The Bullet Brigade | The Lone Ranger (01-08-43)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Bullet Brigade | The Lone Ranger (01-08-43)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: August 6, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns features a restored classic from "The Lone Ranger" entitled "The Bullet Brigade," originally broadcast in January 1943. The story follows the masked hero, his companion Tonto, and Dan Reed as they uncover and thwart a nefarious plot by Steve Lacy, a wealthy cattleman bent on driving local farmers and a woman named Ma Wiggins out of business. The tale is a rich blend of action, moral lessons, and suspense—showcasing the Lone Ranger’s trademark pursuit of justice in the untamed West.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

Setting the Scene — The Wagon Train Conflict

[04:35–08:42]

• Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan Reed encounter a wagon train in turmoil. Wagon drivers are angry over missing pay—blame falls on the absent Steve Lacy, believed to be behind recent thefts.
• Tensions erupt; the Lone Ranger intervenes to prevent violence and urges the men to honor their agreement to deliver goods before seeking pay.
• Quote:
  “Stranger, I always heard is when bullwhackers made a bargain, they kept it.”
  — The Lone Ranger [08:22]

Learning Ma Wiggins’ Plight

[09:31–12:36]

• The trio travels to Bainesville to consult Ma Wiggins, owner of the local freight line.
• Ma reveals Lacy’s ruthless plan—offering double wages to her drivers and half-priced freight to customers, making her business unsustainable.
• Lacy’s motives appear suspicious, as he will lose money with such undercutting—hinting at a deeper scheme.
• Quote:
  "He tried to buy me out and I wouldn't sell. Now he's trying to force me to the wall."
  — Ma Wiggins [11:26]

Unmasking Steve Lacy’s Scheme

[12:49–15:35]

• Lone Ranger confronts Lacy, who reveals his interest is not cattle—but land owned by the farmers.
• Lacy’s plan: bankrupt the farmers so they must sell him their land cheaply, permanently converting cropland to grazing.
• Quote:
  “Land that them grangers own, rubbing right up against mine. And I've got to get it for their crops. Boiler. Permanently for grazing.”
  — Steve Lacy [14:16]

Escalation: Murderous Intent

[15:59–16:07, 17:57–20:44]

• Lacy attempts to eliminate the Lone Ranger but he is rescued by Tonto and Dan.
• After failing to kill the masked hero, Lacy pivots to a deadly plot: send the wagon train with farmers and their crops along “Ghost Trail,” a treacherous shortcut. Lacy’s men plan to use blasting powder to trigger a deadly landslide.
• Quote:
  “We'll give them farmers the whole side of a mountain for a going away present. We'll smother them in.”
  — Steve Lacy [23:56]

Race Against Time: The Lone Ranger’s Plan

[24:29–26:08]

• As the wagon train departs, the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan discover that a keg of blasting powder is leaking, marking the route.
• Realizing Lacy’s plan, they follow discreetly. Lone Ranger sends Dan to alert Ma Wiggins and the sheriff, while he and Tonto act to foil the villains.

The Ambush Foiled

[27:17–29:13]

• Lacy’s men set up the blasting powder, but when they light the fuses, nothing happens—the kegs are filled with sand.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto secretly replaced the powder, saving the farmers and exposing Lacy’s plot in front of the sheriff and posse, who arrest the gang.
• Quote:
  “No wonder they didn’t explode. Somebody emptied the blasting powder and substituted that sand.”
  — Horgan [28:24]
• Quote:
  “You should have known, Steve. You couldn't match wits with the Lone Ranger and come out on top.”
  — Ma Wiggins [29:13]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the importance of precision:
  “Precision is a thing that counts, Dan. … Your father was one of the most precise men I've ever known.”
  — The Lone Ranger [05:19]

• Lacy’s ruthlessness revealed:
  “Squeeze them dry is what I aim to do. I'll be able to buy them lands dirt cheap.”
  — Steve Lacy [20:29]

• Victorious justice:
  “Thanks, Dan. There’s nothing more to do here.”
  — The Lone Ranger [29:10]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Wagon Train Crisis & Lone Ranger’s Intervention: [04:35–08:42]
• Ma Wiggins’ Struggle Explained: [11:13–12:36]
• Confrontation with Steve Lacy & Discovery of Motives: [12:49–15:35]
• Assassination Attempt & Deadly Plot: [15:59–20:44]
• Discovery of Blasting Powder and Foiling the Ambush: [24:29–29:13]
• Resolution & Villains' Arrest: [28:24–29:13]

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Final Thoughts

This restored episode showcases the timeless appeal of The Lone Ranger: clever plotting, Western action, strong moral lessons, and heartfelt community spirit. The new clarity in the audio heightens the tension and drama, making gunfights and galloping horses as vivid as ever. It's a coming-of-age hour for Dan Reed and Tonto, reinforcing loyalty, courage, and integrity.

Memorable Moment:
The clever switch of blasting powder for sand stands as a turning point—a mix of suspense and relief as the Lone Ranger’s ingenuity saves the day.

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Experience the full episode (without ads) and more classic Westerns at otrwesterns.com.

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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Dan Reed]

Silver.

[Narrator]

Fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Dan Reed]

Sam, It's.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. The stories of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness have come down to us through the generations. And 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 hoop beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Dan Reed]

Come on, Silver. We're heading for Ghost Trail. Silver,

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode slowly on either side of Dan Reed, the masked man's newly found nephew.

[Dan Reed]

Can't you tell me more about the surprise that's waiting for me when we get back to the Southwest?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Dan, you'll Just have to wait until you see it.

[Dan Reed]

How soon will we be there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Very soon. We have at least two more weeks of travel.

[Dan Reed]

We could travel faster, couldn't we?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd rather take it easy. Your pony isn't as strong a scout in Silver.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, I wish I had a horse like Silver.

[Steve Lacy]

Oh, what you do with him?

[Narrator]

You're not ready for him yet.

[Dan Reed]

What would I do with them? I'd write him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you boasting, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

Well, I. I'd try to write him.

[The Lone Ranger]

You would? I'd learn to write them or try to learn.

[Dan Reed]

Golly, you sure make me say just the right thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Precision is a thing that counts, Dan. Precision and everything. Your father was one of the most precise men I've ever known. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, and he said it. He knew exactly how he wanted a thing done, and he saw that it was done that way.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, but sometimes a fellow has to do things in a hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's where you'll find precision handy. Now, wait a minute. There ain't a poster for

[Narrator]

something going on in Valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's a wagon train.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, but why are all the men in a group? Is there an argument or something?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Dan, but we'll find out. Come along. Come on, Silver.

[Dan Reed]

Get up there. Now, there's no use arguing about it, boys. They ain't here at the station, and that's all there is to it.

[Steve Lacy]

Now, look here, Jeb. We want to know why we ain't got our pay.

[Dan Reed]

You think we're driving these wagons for

[Narrator]

the fun of it?

[Dan Reed]

Now, hold on, Hop. Tell you what I think. Maybe Horgan there already knows. What's that, Jeb Horgan? Steve Lacy sent you here? Well, Steve Lacey's a crook. He waylaid a couple of our wagons, and I got a hunch and he waylaid the pair of these men.

[Horgan]

Well, you turdy.

[Dan Reed]

Silver, he fired it. I'm hit. Man on the white horse, he's master. Oh, Silver. Ho. I Ho. You hit my hand. You fired on me. Take it easy.

[The Lone Ranger]

You were going to shoot a man that isn't wearing a gun.

[Dan Reed]

A masked man in a red skin. Hey, who's something about my hand? I'm hit. I'm hurt.

[The Lone Ranger]

Added you, Tono.

[Dan Reed]

Me fix him. I'll help you, Tano. I got some clean water in my canteen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why the gunplay? Who's in charge here?

[Dan Reed]

I'm in charge. Name's Jeb Hawkins. These bullwhackers want to quit.

[Horgan]

He don't pay us and he accuses Me? Of being in cahoots with crooks.

[Steve Lacy]

That's the truth. What's it to you? Maybe you know something about the crooks that stole our pay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now get this straight. I'm not a crook. What do you mean?

[Steve Lacy]

That Master.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where are they heading?

[Dan Reed]

They're driving these wagons and oxen from Bainesville to Rocky Ridge. Now the boys want to quit to take on another job without completing this one. Ain't my fault their pay wasn't here at the station. I'm just a station agent.

[Steve Lacy]

You see, we was told that half of our pay would be here waiting for us. Now Jeff says it ain't so.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ain't.

[Steve Lacy]

Leave this stock here and get jobs that pay cash.

[The Lone Ranger]

And you men agree to take this wagon train and the oxen to Rocky Ridge.

[Dan Reed]

Now they want to leave it here high and dry.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who owns this stock?

[Steve Lacy]

Ma Wiggins.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Dan Reed]

Well, there's a gent named Steve Lacey that'll pay us twice that she promised. That ornery buzzard. He wants to get him away from Mar Wiggins. He wants to ruin her. He's the one that stole the cash. I bet McGizzard on it.

[Horgan]

Shut up, Jeb. We've had enough of that gab.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who are you?

[Horgan]

Name's Horgan. Steve Lacy. Ain't no part of crook.

[Dan Reed]

He's the one that came here with the offer from Lacy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Get out of here, Horgan. Don't come back.

[Horgan]

I'm not taking orders from you.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't like to repeat myself.

[Dan Reed]

You'll hear from me again, mister.

[Horgan]

Only next time you'll be on the receiving end.

[Dan Reed]

Ornery skunk.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see that pasty face of his

[Dan Reed]

around this depot again, and I'll deal him full of sunlight.

[The Lone Ranger]

You men.

[Steve Lacy]

We're listening.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stranger I always heard is when bullwhackers made a bargain, they kept it.

[Steve Lacy]

You've heard right.

[The Lone Ranger]

And get back on those wagons and take them to Rocky Ridge.

[Narrator]

What about our pay?

[Dan Reed]

You'll get full pay when you deliver the goods.

[Steve Lacy]

What do you say, boys?

[Narrator]

All right, it's a deal.

[Dan Reed]

But I'm giving you fair warning.

[Steve Lacy]

From now on, we'll be driving for Steve Lacy.

[Dan Reed]

All right, boys, get back to your wagons.

[Narrator]

Sometime later, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan guided their horses carefully through a narrow crevasse banked on both sides by mountain slopes. A dangerous and almost secret. But shorter route to Bainesville than the wagon trail they'd been following.

[The Lone Ranger]

This trail is treacherous. Even Silver doesn't like it.

[Dan Reed]

Me not like it, either. Too many rocks on trail from landslides.

[The Lone Ranger]

Careful then.

[Dan Reed]

Golly. Doesn't take much to start em rolling, does it? I bet one rock falling from the top of that slope would bring down an avalanche.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll soon be out of it. We must be halfway to Bainesville by now.

[Dan Reed]

What we do there?

[The Lone Ranger]

First we'll have a talk with Ma Wiggins. She may be able to tell us the reason for the trouble she's been having.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, that's right.

[The Lone Ranger]

And Ma's an old friend. I want to do all I can to help her.

[Dan Reed]

What's that ahead? Looks like a cave.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan. Probably something. Listen.

[Dan Reed]

Look up the slope. The whole side of the mountain's rushing down at us. That rock slide. Quick. Head to that cave. Come on boys. Stretch those legs. Hurry. Tunnel this way. Army. Come hammer. I'll run with you. Get out, boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

We just made it.

[Dan Reed]

Rock slide almost crushes. This cave has been a couple yards further than it wasn't. Look over there.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Dan?

[Dan Reed]

That rock slide was no accident. It was man made. Look. Up there on the slope.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're right. That is a man.

[Dan Reed]

Ah, him start the Appalachian? Sure. All he had to do was start a rock roll and we'd get those big bowlers and new shale underway. Gosh. Who do you suppose he is?

[The Lone Ranger]

Unless I'm mistaken, Dan, he's the man who threatened us at the station. It's Horgan. It was dusk when the three riders

[Narrator]

reined in their mounts at the hitching rail in front of Ma Wiggins express office in Bainesville. Through the window they could see the energetic old lady working at her desk by the light of a lamp. They walked up the steps to the porch and knocked on the door.

[Ma Wiggins]

Glory be. It's a lone ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

May we come in?

[Ma Wiggins]

Well, I'll be plumb disappointed if you don't. I thought you were some of Steve Lacey's hired gunman.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah, I've heard a little about the trouble you've been having.

[Ma Wiggins]

Sit yourselves down. Or. Oh yeah. Trouble you said, huh? I reckon I'm have my share of it and a lot more with Steve Lacey out to break me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Break you? How?

[Ma Wiggins]

By starting a freight line in competition to mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I thought Lacy was a cattleman.

[Ma Wiggins]

He is one of the richest in the valley.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why does he want a freight line?

[Ma Wiggins]

I don't know, Lone ranger. All I know is he has plenty of cash to spend for what he wants. And right now he wants to drive me out of business. He tried to buy me out and I wouldn't sell. Now he's forcing Me to the wall by offering double my wages to the cattlemen and charging half of my price for freight.

[The Lone Ranger]

How can he show a profit?

[Ma Wiggins]

Well, he can't. But once he owns the only freighting outfit in these parts, he can raise the price sky high. And the farmers around here have to meet it.

[The Lone Ranger]

The farmers, huh? What you think? Otto, you and Dan scout around town. Learn what you can about Lacy and the farmers.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, sure we will. We'll keep our eyes and ears tuned all the time. But where'll you go?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm going to call on Steve Lacy.

[Ma Wiggins]

You be careful. He's a mighty dangerous man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry. Above all, don't give up. I think there's a way of saving your freight line.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in his office in another part of town, Steve Lacy listened to a report from his hired gunman, Horgan.

[Steve Lacy]

Lone Ranger, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Horgan]

Tall hombre, wearing a white hat and a black mask. I knew who he was the minute I laid eyes on him.

[Steve Lacy]

He better not stick his nose in my game.

[Horgan]

I tell you he will, Steve. He and Ma Wiggins are old friends.

[Steve Lacy]

And why didn't you take care of him while you had the chance?

[Horgan]

I tried to. I thought I had him for sure. And then the whole three of them escaped into a cave.

[Steve Lacy]

What do you mean?

[Horgan]

Well, I watched him leave the depot. Then when I saw him cut into Ghost Trail, I hightailed it along the ridge of a slope.

[Steve Lacy]

Ghost trail? Never heard of it.

[Horgan]

There ain't more than a few who have. It's an old engine trail through the mountains. But even the red squins, well, they quit riding it on account of rock slides.

[Steve Lacy]

Rock slide? Well, that was your idea.

[Horgan]

Sure, sure. Fire to bury them all if it hadn't been for that blasted cave.

[Steve Lacy]

Where do you suppose they are now?

[Horgan]

Well, it's my guess they're chinning with Ma Wiggins.

[Steve Lacy]

That stubborn old folks. She told me her business when I asked her. I'd have the farmers in my pocket by now.

[Horgan]

Seems to me you're putting out a lot of cash to get them grangers

[Narrator]

out of your way.

[Steve Lacy]

Sure I am, Horgan. I'm taking a lot of risk, too. When the returns roll in, I'll be sitting on top, just where I've always wanted to be. Steve Lacy, king of this cattle country.

[Horgan]

I don't savvy you don't stand to win any steers from them farmers.

[Steve Lacy]

Steers ain't what I'm after. I've got a bigger herd than I can handle in my own place.

[Horgan]

Well, then what are You?

[Dan Reed]

It's land.

[Steve Lacy]

Land that them grangers own, rubbing right up against mine. And I've got to get it for their crops. Boiler. Permanently for grazing.

[Horgan]

Yeah. With them extra acres you'd own the biggest ranch in the county.

[The Lone Ranger]

I mean to have it too, Horgan.

[Steve Lacy]

I couldn't get it legal, so I'm taking another way.

[Horgan]

Them farmers didn't scare easy either.

[Steve Lacy]

They'll scare this time right into my lap.

[Horgan]

How does this new freight line of yours fit in?

[Steve Lacy]

Like a glove, Ma Wiggins lying out of business.

[Horgan]

Which it will be plenty soon. The way them grangers are biting at your offer. Half the price Ma charges for freight.

[Steve Lacy]

I'll be in soul confusion of freighting their crops to market. Then I can push the rates as high as I please. Maybe so.

[Horgan]

You can't make them like it.

[Steve Lacy]

I don't want them to.

[The Lone Ranger]

I listen.

[Horgan]

It's Lone Ranger. Silver's the name of his horse.

[Steve Lacy]

He's coming here?

[Horgan]

Yeah. What'll we do?

[Steve Lacy]

Let him come. Boys are playing cards in the back room. You want them? And tell them to have their guns ready. I give you the word. Jump the masked coyote. I'll get going before he seizure.

[Horgan]

Nice, Abby.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's Steve Lacy.

[Steve Lacy]

Who gave you a ticket to walk in here unannounced?

[The Lone Ranger]

You haven't answered my question.

[Steve Lacy]

What if I am Steve Lacy?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't like the way you're running Ma Wiggins out of the freight business.

[Dan Reed]

No?

[Steve Lacy]

What are you going to do about it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know yet. I can tell you this, Lacy. You won't get away with it.

[Steve Lacy]

That's fancy talk, mister. Almost as fancy as that mask you're wearing. And I'm back in my hand with facts. What do you mean sending a wagon train to Rocky Ridge early in the morning. And its cargo will be the farmer's crops. Ma Wiggins was counting on freighting.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Steve Lacy]

There ain't nothing you can do to stop it.

[The Lone Ranger]

You seem very sure.

[Steve Lacy]

I've got plenty of reasons to be. Look behind you, Russian boys.

[Dan Reed]

No you don't. Rush em, boys.

[Steve Lacy]

Jumping.

[Dan Reed]

Use your gun butts. Knock em out. Ropin'. There's one for you, Steve.

[Narrator]

Fists flailing, the Lone Ranger stood alone against the the savage onslaught of Steve Lacy's gunman. His smashing blows took a heavy toll, but the odds were too great even for his muscular strength. A gun butt crashed against his skull and darkness enveloped him in a seemingly bottomless whirlpool as he sank unconscious to the floor.

[Steve Lacy]

Curtain falls on the first act of

[Narrator]

our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. As the Lone Ranger lay unconscious, the gang quickly tied and gagged him while Steve Lacey and Horgan looked on. Then Lacy motioned his gunman out of the room.

[Steve Lacy]

Reckon he won't bother us again?

[Horgan]

I'm suggesting we make sure of that, Steve. You mean I know about this hombre? He's always turning up in the wrong places. And I'm in favor of putting a period to his career right now.

[Steve Lacy]

Maybe a rush.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Horgan]

The slug behind his ear will do it. We'll have a lot less to worry about now.

[Steve Lacy]

Wait.

[Horgan]

What for?

[Steve Lacy]

I want to see what's behind this mask.

[Horgan]

Yeah, I always hanker to know myself. Let's have a look.

[Dan Reed]

Where'd you two come from? We follow Lone Ranger here. Oh, he's beginning to come, too. Tano, you take Knife Dan cut ropes and gang. You bet. I'll have him free in a jiffy.

[Steve Lacy]

You won't take the masked man out of here alive.

[Dan Reed]

Redskin boys are riddle you before you get him in the saddle. You not pulled Tonto. You not fire shots in street or law. Catch you quick.

[Steve Lacy]

Oh, dog on your way.

[Dan Reed]

Shot him out. That's it. Hawkin pull a gun on him, he show you. Oh, I've cut the Lone Ranger free, Tano, huh?

[Steve Lacy]

That's pretty good.

[Dan Reed]

Now you give him boost to Tanto's shoulder. Me carry him to horses? Yeah. Here, let me help. Now him rest on shoulder. Now's your chance. Hor and rush him. I'll get him. Not this time. Go ahead, Tano. I'll cover you. Come quick too. You young squirt. You tripped me. You're lucky it wasn't worse, Hargan. I wouldn't advise either of you to follow us. This gun shoots straight and fast.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Horgan]

There they are, supporting the masked man on this white horse. I got him square in my gun sight.

[Steve Lacy]

Don't shoot your fool. We'll bring the whole town down on our heads.

[Dan Reed]

Get him out, Scowl. Come on, boy. Get up there.

[Horgan]

They've gone. Now what'll we do?

[Steve Lacy]

Act fast. The Lone Ranger suspects my scheme to swindle the farmers. He'll be on our trail in a minute.

[Horgan]

Well, if you still mean to freeze the crops by pushing freight rates so high the farmers couldn't pay, well, you might as well throw in now, Steve. The time it would take the masked man to find out for sure.

[Steve Lacy]

I said we'd have to act fast, didn't I? That plans out, I've got a better one. Put it through so quick, even the Lone Ranger won't be able to stop it.

[Horgan]

I'm listening.

[Steve Lacy]

Early in the morning we're sending a wagon train to Rocky Ridge. It'll be freighting the farmers crops.

[Horgan]

What of it?

[Steve Lacy]

The contract reads both the farmers and their crops travel at their own risk.

[Horgan]

Yeah.

[Steve Lacy]

That means I ain't responsible for anything that happens to them on the trail.

[Horgan]

Something could happen, huh, Steve?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Steve Lacy]

Something would prevent both the farmers and their crops from arriving in Rocky Ridge.

[Horgan]

And if they didn't get to market, they couldn't sell their crops.

[Steve Lacy]

That's the idea. Just about ruin their families, wouldn't it?

[Horgan]

I reckon it would. They'd need that money bad just to stay alive. Right.

[Steve Lacy]

With winter facing them before a new crop was due, their families would be pretty desperate. So desperate they'd be forced to sell me their lands for any price I wanted to pay.

[Horgan]

Yeah, you could squeeze them dry and they'd have to take it.

[Steve Lacy]

Squeeze them dry is what I aim to do. I'll be able to buy them lands dirt cheap.

[Horgan]

Well, what are you figuring on happening, Steve?

[Steve Lacy]

There ain't nothing in the contract about sticking to the regular wagon trail, is there? I aim to take a shortcut.

[The Lone Ranger]

Shortcut?

[Steve Lacy]

Yeah, the one you were telling me about. Ghost trail. You mean what you told me? That must be a pretty treacherous trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Horgan]

Anything can happen on ghost Trail, especially if it's planned. Rock slides, for instance.

[Steve Lacy]

Everybody knows a rock slide is an accident, huh?

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure.

[Horgan]

It won't even be blamed for sending the wagons on that trail. Nobody around here knows about it.

[Steve Lacy]

Yeah, they'll thank me for finding a shortcut that'll get their crops to market quicker.

[Horgan]

It'll take a lot of rocks to bury a wagon train. Even in that narrow pass there'll be plenty.

[Steve Lacy]

We'll plant a row of blasting powder at the top of the ridge.

[Horgan]

The farmers and bullwhackers will hit.

[Dan Reed]

Well, let them.

[Steve Lacy]

The blast will send them boulders crashing down the slope so fast nobody'll have a chance of escaping.

[Horgan]

I reckon you're right.

[Steve Lacy]

We'll pack the blasting powder in a hind wagon and put some of our own boys on to guard it. Then we'll order a rest stop for the train just before they enter the pass. While the boys sneak the blasting potter up on the ridge and plant it.

[Horgan]

Yeah, that's plenty slick, Steve.

[Steve Lacy]

When it's over, I'll control the whole valley. Every steer you see will be bearing my brand.

[Horgan]

We'll break Ma Wiggins freight line in the bargain.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hey, old fool.

[Steve Lacy]

She should have known that anybody who stood in my way was bound to get burned.

[Narrator]

Holding the now conscious but weak figure of the Lone Ranger astride Silver between them, Tonto and Dan headed their horses for a rocky patch near town and quickly made camp. From a nearby stream, the Indian bathed the masked man's painful, though not serious head wound until finally he was strong enough to sit up and talk.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks, Kemo sabe. I'll be all right.

[Narrator]

You get plenty hard blown head.

[Dan Reed]

You gave a good account of yourself before you went under, though. I saw some of the gang's faces.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you learn anything about Lacy and the farmers?

[Narrator]

Ah, we learned plenty. Lacy want farmers land bad, but then not sell.

[Dan Reed]

Then he tried to scare them off, but they wouldn't go.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yet. The farmers have signed to ship their crops in Lacey's wagon.

[Narrator]

Ah, them get plenty cheap price.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why? Why is Lacy so suddenly generous to the farmers?

[Narrator]

Me not know.

[Dan Reed]

Gosh, you suppose it's a trick of some kind?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, Dan, but Lacy's wagon train leaves for Rocky Ridge with the farmers and their goods early tomorrow morning.

[Steve Lacy]

We follow em.

[Narrator]

Maybe we find clue.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ask himosabe. A long chance. Our only hope of saving Ma Wiggins. Fred.

[Narrator]

In the cold gray dawn, the wooden platform in front of Steve Lacey's freight office bustled with activity. Wagon after wagon, drawn by thick shouldered, heavy yoked oxen and driven by whip cracking bull whackers in broad brimmed hats, flannel shirts and high leg boots pulled up the platform and took on the farmer's precious freight farm products of every description were loaded carefully into the Oxford drawn caravans under the farmer's eagle eyes with tarpaulin carefully battened down to protect the crops from the wagons. Folded streams far up the line could be heard the stentorian voice of Hop, the wagon boss marshaling his charges for the trip. Then the last wagon rolled into position. Horgan climbed into the driver's seat with feet lazy behind him.

[Steve Lacy]

Got the blasting potter aboard this wagon?

[Horgan]

Yeah, stored in the back. Boys stowed it away last night.

[Steve Lacy]

Where the boys get to now?

[Horgan]

They're up ahead stringing alongside the wagons. They'll be ready when we need them.

[Steve Lacy]

Good. We'll give them farmers the whole side of a mountain for a going away present. We'll smother them in.

[Horgan]

Can't miss.

[Steve Lacy]

Here we go. The first and last trip for the

[The Lone Ranger]

Steve Lacy freight line.

[Narrator]

Get along there.

[Dan Reed]

Come on, get up.

[Narrator]

As the chain of wagons rumbled onto the dusty, deep, rutted wagon trail, they were watched from the concealment of a clump of trees by a masked man, an Indian and a boy. Then, reining their horses to a walk, the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Dan slowly followed the wagon train, keeping just out of sight. It was some time later when Tonto suddenly signaled a halt.

[The Lone Ranger]

What is it, Tato?

[Narrator]

You look, pair.

[The Lone Ranger]

Looks like powder.

[Narrator]

Ah, that blasting powder.

[Dan Reed]

There's a faint trickle of it all the way along the trail.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, a keg in one of the wagons must be leaking.

[Narrator]

That's plenty dangerous.

[The Lone Ranger]

Feel right on, Toto. There may be something we can do. Come on, Silver.

[Dan Reed]

Get him up, Scout. Come on, boy. Get up.

[Narrator]

Three horsemen raced for some distance without overtaking the wagon train. Then, at an obscure fork in the trail, they reined up again.

[Steve Lacy]

Look at those tracks.

[The Lone Ranger]

Lacey's wagons have left the road and branched off for Ghost Trail.

[Dan Reed]

Isn't that right, Golly? You mean they're going to drive those wagons through the canyon?

[The Lone Ranger]

Looks that way, Dan.

[Steve Lacy]

Why'd them do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know, kimosabe. That trail is too dangerous for anyone to travel unless they know it. Well, the slightest disturbance may start a rock slide. I didn't know anyone in Lacy's train knew of Ghost Trail. Wait. What? You think Ghost Trail is known to one of Lacy's gang? The same one who tried to murder us? Horgan?

[Dan Reed]

Golly, you don't suppose how treacherous the trail is.

[The Lone Ranger]

He never let Lacey take it unless it had a special purpose.

[Dan Reed]

The blasting powder that bright. Oh, but they couldn't mean that. They couldn't plan to bury the whole wagon train?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm afraid they do, Dan. The farmers are with that train. Lacy would stop at nothing to get them out of the way.

[Dan Reed]

And what we do, we gotta stop them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Right at once to maul Wiggins. Dan. Her word will carry weight with the sheriff. Get him to round up a posse and ride a ghost trail at once.

[Dan Reed]

You bet. I'll see you later. Get that boy. So long. Adio, Stan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, paddle. We've got to catch that wagon train.

[Dan Reed]

Come on, Siddler. Hit him up.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tonto rapidly approach the rear of the wagon train. The din of the oxen, the cracking bullwhips and creaking wagon wheels served to conceal their arrival. And noting that the blasting powder was trickling from a keg in the last wagon, the masked man stealthily crept into the creaking vehicle. His movements concealed with a great canvas hood. And working speedily with Tonto, the Lone Ranger bent every effort to spike Steve Lacy's diabolical scheme. Later that day, the masked man and the Indian watched while Lacy ordered the wagon train halted for a rest stop on the verge of the narrow crevasse that was Ghost Trail and soften their well concealed camp. The gang stealthily take the kegs marked blasting powder from the last wagon and ride up to the ridge of the mountain slope. Keeping carefully out of sight. The Lone Ranger and Tonto followed and saw the gang dig six holes in a row along the ridge in which to plant the kegs.

[Steve Lacy]

Everything ready, Horgan?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah.

[Horgan]

Potter's all set to blast anytime you say.

[Steve Lacy]

Stay out of sight, boys. Wagons will be coming through the pass any minute. I don't want anybody looking up here and suspicioning things.

[Horgan]

Don't forget to allow time for the fuses to burn when you aim the rot slide for the wagons.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't worry.

[Steve Lacy]

I've got it figured out to a fraction.

[Horgan]

Trot them figures out then, Steve. Here they come.

[Steve Lacy]

Right. Light them fuses.

[Horgan]

Get going, boys.

[Dan Reed]

Blast that powder to kingdom come.

[Steve Lacy]

That's it. They're all lighted now.

[Dan Reed]

Run for it.

[Steve Lacy]

This is far enough. Now let's watch the fireworks.

[Horgan]

When them rocks start crashing down the slope, the farmers won't know what hit them then.

[Steve Lacy]

Every day you can cook up a mass murder that buries its own dead, huh, Horgan? Hey, what's the matter with that blessing, Potter?

[Horgan]

I don't know. Look, the fuses.

[Dan Reed]

They're sputtering out.

[Steve Lacy]

Every single one of them.

[Dan Reed]

Something's wrong, Steve.

[Steve Lacy]

I thunder. Something is wrong and I need to

[Dan Reed]

Find out what, Jake and examine them kegs. Why not? The fuses all burn out. Come on.

[Steve Lacy]

You know. Well, look. Give me a hand, Organ.

[Dan Reed]

Sure.

[Narrator]

What?

[Steve Lacy]

Look at this.

[Dan Reed]

Sand. Ordinary road sand. No wonder they didn't explode.

[Steve Lacy]

Somebody empty the blasting powder and substitute that sand.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right, Steve.

[Dan Reed]

What the. A Lone Ranger take their guns. Cut out me, get him from the injured.

[Horgan]

Nobody takes my gun, redskin.

[Dan Reed]

Let's just pull it first.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, I want you, Steve.

[Steve Lacy]

No, you don't. I'll drill you for it.

[Dan Reed]

Up that gun. I'll show you. Oh, you ask for it, you'll soon sing another tune.

[Steve Lacy]

That's my boys riding to drill you down.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're wrong, Steve. The sheriff and a posse riding your gang down.

[Dan Reed]

The sheriff. Thanks, Steve. I've got enough evidence in them blasting kegs to take care of you for a long time. To come and Hogan and the rest of your pals with you.

[Ma Wiggins]

Now you warn me, Polecat.

[Dan Reed]

I might have known.

[Ma Wiggins]

You're after bigger game than just trying to ruin my freight company. Even murder wasn't too low for you.

[Dan Reed]

Everything go off all right?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Dan. There nothing more to do here.

[Ma Wiggins]

You should have known, Steve. You couldn't match wits with the Lone Ranger and come out on top.

[Narrator]

We the ones to show not holding hands when times are tough.

[Bubba Wallace]

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[Dan Reed]

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[Dan Reed]

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[Narrator]

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

[Dan Reed]

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 our most recent Ranch hands Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Dan Reed]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Dan Reed]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Bubba Wallace]

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[Dan Reed]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Dan Reed]

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