal marshal, but I'm willing to listen to you. How many men are in the gang? Rumor There are 15 or 20. Then we're outnumbered. I'll help the men below. Maybe better me join them. Go ahead, Toto. Come on, let's go. How many men does that leave up here, Captain? 4. The wheelsman, young Jeff here. And you and me. Can we hold this deck and protect my daughter? Don't you worry about me, dad. Fight your ship just like you did your gunboat back in 63. Good girl. Sue. There's a gun in the pilot house. Stay in there and keep it handy. All right, dad. Nobody will get you if I can help it, Sue. Captain, what about the brass cannon that's mounted in front of the pilot house? Could it be used? No concern it. There's a box of five pound round shot beside it. But I'll let the boys shoot a fold of powder on the 4th of July. Let's slide the box over to the rail. Right. Yeah, that's far enough. How do you aim to use these cannonballs? Drop them into the pirates canoes and they come alongside. 5 pound shot will go straight through the bottoms. Missions. Yes. They're coming. I hear. Or lax. That means they're bringing up a flat boat to carry off their plunder. I can see him now. All right, get ready to fire. Besides the flatboard which had been heard, there were half a dozen canoes in the pirate flotilla. The men at the oars and paddles wore the buck skins and moccasins commonly associated with the fur trade. But they had blackened Their faces with charcoal, both to disguise their features and make their skin less visible in the darkness. All were armed with tomahawks and knives as well as guns. The lights from the steamer are reaching us now. It's time to close in fat. All right, let's go. As the river wolves came into plain sight, the Lone Ranger signaled Captain Carroll. Cupping his hands around his mouth, the skipper bellowed. We didn't stop him. Keep firing. Their canoes are alongside now. Wheelsman, start dropping those cannonballs. Right. Here goes one. Hey, that's it for one canoe. But the bler shoot done for. Hear that, men? They're climbing the forward station. Coming, Jeff. 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 now to continue. The steamboat Arrow had been boarded by river pirates. As some of them leaped onto the cargo deck, they swarmed up the mansions, trying to reach the top deck. They were met by the Lone Ranger. Captain Carol and Jeff Gilmore were not several. To the river, one got a hand on a top of the deck railing and busted Jeff with a knife. Dodging, young Gilmore brought a gun barrel down in his hand. The rest are sliding back down. I won't try that again. They're having a hard fight below. Have to watch this stair leading up here. Even as the masked man spoke, Zack Milton and a half dozen river wolves under his command forced the Prophets to the foot of the companionway. Rounding up the steps, they erupted on the top deck. The Moon Ranger fired one shot. One of the pirates reels back, clapping a hand to his shoulder. With barrels almost touching. The Moon Ranger and the pirate leader triggered their guns at each other. The hammers fell on empty cartridges. Dropping his useless revolver, Milton jerked a tomahawk from his belt and sprang forward. The hatchet flashed downward, but the masked men caught the handle and warded it off. Then they were locked in grappling holes, which neither could break at the moment the other pirates surged forward. The finding was at close quarter, hand to hand. The guns were empty and there was no time to reload. Jeff and the captain were forced to give ground. Soon they were fighting with their backs against the pilot house. Seeing the danger, sue rushed out carrying a gun. Get back. You beat go of it. They got Sue. I can't get through here, can I? We're pulling you leggings. Drop that girl and come on. Before we get left. I'm paying her long. Come on, Jeff. They're kicking up a Stand still. At that moment, the pirate trader made doubly desperate by the retreat of his companions in crime broke away from the Lone Ranger, leaving the hatchet in his grass. Wait, fellas. I'm coming. No, you're not. That tomahawk won't stop me. Maybe my fish will. Right on the jar. Give him another. Wait. Take it out. He's holding it up. That'll hold him for a while. Mister, my daughter. Yes, I know. Got that pirates. Buck skin jacket and cap for me while I reload my guns. Hurry. Meanwhile, Leggins had reached the lower deck with his companions and the struggling girl. TTO who had directed the defense there from behind a barricade of veiled furs, talked to and shouted to the deck hand. Keep her where she'll be in the line of fire. They changed her mind. What happened down here? Too much for us. They were worn and ready. Our canoes have been smashed. The flat folks all right? Piling to eat. As the river rose, battered and beaten, prepare to put off in the unwieldy craft, the Lone Ranger holstered his reloaded guns and put on Zack Milton's cap and jacket. Then he hurried to one of the coal oil running lights. He took soot that had collected above the burner and blackened the lower part of his face while Captain Carroll watched curiously. What do you figure out? I hope to mix with a pirates until I can rescue your daughter without endangering your life. Look over the side. There's Sue. They're putting you on the flat rope. They're all getting on and I'll go over the side. God be with you, mister. Swinging himself over the railing, the Lone Ranger slid down ascension. He reached the lower deck just in time to join the last pirate as they piled into the flatboat. In the dim light and confusion, his mask had escaped detection. No. Crouching low on the bottom, he kept his head down while Luke cut the flatboard loose from the steamer. We're clear of her now. You fell from the or. Get busy. I'll tend to kill her. You too, baby. Let me swim back. I guess not. What is Jack? I just missed him. Right? I saw him. He was fighting a masman on a job. Deck masman. He couldn't have been one of the cruel passengers. Maybe he kept him off about it. That's what I'm thinking. Jack got killed or capped. It'll be bad for it. All the boatmen on the river know him and his island. You're right. The island won't be safe for us after the Arrow gets off the bar. No, but we got to Go back long enough to pick up the pur of money we got here. There. That poodle's worth the chance. If worse comes to worst and we get surrounded, we'll use the girl to bargain for a way out. All right. Send those horns, boys. Meanwhile, Toto and the Marshall had returned to the top deck of the Arrow. Captain Carol told them what had happened and pointed to the pirate who still lay senseless on the deck. That Zach Milton, who rose a trading post on the island. Down river. Maybe pirates hiding there. Maybe them go there now. That's how it looks. You got small boat and error. No river steamer carries lifeboats. It could get to shore before one could be launched. What are you figuring, Arteta? Our canoe gets smashed like others. Me want to go to island. Maybe friend need help. I can get the air off the bar and take you there within an hour. Oh, no. That's too long. You go to shore now. That show along, Marshall. How about it? You follow me. Waiting, swimming and running in turn, Cottle led the two men to shore and along the bank to the camp where he and the Lone Ranger had left their horses. There he placed Scout at the disposal of the marshal and saddled Silver. He was saying, yeah, get you right behind me. Easy, Scout. Easy, fella. Hear me help you up? I'm making it. Yeah. You ready, Michael? Yes, fellow. Where's the island? Only mile or so. When we get that far, we let horses swim from bank island close to shore. I see. Now we ride past. Come on, children. As the great white stallion and paint pony raced along the bank, a flat boat neared the island's landing. Luke swung the pillar bar back. Water. We can hard. We're almost there. A moment later, the bottom of the clumsy craft grated on gravel. Luke jumped out. Come on, all of you. We've got a lot of lugging to do. I can't help my arms busted. Think of your neck, you scums. You have to be pur out. You too, girl. You go where we go. This is only fault of that mask man. I had it planned for a to control the Missouri River. We've had a stranglehold in the whole northwest. Then now look what's happened. Just let me get hold of him sometime. Grimly watchful, the masked man scrolled along at their heels, following them to a low stone building behind the trading post. Luke unlocked and opened the door. A match was struck. Then a lantern flared up, revealing a fortune in furs and other loot from river shipments. As the pirates pushed on in inside, the Lone Ranger made sure that he was the last to enter. This was the chance for which he had been waiting. And he knew that he must act swiftly. Snatching sue from the grasp of the half breed, he pushed her out of the door with a low voiced command. Run sue, run. Four Leggins and the other river wolves realized what was happening. He whipped out his guns and kicked the door shut. Get your hands up. Follow you? What in thunder is going on? He took the girl away from me. She's gone. He's not one of us. Get those hands high. We were reaching. What do you want? Look Luke, that isn't all suit on his face. He's wearing a mask. He's the masked man who got zapped. You spy, you come outside with me. The rest of you stay frozen. The Lone Ranger intended to get Loup outside, take his key and lock the door on the other pirates. Taking a cautious backward step, he holstered his left hand gun and felt behind him for the door latch. Then one of the men threw caution to the winds and went for his gun. The Lone Ranger saw the move and fired. In that instant, my balloon ranger. Forced to turn his gun, Luke rushed. I'll get you back. My arms. Get him. Get him. We'll help you. Luke gripped the masked man's gun in one strong fist. His other arm was thrown about the neck. He was hugging the Lone Ranger close, trying to disarm him. While the others brought their six guns into play. The Lone Ranger saw one gun come up. He swung loose quickly to serve as a shield. You hit loose. Watch your gun play. Hold your fire. Closer than a mask man. Luke's body was limp in the masked man's arms, but it still served as a shield. Then the Lone Ranger was surrounded. Hands were clawing at him from all sides. Leggins brought his gun barrel down as a club. It landed with stunning force on the shoulder. Two warning shots streaked through the small back window to disconcert the pirates. Then the door flew open. I get your hands up or black sit down. Was Japan the one marshal will burst through the door. While T watched from the window at the other side of the room. The Lone Ranger broke free and quickly stepped to one side with both guns ready for action. Stop the guns. I'm backing the Marshall's play. Hold your fire. My hands are up. Be cool. You can't get through that window. Tuttle too small. Come around the door. Even Cavit. I'll collect the guns. You men got here just in time. It kind of brought the Marshall and me. We playing Colonel Kim Sabi. Ms. Carol Landon. Waiting for Arrow. Arrow's here now. I see your captain coming with his men. Good. We can load the prisoners at once. Who's there before? A pirate leader. His men shot him by mistake. Marshall, is there anything left for us to do? Just watch those prisoners, Captain. Right. We have a wounded man in our hands. Dad. He's the one they call Luke. Yes. Hand me your canteen. Sure. He one I brought from your camp. Now lift up his head while trying to go in some water. I'll hold that candle where you can see better. That man, he. He's Simon Dumont. Do you know injury? Know him? I've been sentenced to hang for a murder he committed. I'm in the custody of the marshal right now. Oh, James. My only chance to clear myself lay in finding him and getting a confession. I have found him dying. Oh, that's terrible. He isn't dead yet. He seems to be trying to talk. All right. Speak to him. Jeff Dumont. Simon Dumont. Do you know me? You. You're Jeff Gilmore. Tell these people that you killed that officer in St. Louis. Tell them I'm innocent. He's sneering at you. Sure, I killed him. That won't help you. You can take me back, testify for you Wouldn't do it if you could. Like to see you hang. Like to see that masked man hang. Dumont, do you realize that you're dying? Sure. And you admit the murder? Sure. Good joke. And Jeff? Good. He's dead. Yeah. And my last hope went with him. No, Jeff. He cleared you even though he didn't know it. What good is his word that he committed the murder? Under the circumstances, it's even better than an admission of guilt made on the witness stand. A dying statement is accepted as truth in all courts. It's taken for granted that dying men don't. Masked man's right, Jeff. You'll get a new trial and an acquittal. Come on. The masked man is leaving. We didn't even get a chance to thank him. We all owe him our lives. He's entitled to a reward, too. You don't know the mask man. He doesn't want money or thanks. Do you know who he is, Jeff? Johno told me. He's the Lone Ranger. This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, Produced by Trendall Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.
- [29:35]
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank 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.