Narrator (4:43)

Stay in the next room while I talk to him.

Joe Banning (4:46)

Sure thing, boss. Make sure you talk him into selling the Circle B to you.

Narrator (4:55)

Vince Taylor welcomed Ed Banning into his office, offered him a cigar and then eyed the older man. I received your note, Mr. Mr. Banning. I hope you and your Brother may have decided to accept the offer I made you for the Circle B.

Joe Banning (5:07)

You'd better bury your hooks, Taylor. We won't sell. Oh, I don't see why you want that branch anyway. You got yourself a nice lot of land as it is.

Narrator (5:16)

Well, a man always wants more, you know. Especially in cattle country. That's the best in the West.

Joe Banning (5:22)

Well, I aim to see that the Circle beast stays in the Betting family is known as the Westies cattle country. Let's see why I'm here to see you. Let's get down to business. Oh, yes, yes.

Narrator (5:35)

What is it you have in your mind?

Joe Banning (5:37)

I want you to fix up a will that'll give my interest in a certain deed to my son, Joy. Son?

Narrator (5:45)

Why, I didn't know you had a son.

Joe Banning (5:47)

Most people around these parts do. And you've been here a shorter time than the rest folks. Sort of. Yes.

Narrator (5:55)

Yes, I thought that myself.

Joe Banning (5:56)

Well, you're not. Here's my boy, Joe. His mother died seven years ago when Joe was 17. We were living over in the territory then with no idea coming to these parts of ranching. I see. Joe's ma, always a good wife to me. But I gotta admit, she was a tartar. Had a temper like lightning and a tongue ten times as fast. Joe took his handsome looks from me, but Dog only took his temper from her. Sophie was one of them straight lace women. Hated drinking and gambling and all the rest. Joe was just like her that way, too. She raised him never to like his uncle. That's my brother Tom, on account of Tom was always trafficking in what she called the devil's wares.

Narrator (6:47)

You mean like the cafe he runs here? Yeah.

Joe Banning (6:49)

Yeah. Only it never did occur to her that a man could run a good teen cafe like Tom does.

Narrator (6:55)

Yes, I know. I know.

Joe Banning (6:56)

Benny.

Narrator (6:57)

What about your son?

Joe Banning (6:59)

Oh, sure, you want to know about him. Anyways, when I made up my mind to come over here and join Tom after Sophie died, young Joe was all against it. Wouldn't hear of my having traffic with a bad man like my brother. Well, I tried to reason with him that Tom and I could do big things together. And, well, it doesn't matter what I told him. All I know is he ran away from home and before I knew what happened, he was in the army. He was discharged last week after two hitches.

Narrator (7:33)

And he's coming here to join you, right?

Joe Banning (7:35)

I got a letter from him yesterday. That's when I sent you word I'd be here. I want him to feel that he ought to stay with his old dad, now that he's sort of relented a bit and he's come down to see me.

Narrator (7:48)

Well, I can't arrange the agreements and the papers that you want immediately, Mr. Banning.

Joe Banning (7:52)

You know that. Yes, you. Yes, you can have them ready in three days. Lieutenant Joe will be here about that.

Narrator (7:59)

Oh, yes, Yes, I should be able to arrange things in three days. Have you told your brother about Joe's coming in?

Joe Banning (8:05)

No, no, no. I thought he couldn't wait until I got you his badge. We've talked it over. Kind of general like in the past. Tom likes the boy. He's ready to arrange things the way. I see.

Narrator (8:18)

Well, I suggest you put off telling your brother until I get a rough draft of the arrangement ready.

Joe Banning (8:24)

How long will that take?

Narrator (8:25)

Oh, I'll have it ready for you to study sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Joe Banning (8:28)

Good bye.

Narrator (8:29)

Now, let's find out exactly what property you own and how the ownership of it is divided. Banning and Taylor talked for more than an hour. When the rancher had left, the lawyer walked to the door that led to the other room and opened it. He called to his man, Chuck Griffin. Come on out, Chuck.

Joe Banning (8:45)

You know, boss, that was the first time I ever knew that Banning had a boy.

Narrator (8:49)

Oh, you heard everything we said then, did you?

Joe Banning (8:52)

Yeah, up until the time he started getting legal. I sat back and waited.

Narrator (8:56)

I don't have to tell you anything at that rate.

Joe Banning (8:59)

All I have to do is give you orders. Orders? Like what?

Narrator (9:02)

Like where to kill Ed Banning. What to do after you finish the job.

Joe Banning (9:09)

Oh, not personally, no. No. You're going to do that? I don't get it, Boris. What good will it do? You haven't had Banning killed.

Narrator (9:18)

You'd like to own the Circle B. I know matter, Chuck. Have it all figured out in my mind. It came to me in a moment.

Joe Banning (9:25)

Yeah. Still, I can't see where you gain if he's dead. His brother will, maybe. Or his son is.

Narrator (9:31)

That's what I want. I may have to wait a year, perhaps two.

Joe Banning (9:35)

But I'm in no hurry.

Narrator (9:37)

If Tom Banning and his nephew Joe aren't dead in that time, then.

Joe Banning (9:41)

Oh, you're gonna get rid of them, too. Yeah. They'll do that themselves.

Narrator (9:45)

With perhaps some help from the law. You'll see the completeness of my plan as time goes on, Chuck. However, it starts at once. Tonight. That's when you kill Ed Vanning. You may need help.

Joe Banning (10:00)

I'll use Gyp McCrory. He's a good man.

Narrator (10:03)

Now, listen. Tom Banning doesn't wear his holster around the cafe.

Joe Banning (10:07)

Does he? Oh, no, no. He leaves that and the gun hanging from the side of his desk in his office.

Narrator (10:11)

Yes, that's what I thought. Well, you're going to start a fight in Banning space tonight. While you do that, have Gyp McCrory go around the back way and get the guy. Gip McCrory had left Chuck Griffin in front of Tom Banning's cafe and walking in the shadows, he went to the rear of the building and stood in a spot where he could look into Banning's office. When, after a few minutes, he saw Tom Banning leave his desk and hurry to the door connecting his office with the front of the cafe, McCrory let himself in the rear door. The terrible din and the shouting of angry voices from the cafe was all Jip McCrory had to hear. There could be no doubt about it. Chuck had started his fight on schedule. Gyp tiptoed into the office. He could see Tom Banning in the cafe, rushing into the center of the three for all fight. McCrory ran to the desk and removed from the holster hanging over the side, a black Colt.45. He put it in his pocket, ran across the room again, and let himself out the door and into the night. Though Tom Banning hadn't seen Jeff McCrory, the cafe owner did miss his gun when he returned to the Office. Later, while McCrory met with Taylor and Chuck Griffin, Banning was talking to Sheriff Ross Wagner.

Joe Banning (11:28)

I just thought I'd tell you, Ross. My gun was stolen from me. Any idea who took it? Oh, not the slightest. But I don't like it, so I thought I'd tell you what happened, just in case. Just in case what, Tom? Well, I don't know. When a man has his gun stolen, anything can happen.

Narrator (11:50)

It was after midnight when Jeff McCrory, his face covered with a bandana, pounded on the rear door of Ed Banning's Circle B ranch house. He saw the glow of a light in the bedroom and then watched as the light moved into another room, the one with which the door he pounded on. He turned to the other masked figure behind him.

Joe Banning (12:08)

Here he comes, Chuck. Ready? I am. Des. Who's that pounding against the door out there? Me, Benning. I got a message for you. Open up. What is it you want? I shoot him, Chuck. You got him.

Narrator (12:29)

Sheriff Ross Wagner received word from the coroner next afternoon. Ed Banning had been shot by the bullet from a.45.

Joe Banning (12:36)

45? A coroner? Yeah. Ed's brother Tom had a.45 stolen from him last night. At least he said it was stolen. Is that so? What do you think about it? I don't know. We'll have a Citizens Committee meeting. I'll tell them. Me? I believe whatever Tom Banning tells me. Let's see what the Citizens Committee says.

Narrator (12:57)

The committee members were told of the stolen gun, but collectively they agreed with the sheriff. Indictment for murder was recommended and it was found that the deceased met his death at the hands of a person or persons unknown. Chuck Griffin was surprised alone with Vince Taylor.

Joe Banning (13:13)

He said, hey, that's not good, boss. You wanted them to say Tom Banning killed his brother. That's why he had to steal his gun, isn't it?

Narrator (13:20)

No, it's not. I have other plans in mind. Joe Banning arrives here tomorrow.

Joe Banning (13:27)

You're going to meet him.

Narrator (13:32)

The next morning in a camp he had pitched outside town. On the evening before, the Lone Ranger heard Toto report the information he'd received when he was at the general store earlier. So Ed Banning was killed. They don't know who did it.

Joe Banning (13:45)

Isn't that right, kimosabe? People say, brother, do it.

Narrator (13:48)

The committee would have indicted him if you thought he did. I know Tom Banning. He's a good man. I don't mean to see him made the victim of a mob.

Joe Banning (13:56)

You gonna help him?

Narrator (13:57)

Evidently he doesn't need it yet. But he might. We're going to be ready if he does. Hello. Are you going to town?

Joe Banning (14:04)

Easy, fellow. Monsoon Monster.

Narrator (14:12)

Joe Banning, square jawed and petulant looking, skirted the town and rode directly to the Circle B ranch. When he arrived next morning at the ranch, he received the shocking news of his father's death. Later that morning, he started for town. He didn't realize it was not mere accident that brought another rider beside him as he neared the outskirts. Great day, isn't it?

Joe Banning (14:35)

Oh, you're not talking, huh? Anyway, it's a great day, except maybe for dead men who get killed by the brothers. Who the Hoo hoo hoo City boy. Mister. What did you say? He pointed that gun for us. Talk to me, mister. It makes sense. What's that you said about men killing their brothers? Oh, it's nothing you'd know about. You're strangers. It's just that a fellow named Ed Bannon was murdered and everyone figured his brother Tom did it. You'll get the ranch now. That filthy gin swilling murderer. Hey, hey, where you going? To town. Well, doggone. He sure does have a temper. Wazeye's flesh and way to his gun. And Taylor was right. The world will be rid of Tom Banning before the day's through. And the boy will be hanging before the week is out. Come on. Get up there, boy.

Narrator (15:32)

Get up. 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. Tom Bannon was in his office at the cafe that afternoon when a cowboy knocked on the open door and entered.

Joe Banning (17:06)

Tom, what is it? There's a young feller outside the cave. Tom just drove in. The Cat. Its boy said Joe is here. I only sent a wire to him this morning. Don't go rushing out, Tom. Better warn you he won't come in here because he says he wouldn't dirty himself by doing it. Mean?

Narrator (17:23)

I know him.

Joe Banning (17:24)

He has ideas. Wait, Tom, Wait. Gotta warn you, he's aiming to shoot you. You're crazy. I'm going out to see him. Thanks, Tom. Don't go out. The armory's serious. He'll shoot.

Narrator (17:41)

The Lone Ranger and Tahoe had been near the town a few hours, keeping in the background. Always they had learned nothing pertinent regarding Ed Banning's death. And now they were skirting the main street when they saw a circle of men gathering along one side of the dirt street. A young man, his square jaw set and his eyes glaring in cold fury, held his right hand on his gun holster. He stood in front of the crowd. They faced the entrance to Tom Banning's cafe. I don't like the looks of this tunnel. Crowds on the boy. They won't notice us. Let's get up close and learn what's going on. Chuck Griffin had taken a shortcut to town and spread the word around that Joe Banning intended to have a showdown with his uncle. Now, as the boy waited facing the cafe, Banning stepped out. He looked amused and surprised as the boy stepped forward.

Joe Banning (18:32)

Hello, Joe. What's the matter with you? Reach for your gun. You killed my father, didn't you? You killed my father so he could take over his range. Joe, you're insane. You don't know what you're saying. I'll put away that gun only after I've killed you. But I'm not gonna do it in cold blood. I'm giving you a chance. I'll give you three to draw your gun, Joe. One. Joe, I won't fire. I won't draw. Get better. I'm gonna shoot. 2. You're insane, Joe. 3. Don't.

Narrator (18:59)

A shock rang out, but it was not from Joe's gun. His revolver was shot out of his hand as a bullet from the crowd hit the barrel and sent it spinning. To the ground. Then the marksman stepped from the rear of the Popeyed mob, his eyes clear flashing through the slits in his mask. Don't try to reach for that gun, son.

Joe Banning (19:14)

Look, he's wearing a mask.

Narrator (19:16)

Yes, I am. Don't get any ideas. That goes for all of you. The crowd of men awestricken seemed to call before the Low Ranger, Tom Banning, moved forward and the boy, Joe stood in his tracks, still too soon stunned to react.

Joe Banning (19:29)

I'll take that gun of yours, Joe. What?

Narrator (19:31)

Joe, forget you're a trigger man and walk over to the sheriff's office. Your uncle will carry that gun of yours.

Joe Banning (19:37)

I haven't. Suppose I say I won't go?

Narrator (19:40)

You'll go all right, won't you?

Joe Banning (19:45)

Yes. Yes, I'll go.

Narrator (19:51)

The boy left without hesitation as the crowd parted to allow the magnetic man in the mask lead the way to the sheriff's office. Toto had been sent by the Lone Ranger to look for Sheriff Wagner a second after the masked man shot the gun from Joe Banning's hand. Now the lawman had returned and a long talk had taken place between Wagner, Joe Banning and his Uncle Tom. The Lone Ranger left when the sheriff arrived, and it was of him that Wagner now spoke.

Joe Banning (20:19)

I know the masked man's reputation and I'm glad he was here while I was away. Because if he hadn't been Joe, you'd be facing a charge of murder. If you want to arrest me and persecute me, go ahead. Nobody's going to do either, Joe. Perhaps you'll see things differently after you've rested a bit. Tell me, are you gonna hold me? No. But I'll hold your gun. I want to see you in this office tomorrow. And I'm going. Maybe a rider. I don't know. Only know my father's dead. You don't get his killer, then I will. I really shouldn't let that boy out of here, Tom. I'm going to get one of my deputies to stay with him. No, Ross. I'm going out to the ranch. I'll be all right. Don't worry about Joe. If his temper's like his mother's, it'll.

Narrator (21:05)

Be gone in no time.

Joe Banning (21:07)

Poor kid. I'd known he'd be here so soon. I. What's the use?

Narrator (21:14)

Jeff McCrory and kept an eye on the sheriff's office from the time the Lone Ranger brought Joe Banning there. What he did not know was that after the masked man's departure, Tato had been left nearby with the same instructions to follow Joe Banning if he was permitted to leave. When Joe Branning barged out of the sheriff's office and walked blindly down the main street and away from the town, Jeff McCrory waited a while Glenn ran after him.

Joe Banning (21:37)

Hey, Benny. Benny. Look, I know someone who can prove your uncle killed your old man. He's got all the proof in the world, and he's ready to give it to you if you want it. You know I do. Then wait here a minute. I saw where you put your horse. I'll get it and bring it here. Then we'll ride to the man who has the evidence you want.

Narrator (21:59)

The man with the evidence was lawyer Vince Taylor. He showed Joe banning his uncle's Colt.45. As Chuck Griffin and Jip McCrory stood by. Chuck found this.

Joe Banning (22:09)

Where your uncle hid it? Yeah, that's right. Why didn't you tell the sheriff that? Well, I did. But he's in with your uncle. So is that masked man that shot at your gun. They're all together. That's it, is it? Like I said, they're all crooks. Why did they want dad killed?

Narrator (22:25)

For his ranch, what else? Your uncle killed your father because he wanted everything for himself. You may have to cut in.

Joe Banning (22:33)

The sheriff of the mask matters. I'll kill them. I'll kill Uncle Tom for sure this time. Then I'll kill them. Here's a gun, Joe. You gotta take justice in your own hand. We'll ride to the ranch house now, Joe, and meet your uncle.

Narrator (22:50)

Cotto had followed Joe banning and Jip McCrory when they entered Taylor's home. The Indian made his way to the rear of the house. There he let himself in through a window, climbing noiselessly, and then tiptoed across.

Joe Banning (23:01)

The darkened room to where he could hear the two talking with Taylor.

Narrator (23:04)

Later, as the men prepared to leave for the Banning ranch house, Tarttle left through the window once more, ran to his horse and rode away.

Joe Banning (23:11)

Easy, scout.

Narrator (23:12)

Easy, feller.

Joe Banning (23:13)

Get him off, Scout.

Narrator (23:18)

At their campsite, he told the Lone Ranger what he had learned. The masked man prepared for immediate action. Those three men you heard talk are lying. They're the ones who are probably behind the murder of Ed Banning.

Joe Banning (23:29)

Hello.

Narrator (23:30)

We'll ride the bike trail and intercept them before they get to the Circle B ranch. Chuck Griffin, riding slightly in front of Joe banning and Jeff McCrory led the way around the moonlit road where it circled Jutting Rock. The masked man and the Indian seemed to come from nowhere, and their horses were upon the trio before the latter could draw. All right, all of you get your hands up.

Joe Banning (23:58)

Hey, what's up? Hits that mask man again, he'll not make me puck my hands up.

Narrator (24:02)

Don't you reach. Chuck, you got the same.

Joe Banning (24:04)

Me got gun against Frank. Drop gun. Yeah. There. I've dropped mine.

Narrator (24:09)

You too, Joe Banning.

Joe Banning (24:11)

There. You're going to kill me now, I suppose? No.

Narrator (24:14)

You're like a child who deserves a licking. I'll not shoot you.

Joe Banning (24:18)

My wrist is bleeding.

Narrator (24:19)

You live, at least until I learn what this conspiracy is. Otto, ask the sheriff and his men to come to Vince Taylor's house at once. Tom Banning's there. Bring him. I'll not do anything until you return with him.

Joe Banning (24:32)

Get him up, Scout.

Narrator (24:34)

All right, Banning. Chuck, right in front of me. We'll take the back trail. Start going. Get it.

Joe Banning (24:39)

Come on, get up there.

Narrator (24:46)

The Lone Ranger, his gun covering the two men, was waiting near Taylor's house when Totto arrived with Tom Banning, Sheriff Wagner and his men. The sheriff's lips set grimly as he heard the story and his eyes slit as he listened to the masked man's suggestion. We're going to learn the absolute truth, Chuck Griffin must help us.

Joe Banning (25:06)

Griffin may help you. Why should I? I'll tell you why, Griffin. Because you're involved in murder. You're going to hang unless you help me arrest everyone who's in. In this pocket. Listen to what the masked man says.

Narrator (25:17)

The Lone Ranger spoke briefly but decisively. Now you go into Taylor and speak with him alone. You'll be listening outside. You may be sure you'll be covered by guns every minute.

Joe Banning (25:28)

Guns on me everywhere. What else can I do? Let's get it over you.

Narrator (25:32)

All right, Be quiet. You come with a sheriff and me. Joe, we want you to hear this. Vince Taylor was visibly surprised when Chuck Griffin entered his house a short time later.

Joe Banning (25:50)

Chuck. Back so soon, Boss, we did it. Yeah, we did it so quickly.

Narrator (25:58)

You killed Tom Banning, Chuck.

Joe Banning (26:01)

You let the boy do it, I hope. Oh, yeah. The boy did it, Joe. Shot him dead like it wanted to. Perfect.

Narrator (26:07)

I thought maybe you'd have to do the job yourself, as you did on Ed Banning.

Joe Banning (26:10)

Hey, boss. Don't say that. Why are you acting so frightened? Not like you. Don't forget, Chuck, the big part of.

Narrator (26:17)

Your job comes now. You've got to go into the sheriff and tell him that you saw the boy shoot his uncle in cold blood. After what happened today, the boy won't have a chance. He'll be strung up in three days. Yeah, the law doesn't do it. You get a mob to raid the jail Pull the boy out and string him up. Oh, if you be months before I can bid on the Circle B ranch. But I'll get it.

Joe Banning (26:37)

The way I figure is that Chuck.

Narrator (26:40)

Why are you waving your hands like that?

Joe Banning (26:42)

Warn you your game is up, Taylor. Who are you? Why don't you ask me that? Go. Go, Sheriff. Stopping me scorching. I'm gonna beat you to a puzzle, you dirty murdering coward. You think I listened to you? I heard what you said. Stop it. Stop it. Joe, meet her too. Meeting won't settle this. The law will do that. Taylor, you and Griffin are under arrest for a murder and conspiracy. Take them away, men.

Narrator (27:14)

As the deputies took the two men away, Joe Banning turned to his uncle.

Joe Banning (27:19)

Uncle Tom. I've been nothing but a hot headed, unthinking kid. Well, I'll not be that way again. I wanted to kiss. But you didn't. Yo. So we're going to be partners. We're going to a lawyer tomorrow. A real lawyer, not one like Taylor. I'm going to have papers made up that says we're partners and the whole ranch will be yours when you marry him. I don't know what to say. Except that. Well, I wouldn't have learned the truth about you, everything, if it hadn't been for that masked man. He's gone, Joe. He says if you keep your head, you'll keep your head. Get that? Yes, Sheriff. I see what he means. Who is he? You're new in these parts job. When you've been in the West a while longer, you realize he's the greatest man we have. He. The Lone Range Sam Sa Sam.

Narrator (30:00)

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trundle, produced by Twindle Campbell Enterprises, erected by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. A part of Balloon Ranger is played by Grace Beame.

Andrew Rines (30:38)

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 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 and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

Joe Banning (31:43)

Sam.