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Old Time Radio Westerns
The Blinding Storm | The Lone Ranger (02-22-52)
00:31:31
Original Air Date: February 22, 1952Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Rou...
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- [00:00]
Andrew Rines
Foreign welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm.
- [00:20]
Co-host
Excited to bring you another episode absolutely free.
- [00:23]
Andrew Rines
This is one of over 80 episodes.
- [00:25]
Co-host
Released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode. A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio. Silver, the Lone Ranger.
- [00:58]
Andrew Rines
It's.
- [02:34]
Co-host
With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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.
- [03:01]
Andrew Rines
Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. I O Silver.
- [03:18]
Co-host
Tom and Agatha Bancroft, after five toil worn years in the gold fields of California, were returning to the Midwest from where they had started. They were talking to banker Josh Pickering in his office.
- [03:29]
Andrew Rines
Nothing's going to change our minds. We'll use the money we made to start a ranch and a big farm back Missouri way, and we'll enjoy what we're doing then. And you've worked hard for the money you have, Tom. Yes, and I know you never did like this part of the country. I never did either, Mr. Pickling. There's a greater future for everyone back where we're going. Well, good luck to you. I'll send that money of yours. See that it goes out today by that Wells Fargo train that leaves here. It'll be waiting for you when you get to Independence. Well, thanks for everything, Mr. Pickering. Now I'd better get down to see Sam Dallas about traveling with his wagon train next week.
- [04:12]
Co-host
Tom Bancroft, with a mind of his own, told Sam Dallas of his traveling plans.
- [04:16]
Andrew Rines
Sam, Joe Boonton, the mountain guide, is coming along in our wagon with Agatha and me. Mountain guide? You'll not need him if you're coming with us down the Santa Fe Trail. We're not going all the way with you. We'll go over the desert with you and through the big pass. And after that, we'll head straight east. Ah, you crazy town. There's not a good trail anywhere going that way. There's mountain My mind is made up, Sam. You will get us back east before you people are in Texas. Right, Agatha? Right, Tom. Let's get down to the Wells Fargo now and see that everything's all straightened out about the money we're sending today. You coming.
- [04:58]
Co-host
Tom Bancroft made no secret of his Plans. Nor did he lie about the amount of money he was sending back East. As he talked to friends at the Wells Fargo starting point, he failed to notice the furtive looking man who had overheard everything that Bancroft had been saying. The man, Pete Trump, went into the office and wrote a letter placing it in an envelope which he bought from a clerk. The envelope was addressed to Frank Harmon, Great Junction. He handed the envelope to the dispatch clerk and asked some questions. The clerk answered them.
- [05:29]
Andrew Rines
Yes, this'll go out in the wagon train. It's leaving. It'll be transferred at a point further east. Should be in Great Junction. Let's see now. Great Junction is three days they sight of Independence. That's right. You may be certain it'll reach Mr. Harmon in the regular time. I'll take it now and get it into the mail.
- [05:50]
Co-host
A week after the Wells Fargo train had gone, Sam Dallas set out from California with his string of wagons. Tom Bancroft's wagon was with him. After another week over desert and through the big pass, Bancroft, his wife and Joe Bunton, an old modern guide, separated from the main train and started on their own way east. In Great Junction, the man named Frank Harmon picked up a letter addressed to him after the Wells Fargo messenger had left it at the stage station.
- [06:29]
Andrew Rines
Easy there. Get up. Get up.
- [06:37]
Co-host
He galloped into the hills and delivered the letter unopened to Jim Dublin, the notorious outlaw who had his hideout there. Harmon and the five other members of the gang waited as Dublin read the message that had been sent to him by Pete Trump. He grunted as he finished.
- [06:53]
Andrew Rines
This is a new one. Has Pete put your wives to another wagon? We can take over. He's put us onto a wagon all right, but there's no money on it. The husband and the wife traveling the mountain trail with Joe Boonton. But the couple have $100,000 waiting for him in Independence. What good's that gonna do us? Jim Trump's given me an idea. We hold up the wagon someplace between Great Junction and Independence. But why, if there's no money in it? Because we'll make a prisoner of at least one person on that wagon. By doing that, make sure of getting all the money this fella has waiting for him.
- [07:35]
Co-host
The Lone Ranger and Tonto were riding in the vicinity of Great Junction where a series of daring stagecoach robberies had occurred. The masked man reached a conclusion.
- [07:44]
Andrew Rines
The authorities feel sure that Jim Dublin and his gang have been committing these robberies. I'm just as sure that the gang's headquarters must be somewhere in this area. It's plenty Wild here. Make good place to hide. I think we better have enough. Look, Humphrey, wagon come this way.
- [08:01]
Co-host
Toto, peering towards the west, pointed to a wagon approaching slowly along the narrow path on which they rode. A path barely wide enough to hold the wheels of the vehicle.
- [08:10]
Andrew Rines
They must see us also, Toto. If they do and notice my mask, they'll be frightened if we take off into the brush. See Kimasabe, gun flash and sun. They see us all right, and they're ready. We ride directly towards them and show that our intentions are peaceful. Come on, get him up.
- [08:36]
Co-host
Tom Bancroft and Joe Boondon had kept their rifles cocked as they saw the masked man and Indian approach them.
- [08:42]
Andrew Rines
Get your hands up, you two, before we drill you. You're covered and you haven't got a chance. We'll put our hands up if that's what you want, but you must realize we mean you no harm. If we did, we wouldn't have ridden up to you as we have. Then what's the idea of wearing that mask? I'll tell you if you in turn, will tell me something. Eh? What's that? The reason why you haven't traveled with a regular wagon train on the big trails. Why have you driven your wagon along a path that's seldom used? I don't think there's any reason to tell you, stranger. That is, unless you are able to explain that mask.
- [09:18]
Co-host
The Lone Ranger introduced himself to Bancroft and the guide, Boondon, who was visibly impressed by meeting the man who had become a living legend in the West. The travelers in turn introduced Mrs. Bancroft and themselves to the Lone Ranger and Toto. Then Bancroft related his reasons for traveling as he did, and also his intentions. The Lone Ranger spoke when the man had finished.
- [09:39]
Andrew Rines
You've made a wise choice. This part of the country needs people like you, and it'll be better off for having you. You hear that, Agatha? Thanks, mister. Thanks for saying that. You've been lucky getting this far without incident. We had a good man to guide us. Joe's been wonderful. That's evident. Still, you're not out of the mountains yet, which means you'll not be out of danger until you've arrived safe at Independence. We know that you may not be out of danger there, either. There are some desperate men in this territory. Be ready for them. Nevertheless, if I were, Mr. Bancroft, I'd take none of that money from the Wells Fargo office until after I'd found a place to live and a bank in which to keep the money. Now, don't worry about that. I'm hurrying to be where my money is. But I'm not going to touch it once I'm there. Good. Carlo and I expect to visit Independence within a few days. We'll ride along with you now if you want us to. Well, that's mighty nice of you, but I don't think there'll be reason to do that. We'll get by. I hope so, Mr. Bancroft. El adios. Goodbye. Let's go, Taro. Come on. Silver. Much Tower.
- [10:52]
Co-host
Joe Dublin's men sighted the arrival of the Bancroft wagon in Great Junction. They rode back to the hideout at once and notified the outlaw chief. Now, a day and a half later, at a point halfway between Great Junction and Independence, Dublin and his gang made ready as they saw the lone covered wagon coming along the trail.
- [11:10]
Andrew Rines
Here it comes, men. Remember now, no shooting this fella Bancroft or his wife. Our plans will not mean a thing if you do. What about this guy Boonton that's traveling with him? I've heard of the Ombre. He's a tough one. If he starts anything, let him have it. Shoot and don't care what happens to him. It's the other two that we want. All right, come on, let's go and get him. Get up. Get up. Come on. Get up here.
- [11:30]
Co-host
Come on. Tom Bancroft and Joe Boonton were caught unprepared when the outlaws rode out of the brush, shooting over their heads and briking the wagon horses to a stop. Joe Boonton grabbed for his rifle, but an outlaw shot caught the guide in the shoulder and sent him sprawling from the seat.
- [11:51]
Andrew Rines
You killed him. I don't think we did, ma'. Am. But if we did, it doesn't matter. He doesn't count in our setup. Get out of the wagon, Miss Bancroft, and step down the ground. Agatha, don't do it. Don't any of you dare. Out of the way, Bancroft. Keep quiet. Don't you hit my husband. Easy, lady, easy. Bring her over here. Bring him over, too. Come on over where you can talk to the boss. Prano. That's better. Now, look, Mr. And Mrs. Bancroft, we're not going to hurt you. Now then, what do you want with us? How do you know who we are? A little bird told us. A little bird from California. We've been waiting for you, Bancroft. And it's a good thing you came the way you did. You made it easy for us to find it. But what do you want? We haven't anything of value. Take what money I have. Oh, no. That's not the money we want. We want the money you're going to get in. Independence. All of it. What? We don't know what you're talking about. Stop it. Stop it. Mrs. Bancroft, we know you have more than $100,000 waiting for you at Wells Fargo and Independence. Bancroft, you have in your pocket whatever identification and papers you need to pick up that night. No, I haven't. I haven't. Look at him reach for his pockets. Let me see what's in. No, no, wait a minute. You can't keep it back. Here's some papers marked Wells Fargo, Jim. Yeah. Yep, these are the ones, all right. I told you, Bancroft. We know all about you. Well, I'm not going to get the money for you. Well, say goodbye to your wife, then. Goodbye to it? What do you mean? What are you doing? Stand right there and listen. Yes, I'm listening.
- [13:37]
Co-host
While Frank Harmon held his shoulder in an iron grip, and while his wife trembled at his side, Tom Bancroft heard Outlaw Jim Dublin detail a terrible threat. The bandit chief ended by repeating in one sentence what he already had said at length.
- [13:50]
Andrew Rines
We're taking your wife and Joe Boonton to a place in the mountains where no one will find her. And we'll keep her there until you return with all the money that's held for you at Independence. Don't do it, Tom. It's our money. Don't let him threaten. I'm not Talking to you, Mrs. Bancroft. You're just a pawn in this little transaction. Suppose I refuse to get the money? You're not gonna refuse. So many things might happen to your wife if you're dead right, men. Yeah. We'll have her where she can never be, Bancroft, unless we lead you to it. We'll do that once you hand over the money. That's a promise. Now, what do you say?
- [14:25]
Co-host
By pressure of words and actions, the bandits forced Tom Bancroft to consent to their threats because he knew if he refused or if he attempted to cross them, that he would never see again the wife he loved so much.
- [14:36]
Andrew Rines
All right, you rotten snakes, I'll do what you say.
- [14:51]
Co-host
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.
- [15:17]
Andrew Rines
Sam.
- [15:55]
Co-host
Now to continue. When Tom Bancroft gave in to the demands of the bandits, his wife protested.
- [16:02]
Andrew Rines
No, Tom. No. Don't do as they say. I'm going to Eggsy. All right, what do you want me to do? You know the answer to that one. We'll tell you how to do it. That's all. Now, Frank here will go to Independence with you, and he'll be at Your side every minute. Meanwhile, we'll take your wife and Joe Boonton to our hideout where she can wait.
- [16:26]
Co-host
It started to snow that evening. By morning, the storm had increased in fury and great snow drifts covered the surrounding country. That afternoon, the two men on duty at the Wells Fargo office in Independence watched a covered wagon stop outside their building. The two men in had got to the ground and walked through the snowstorm and were lost from sight. A short time later, they returned to the spot leading saddle horses, which they tied to the hitching post outside. A few minutes later, after a conference, they entered. The older man, whose eyes seemed troubled, spoke to the clerk as he placed some papers on the open counter.
- [17:01]
Andrew Rines
These. These are mine. You received a shipment from California for me last week. I. I want it now. Yes, sir. Let me see the papers, please.
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Co-host
The clerk took the papers. Then, recognizing the name because the shipment had been such a valuable one, he spoke in surprised tones.
- [17:19]
Andrew Rines
Mr. Bancroft, you said you wanted this. Now, you don't mean that, do you? Yes. Yes, I do. But it. Well, all that money, sir. You heard what he said. Give it to him. Yes, I'll give you a signature for comparison. And I'll give you the password I'm supposed to give.
- [17:37]
Co-host
The clerk was unable to dissuade Tom Bancroft from taking all his money. He watched in bewilderment as Bancroft and his companion left and rode away on the saddle horses. Although the snow was subsiding, the wind still howled fiercely as the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrived in Independence. That night, the Lone Ranger donned the disguise of an emigrant traveler of which there were so many in town. He and Tonto were passing the Wells Fargo office later when they saw the familiar covered wagon in front.
- [18:09]
Andrew Rines
Otto, It's Tom Bancroft's wagon. Must have made the rest of the journey safely.
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Co-host
The Lone Ranger stopped and looked at the wagon when suddenly something on the driver's seat caught his attention. He looked around, saw that he wasn't observed, then examined the seat closely.
- [18:25]
Andrew Rines
Otto, look. Must have met with an accident. See here. Blood.
- [18:29]
Co-host
The dark stains from Joe Boonton's wound dyed the driver's seat and much of the wagon's front a heap.
- [18:35]
Andrew Rines
Much blood. Let me see. No one in the Wells Fargo office but a clerk going inside to see if he knows anything about Tom Bancroft.
- [18:47]
Co-host
The clerk told him of Bancroft's visit and his taking the money with him and riding away with the other man on saddle horses.
- [18:53]
Andrew Rines
They headed back out of town towards Great Junction. I didn't see any woman with them at all. That's strange. Did Joe Boonton or Mr. Bancroft say. Why, just a minute, sir. You said Joe Boone. You mean the mountain guide? Yes. He was with Bancroft. No, sir, he wasn't. I know Joe Boone. Everyone in Independence does. Joe wasn't with Mr. Bancroft.
- [19:14]
Co-host
A short time later, wearing his mask once more, the Lone Ranger was astride Silver, ready to ride out of town with Totto.
- [19:21]
Andrew Rines
Tom Bancroft's in trouble, Tonto. Everything we've seen and heard proves that. Snow stop now. But very deep in ground, easy to follow. Trail of horses. Yes. They're only the hoof prints of two horses setting off from here toward their road from town. We'll follow them, Toto. We'll not stop until we learn where they lead. Come on, Silver.
- [19:48]
Co-host
The stable horses which Frank Harmon had hired for him and Tom Bancroft had found the uphill climb through the snow too difficult. And so the crook and his captive rested beneath protecting trees most of the night. Now, in the morning, they started again toward the hideout where Joe Dublin held Agatha Bancroft and Joe Boonton.
- [20:06]
Andrew Rines
Hey, that sun's bright this morning. Hurts my eyes.
- [20:09]
Co-host
They were riding now over a vast expanse of open country, and the dazzling light from the snow shone in their eyes and the eyes of the horses. After a while, the horses began to falter.
- [20:19]
Andrew Rines
Stand up. What's the matter with you? You sway back, nag. He can't see, that's what's the matter. He can see. Neither can I. What are you talking about?
- [20:31]
Co-host
Bancroft was falling from his horse, which was plowing in a circle through the snow. Harmon, alarmed, leap from his own animal to run towards Bancroft. He left the bag with the money attached to his saddle.
- [20:40]
Andrew Rines
What's the matter with you, Bancroft? Where you at? Hey, my eyes are burning. Everything's getting black. My eyes snow blind. That's what you meant. That sun on the snow has blinded us. Can't see a thing. Where are you, bankrupt? Over here. The horse. Where's my horse? Here, boy. Where are you? Come here. Where are you? We rented those horses. It's not your horse. He doesn't know your horse. He has to. He must. The money's on his saddle. It's on the saddle. Here, boy. Come out with you. What are you?
- [21:18]
Co-host
The Lone Ranger and Tonto had followed the trail of the two men riding all night. When they left the wooded sections and rode into the great open area before them, they could tell by the hoof prints that the men they sought were not too far in front of them.
- [21:30]
Andrew Rines
You're right. They rested during the night back where we Saw that Fire ditch Kim's hobby. Look. Scouts have trouble. Look. Him. Turn head. Steady. Silver. Steady. What's the matter, boy? Kimasabe sun too bright in snow. Shining horse's eyes. Yes, you're right, Toto. The snow is too dazzling. Thanks to this mask, I'm not bothered at all. I'm able to see very plainly. Mask make you do that? Yes, Toto. The sun shines so brightly on the snow, it dazzles the eyes. But my mask is completely black. It absorbs some of the rays. You think maybe men we chase go blind like this? They should. We'll know when we catch up with them. Although I'm going to make sure that you're able to see where we're heading. Easy.
- [22:16]
Co-host
Steady, big fellow. The Lone Ranger opened his saddlebag and withdrew a candle from within. Using silver as a shield from the wind, he struck a match and lighted the candle. Then he removed a saucer from the bag and held the lighted candle beneath it. Within a minute, the entire bottom of the saucer was covered with black suit.
- [22:33]
Andrew Rines
Here, let me put this under your eyes tunnel.
- [22:35]
Co-host
He rubbed his fingers on the bottom of the saucer. Then he transferred the black residue from his fingers to Toto's eyes.
- [22:40]
Andrew Rines
Toddo, that should prevent even temporary blindness. We'll be able to start off again in a few minutes.
- [22:48]
Co-host
Although little more than an hour had passed, it seemed like days as Tom Bancroft and Frank Harmon, snow blind, floundered around in the ever widening circles through the snow. It was Harmon, a hundred yards from Bancroft now, who heard the horsemen approaching. He began to yell, Help.
- [23:04]
Andrew Rines
Help. I can't see. I'm blind. Help.
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Co-host
He could not see that the Lone Ranger and Tonto were leading two horses behind them. The horses which Harmon and Bancroft had been riding. The masked man had found them a mile from the scene. And there was a money bag attached to the saddle of one of the horses.
- [23:18]
Andrew Rines
I know there's someone here. Help me. Help. We'll help you in due time, whoever you are. First, I'm going to help Tom Bancroft. Come on, Tilbury, get him up.
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Co-host
Tom Bancroft heard the approaching hoofs. And now he too yelled.
- [23:30]
Andrew Rines
Who are you? Who are you? Friends, Tom. Father and I followed your trail. Oh, no. It can't be true. It's not. It can't be true. Who, Silver? Who? It is true, Tom. We have your money here with us. You have? How did you get it? Where's that varmint? Herman? That's the man who was with you? Yes. You didn't see him? He's over there. Now tell us what this is all about. Meanwhile, I'll treat your eyes as best I can.
- [23:57]
Co-host
While the Lone Ranger shaded Tom Bancroft's eyes, the man told of the hold up on the road and what had happened to his wife and Joe Boonton.
- [24:04]
Andrew Rines
Joe, I didn't want Agatha to die and I got the money to give to them. Well, you have your money back now, Tom, and you're going to hold onto it this time. But what about Agatha? We'll find her, Tom. With the help of this man, Harmon Otto, we're going to put on a knack for that man over there. We're going to threaten him with death if he doesn't tell us where the hideout is. And the threat will remain unless he leads us there.
- [24:32]
Co-host
The Lone Ranger and Tonto, restraining smiles, made dire threats to the still blinded Frank Harmon. They said they would bind and gag him and leave him buried in the snow to die. And then pretended to go away. Harmon, desperate, could stand no more.
- [24:46]
Andrew Rines
Don't go. Don't leave me here to die. I'll take you where you want to go. I'll take you. But I can't see. You'll be able to see once evening falls. Is they hide out far from here? No, only a few miles. Then we'll set out for there at dark. It'll be better for us in every way.
- [25:08]
Co-host
The darkness of evening saw the eyesight of Bancroft and Harmon returning. The crook, still awed by the masked man and the Indian, led them through the snow to a spot below the cabin hideout.
- [25:17]
Andrew Rines
There it is. That's it. Up there. Good. Now you remember everything I told you, yes? Yes, and I'll do what I. I know you'll kill me if I don't keep thinking that way.
- [25:31]
Co-host
Frank Harmon, following the Lone Ranger's instructions, led Tom Bancroft into the cabin as if the old man were a submissive prisoner.
- [25:38]
Andrew Rines
Get over there in the corner, Bancroft. We want a check on this money.
- [25:41]
Co-host
Harmon pushed Bancroft away from the group of crooks who gathered around the table as he placed the leather bag on top of it.
- [25:47]
Andrew Rines
Well, here's the money. All of it. Open the bag, Tim. Yeah, let's see what that much looks like.
- [25:53]
Co-host
Jim Dublin started to unlatch the bag. Neither he nor the others noticed Tom Bancroft behind them. The old man had taken from his pocket the gun which had been given to him by the Lone Ranger before he entered.
- [26:03]
Andrew Rines
You don't have to open that bag, Dublin. There's no money in it, only paper. What is a gun? Get him. You're Too slow. Dublin. No.
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Co-host
Bancroft fired as Dublin reached for his gun, hitting him in the arm.
- [26:12]
Andrew Rines
That's for what you did to my wife.
- [26:14]
Co-host
The Lone Ranger and Toto stepped inside. Their guns went off as they saw the amazing bandits reach for theirs. Three men were hit.
- [26:22]
Andrew Rines
You other men drop your guns or you'll get the same. Nice work, Tom. You and Tuttle tie them up. And Tuttle will look after Dublin's wounds and the others too. How do you know me? You'll find out in court. Dublin, tell me first, where are Mrs. Bancroft and Joe Boonton? Where are they? Over there, behind the curtain. They're all right.
- [26:44]
Co-host
Tuttle rode back to Independence that night while the Lone Ranger, Bancroft and Joe Boonton guarded the outlaws. Joe Boonton had much to tell.
- [26:53]
Andrew Rines
They were talking every minute. They had us tied up here. I know what hold up jobs they did and where some of the loot is hid. I also heard him say it was a feller named Pete Trump out in California who told him about you. Tom? Yep. I'll be able to tell the sheriff a lot.
- [27:11]
Co-host
It was daylight when the sheriff and his posse arrived and led the crooks through the snow away from the cabin. Now, after the masked man's suggestion, all had placed black smudges beneath their eyes.
- [27:22]
Andrew Rines
That's the best thing I ever did hear of. It's a good thing that Frank Harmon didn't know enough to do that. He'd have brought you back here and they'd have escaped with the money before your friend caught up with him. I don't know. No matter what happened, I think if they captured him, he's that kind of a man. But he didn't say who he was before he rode off. You know Mr. Van? Sure, he's the Lone Ranger.
- [29:28]
Co-host
This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame. This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com.
- [30:08]
Andrew Rines
And we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and.
- [30:12]
Co-host
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.
- [30:30]
Andrew Rines
We want to thank our most recent.
- [30:31]
Co-host
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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
- [31:07]
Andrew Rines
It.