The Call of Duty | The Lone Ranger (04-29-42)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: "The Call of Duty" | The Lone Ranger (04-29-42)

Air Date: March 10, 2026 (Podcast Release)
Host: Andrew Rhynes

---

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored 1942 broadcast of The Lone Ranger: “The Call of Duty.” The episode immerses listeners in a classic Western tale—set in the heart of the sheep-raising country—where justice, loyalty, and courage collide. The Lone Ranger, with his trusted companion Tonto, intervenes in a bitter land dispute that escalates into sabotage and an emotional trial for a young boy’s beloved sheepdog. This is a quintessential example of radio drama’s golden age, brought to modern ears with crystal clarity that highlights its enduring themes of honor and frontier justice.

---

Key Discussion & Story Points

1. Conflict over Land and Rights

• Setting the Stage (03:22 – 04:50)
  • The sheriff of Morganville, Sam Blake, notes increasing tension as sheep rancher Jim Dewey leases land (the "north half section") from Old Man Hardy—land coveted and previously used by cattleman Ed Miller.
  • Ed Miller confronts Jim Dewey in the local cafe, accusing him of overstepping and warns of coming trouble. The sheriff intervenes, underscoring the potential for violence.

2. Father-Son Bond and Camp Life

• In the Valley Camp (06:29 – 07:35)
  • Jim and his son Buddy, accompanied by their devoted sheepdog Laddie, live together in a camp wagon, facing the challenges and loneliness of sheep-keeping at the valley’s edge.
  • Touching dialogue between father and son about sacrifice, responsibility, and their unique bond:

    “You can’t fool me, Jim. You’re figuring on moving the flock to the north half of the section.” — Buddy (07:10)

3. Sabotage—Fire on the Range

• Mysterious Blaze & Lone Ranger’s Arrival (07:35 – 09:25)
  • A dangerous fire threatens the flock. The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive to warn Jim, revealing a coordinated plan to save the sheep by setting a controlled backfire.
  • The Lone Ranger is initially distrusted due to his masked appearance.

    “Honest men don’t wear masks.” — Jim Dewey (09:29)

    • Buddy defends the Lone Ranger, claiming the dog’s trust as proof of character.

4. The Frame-Up—Dog in Peril

• A Sinister Plan and Laddie’s Disappearance (09:25 – 14:45)
  • Miller and his men plot to frame Laddie by luring him away (with a coyote imitation) and fabricating evidence implicating him in the killing of sheep.
  • The following morning, Buddy notices Laddie missing and searches for him—suspecting Miller, foreshadowing the looming conflict:

    “That’s a kind of a low down ordinary trick—he’d try steal our dog.” — Buddy (12:46)

  • When Miller claims Laddie killed his lambs, the threat to Laddie’s life escalates, testing Jim’s resolve and setting up the dramatic core of the episode:

    “The man that touches that dog won’t live to see another day.” — Jim Dewey (14:45)

5. Dog on Trial—The Frontier Courtroom

• A Unique Hearing Before Judge and Jury (20:42 – 25:00)
  • The Lone Ranger demands a fair trial for Laddie, assembling a “court” with Judge Grant overseeing.
  • The accusers (Miller and Bragg) allege Laddie’s guilt, presenting fabricated evidence.
  • The Lone Ranger stages a demonstration pitting Laddie’s character against a vicious wolf dog. Laddie’s quick defense of the flock earns him cheers and demonstrates his true nature:

    “Laddie knocked him off his feet!” — Buddy (23:41)

  • With forensic ingenuity, the Lone Ranger exposes signs Laddie was chained when shot—proving the accusation impossible. He further implicates Miller and Bragg in the set-up:

    “This is a case of attempted murder. The defense rests.” — Lone Ranger (25:55)

6. Resolution—Justice Served

• Exoneration and Aftermath (26:52 – End)
  • The jury finds Laddie “not guilty,” and the sheriff arrests Miller and Bragg for their crimes.
  • Buddy and Jim express heartfelt gratitude to the Lone Ranger for defending Laddie and upholding true justice:

    “Gosh mister…Jim and me, we won’t ever forget what you did for Laddie.” — Buddy (26:53) “Laddie won his own freedom. I only helped him out.” — Lone Ranger (26:58)

---

Memorable Quotes and Moments

• Buddy’s Loyalty [07:06]

  “You and me are pals too. We got a work to do here.” — Buddy

• Sheriff’s Fairness [18:25]

  “I’m here to see that justice is done.” — Sheriff Blake

• Judge Grant on Community [21:10]

  “The dogs are mighty important to an individual out in this country...they’re the best friends and helpers you got.” — Judge Grant

• Frontier Forensics [25:00]

  “There are powder marks. That means a shot was fired at a distance of only a few feet…That shot was fired while Laddie was chained up.” — Lone Ranger

• Lone Ranger’s Modesty [26:58]

  “Laddie won his own freedom. I only helped him out.” — Lone Ranger

---

Important Timestamps

• 03:22 – The land dispute surfaces, tensions rise in Morganville
• 07:35 – Fire threatens flock; Lone Ranger intervenes
• 09:25 – Lone Ranger saves the flock, but suspicions remain
• 12:01 – Buddy’s search for missing dog Laddie
• 14:45 – Jim’s vow to defend Laddie at any cost
• 19:45 – Lone Ranger arranges Laddie’s “trial”
• 21:10 – Judge Grant convenes the courtroom
• 23:27 – Laddie proves his loyalty in the sheepdog test
• 25:00 – Lone Ranger’s evidence clears Laddie, exposes villains
• 26:52 – Laddie acquitted; Miller and Bragg arrested
• 27:00 – Episode closes with gratitude and classic Lone Ranger farewell

---

Tone & Style

The episode is rich in classic Western drama—straightforward, earnest, and packed with action, suspicion, and homespun wisdom. The characters’ voices, especially the Lone Ranger and Buddy, embody hope, innocence, and unwavering faith in justice. Restored audio brings every hoofbeat, gunshot, and courtroom showdown to vibrant life, rekindling the timeless appeal of frontier storytelling.

---

For fans of classic Westerns, this episode exemplifies the best of golden age radio: a tale of honor, a battle for justice against the odds, and a heartwarming validation of loyalty—human and canine alike.

Transcript

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Are you really buying a car online on Autotrader right now? Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget. You can really have it delivered or pick it up. I think kid is walking up the slide.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Really?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Autotrader? Buy your car online? Really? Day or night. VRBoCare is here 24. 7 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either. 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. The sil fiery horse with the speed of light, the cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver the Lone Ranger. 7 year old Audrey and her mom Sarah, saw the eviction notice taped to their apartment door. As she half listened to Audrey talking about her day at school, a piece of mail caught Sarah's eye. She picked it up and then dialed a phone number. Thanks for calling Pacific Source. This is Laura. She figured her health plan wouldn't be able to help. Actually, I think we can. Sarah learned that Pacific Source provides members with support beyond healthcare, including connecting them with housing. Help Pacific Source Health Plans. With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, 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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Lone Silver. There's danger on the trail ahead.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Lo Silver,

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Morganville was the headquarters for all the sheep ranch in the county. It was quieter than any cattle town, and the sheriff, Sam Blake, had often complained there wasn't enough action connected with his job. But this afternoon, as he watched a group of men dismount in front of the post office, a worried frown increased his forehead. Five minutes earlier, he had seen Jim Dewey enter the cafe. Five minutes more and Ed Miller would be entering the Same place. The lawman shook his head and crossed the street to the cafe himself. Once inside, he studied the men at the bar and walked directly to Jim's side. Jim. Howdy. Sheriff Edmiller is over in the post office. He's sure to find out what you've done. I expected he would sooner or later. It might save me a little trouble if you didn't meet him until he got over it. You figure he's going to get over it? Let's hope he does. He won't. There's nothing wrong with what I've done. I just assume face him now as later. Maybe you're right. I see there's no gunplay. Here he is now. Where's Jim Doey? Right here, Ed. Why you or he sneakin coyote ought to break you in two. You want to try to be any fight man. Start to tangle and lock your bo up. Shucks heads buck's always worse than his bite. You ought to know that, Sheriff. What's the matter, Ed? You know what's the matter. You've leased that north half section from old man Hardy. That's right. Leased it for 10 years. Won't do you no good. What, you think not just try to graze your sheep there and see what happens. Now careful, Ed. I got the law standing beside me. You got no right to. Don't talk about right to me. That land is mine. It belongs to old man Hardy. I don't say you haven't been using it, but it's about time that Hardy got some rent out of it. He needs the money. Now look, Jim, Sheriff's right about this. There's no need for a fight between us. Now you just sign that lease over to me and there won't be any trouble. You sure got a lot of nerve. I'm warning you, if you don't. You can't bluff me like you bluff the rest of the small ranchers around here. They all been afraid to rent that north half section because your flocks agrees on it. Well, not me. I can use the lamb now and I've got it. Better get your sheep off it, Ed. What's that? You heard me. Jim's got the law on his side. Yeah, well, we'll see how much good it does him. Come on, boys. You can depend on me, Jim. I'll give you all the protection I can. Ed won't take a chance in going to jail. There won't be much you can do. You're a long way from town. But don't worry about me. I can Take care of myself. And then there's your boy. I can take care of Buddy in the flock, too. I knew what I was getting into, and I'm ready for anything. Jim's flock rammed to nearly 2,000 head. They were grazing in the valley so far from his home ranch that he and his son were living in the camp wagon when he reached it that night. It was long after dark. Buddy and the sheepdog, Laddie, were sitting close to the campfire. Hello, Buddy. Did you have any trouble?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

No. Few of the sheep started wandering away this afternoon, but Laddie brought him back. Say hello to him, Jim. He won't stop cutting up till you do.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Good boy, Laddie. Good boy. I got it. But on the way back, I started thinking.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

What about you?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You know, this is a mighty lonely spot for a youngster to be hanging out all summer. Wouldn't you like to go into town, live with Mrs. Moran?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

No, sir. Ree.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, you and Pete are pals, aren't you?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Well, sure, but you and me are pals too. We got a work to do here. You wouldn't have been able to go into town today if I hadn't been around.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, I won't have to go in again for a long time.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

You can't fool me, Jim. You're figuring to moving the flock in the north half of the section.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Not for a while. There's plenty of grass in the valley.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

But when you do, you want me out of the way?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, we'll talk about it some other time. Right now I'm gonna fix myself some grub.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

What's the matter, Laddie? Look at him sniffing the wind.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Jim, it might be a coyote.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He sure wouldn't be standing here if it was.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's that light to the north?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Listen. Somebody's riding this way. That's what he's trying to tell us.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Couple of horses.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Here they come. A white and a pain.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Better have my guns ready just in case.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

That's an engine, and the man with him is mask.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Don't slap leather. I got you covered. You don't need those. We came here to warn you. So Miller's hiring outlaws to do his dirty work. Look to the north. That's fire.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Fire it is, Jim. I can see it now.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You have to drive your flock to the south. They won't be safe until you're beyond the creek. Lady, get the movin' quick tunnel. We'll ride ahead and start another fire. Wait a minute. What's that? The way this breeze is blowing, you never make it to the creek ahead. Of the fire. Got to start another one ahead of you that you can follow not only Wayne to save plot. I get you. Well, let's go, buddy. We have work to do. The Lone Ranger and Tonto fired the grass ahead of the flock. And soon an ever widening strip of blackened meadow opened up. Jim drove the camp wagon south over this behind the flock. When the fire from the north reached the bare ground, it died out and a second fire was stopped at the creek. But now the whole valley lay charred and desolate under the full moon. You sure know how to fight fire with fire, mister. Aren't you going to drive the flock across the creek? I can not without breaking the law. This is the southern boundary of my section. You have land north of the valley. Uh huh. We didn't intend to graze there quite so soon. Because of Miller? What do you know about him? I've heard about your lease. Oh, is that so? I'd forgotten your mask for a while. But I still think maybe he sent you here. That isn't true. Maybe you even set fire to the grass. If I did that and I help you save your flock.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Oh no, Jim. He isn't a crook. Laddie likes him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's a good recommendation, son, but honest men don't wear masks. This Lone Ranger, what's that? Injun.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He said he was the Lone Ranger and I heard him. He calls his horse Silver.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

That's right. I remember. And you're Toddo. Oh, mister, I'm sorry I got you wrong.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Laddie didn't. Don't you think he's a fine dog?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes, he's the best in the county.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He's the best in the whole world. Give him your paw. Laddie, this is the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm glad to meet you, Laddie. He can protect your flock, Jim, but he can't protect you. You must have known there'd be trouble when you leased the north half of the section. Well, I did. Well, it started tonight. You mean Miller and his men set fire to the grass? We can't be sure of that. But someone did. We saw a band of horsemen at the head of the valley. It must have been Miller. Hadn't you better hire more men yourself? I can't afford it. Besides, there's something I'm counting on. What's that? Ed Miller's yellow. He'd never let himself in for a gunfight. There are other ways of fighting. You'll have to be on your guard every minute. Yeah, I intend to be. We'll be around in case you need this. Ah, we camp near Silver Spring. I remember that. Hey, Big Fell. Get him up. Head. Yes. Brag fire didn't work. I didn't lose a single head. You're sure on the flock? With my own eyes. What's more, with the valley all burned out, he's driving them north. Yeah? Yeah. Are we gonna let him get away with it? No. All right then what are we gonna do? Nothing today. We'll wait until tonight. You got an idea? I think it's a good one. Smokey's gonna imitate a coyote. Imitate it? I don't serve. He's good when he sets his mind to it. He can call him right up to a campfire. What's that got to do with Jim doing? It's got plenty to do with his dog. That's how we're gonna get Jim. The dog sends his master to jail or gets him kill. You. Look, kimosabe, it's a boy. Jim Dewey's boy. Ah, me get Silver Scouts hat.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Fuller. Chief.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Did your father send you, buddy?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

No, sir. I'm just out looking for Laddie. You haven't seen him, have you?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Your dog?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Yeah. There was a coyote near the camp last night. I heard Laddie barking, but he never has any trouble with coyotes. So I just turned over and went to sleep again. Jim didn't even wake up. But this morning Laddie wasn't anywhere around.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Does he often wander away?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Never. That's why I got worried and Jim said I'd go out and look for him. This was the first place I thought of.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Because he likes you a lot. I thought he might have paid you a visit.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, I haven't seen him. And I don't like the idea of you riding through the hills alone.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

I promised I wouldn't go towards Miller's ranch.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You better get back to your camp wagon. Hello. And I'll see if we can find Letty.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Has Miller got him?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What makes you ask that?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Well, that's a kind of a low down ordinary trick. He tried steal our dog. Maybe. Maybe even.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We'll find him, buddy. Don't worry about it. You Silver king must have eat. Now you get back to your camp as fast as you can. Said a big fella. Come on, Silver. Get him out. There tough now. Looks like him. Ah, black and white. He's hurt. That's right. Stay there. Bo, come here. Letty not use one foot. Well, let's see what's the matter. That bullet wound? Yes. The leg isn't broken. You look here near mouth piece of wool and he could almost believe that he'd killed a lion. Maybe hurt her, see him and shoot. I should almost believe it. I don't what you mean. There are one or two other things that won't let me. Although we aren't taking Laddie home. We'll fix up that leg at our camp. Not good. Yes. Boy, you're coming with. Get inside the wagon, Buddy. It's Miller and his men.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

I want to stay with you.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You get in there. No, I guess it's all right. That's a sheriff with him. Morning, Sheriff. Morning, Jimmy. I don't see him around. They got him hit someplace. Look in the way. You stay right where you are to look myself, Jim. Look for what? Your dog. Oh, he isn't here. He hasn't been here this morning at all. Well, I guess that settles it, I'm sure. I am sorry.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He isn't dead, is he?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Oh, but my lambs are. That dog of yours is a killer. That's a lie. I saw him early this morning. I took a shot at him. Sheriff, it can't be true. Lady just couldn't do a thing like that. Not to your sheep, maybe. But he ain't so particular about mine. I get the testimony of all these men, Jim. I guess you know what my duty is.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

No. You can't shoot Laddie.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

If anybody tries it, Sheriff, even you. I heard what you say, Jim. I mean it. The man that touches that dog won't live to see another day. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue our story. The sheriff and Miller and his men rode away from the Dewey camp in search of Laddie. Jim rode with them, his guns ominously ready. As soon as they were out of sight, Buddy saddled his pony and rode straight to the Lone Rangers camp. When Laddie ran out to meet him, he tumbled from the saddle.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Laddie, you didn't do it, did you? You couldn't have.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You just.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Just not telling the truth, that's all.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What's happened, Buddy?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Miller says that Laddie killed some of his lambs. And if the sheriff finds him, he'll shoot him. Don't let him. Keep him here and hide him. I don't care if it's true or not. Laddie's my dog and they can't kill him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

They won't, huh? It isn't true. Laddie isn't a killer.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

I know it and so does Jim. He told the sheriff the man who touched Laddie Wouldn't live to see another day, Buddy.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

When did he say that?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Just a little while ago. I can't stay here. There's nobody watching the flock. But they're out looking for Laddie now. Don't let them find them.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Where's your father?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He's with him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Ready for action?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Yeah.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Gimme something. Now we have a reason for it. Miller knew how Jim would act. The evidence is strong enough. The sheriff can only act in one way. That's right. And afterwards, maybe Jim shoot, huh? It's possible he'd go to jail then, and that's what Miller wants.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Can you prove any of that, mister?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Not yet. But we're going to see that Laddie gets a fair trial.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

How?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We've thought of a way. But it means that we'll have to leave our camp.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Leave Laddie too?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We can't take him with us.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

I can't take him back to our camp.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Yes, I know that. And I are going to show you a place where both of you can hide until late tonight.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

What about Jim and the flock?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The flock won't wander. Not even your father will know where you are. Silver. Scout all saddle chemo savvy? We ride now? Yes, Toto. Through the forest and across the ridge. Said he. McCullough. Get mounted, buddy.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Yes, sir. Can Lanny follow us with that bandage on his leg?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It won't bother him much. We'll take it easy. Come on, Silver.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Come on, lady.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

It was nearly dark when the Lone Ranger and Tonto rained up at a ramshackle cabin beyond the county line. He still has a dog. We're in luck. And there's Jake now. Hi. We're Leaping Cactus. If it ain't the Lone Ranger and Taco. Oh, shut up there, wolf. Jake, we'd like to borrow that dog. What's that? We'd like to borrow wolves. One fair. You told me I'd never be able to train him. I just about made up my mind that you're right. Why, he's downright vicious. He's half wolf. Yeah. So there ain't nothing to do but get rid of him. Why should you want to borrow? Oh, so you figure he's such a menace it might be right away. You can make up your own mind about that, Jake. We only want to borrow him until tomorrow morning. Well, he's yours, mister. And if you want to be a friend, don't never bring him back. Teddy. Silver, steady. Don't go for your gun, Sheriff. Push him right into my house. I'm here to see the justice is Done. What kind of talk is that from an outlaw? I'm not an outlaw. Does this bullet mean anything to you? Why, this is silver. Yes, a silver bullet. Say, you must be the Lone Ranger. Now that I'm beginning to understand. What's this about Jesters? I want Jim's dog, Larry to have a fair trial with a judge and a jury. A judge and a jury for a dog? That sounds Luco Gladdy deserves it. He has a right to have his name cleared. Mister, I'm not asking where you found out what happened about this morning why you're so interested. We couldn't find the dog that sure. The Braggs must have killed him. No, sheriff. He isn't dead. He'll appear for his trial. You know where he is? Yes. Now will you get the judge and jury? I. I guess so. Sure will. And you'll bring Laddie into town. Is headed. The trial can't take place here. It'll have to be out at Miller's ranch. Mister, I don't want to shoot Laddie. I know how much he means to Jim and Buddy. But if you can't clear him and I don't see how you can I'll have to go through with it. Sheriff. We let the jury decide whether he's guilty or not.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Quiet, Laddie. I can hear the horses all right. Sound as if they're coming this way. I guess you wouldn't be trembling if it was a Lone Ranger in tunnel. We can't run away. We'll just have to stay here. And they've got a lantern,

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Buddy and the dog.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

I won't let you hurt him. If you're gonna shoot him, you gotta shoot me first.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Drag the kid away from the dog. No, I won't let you. Get your arms from around his neck.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

He's my dog.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Watch out for those teeth. I am Kid. Stay where he is. You can put a bullet through the mud. I'll try it.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Listen. Did you hear that? That's a lone ring. He won't let you hurt Laddie. He promised me he wouldn't.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Low Ranger. Boss, what do we do? Stay right here. All we're doing is upholding the law. There's half a dozen men riding with him. The sheriff. That's good,

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

mister. You won't let him shoot Laddie, will you?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Not before he's had his trial. Trial? What's the idea trying to fool the kid? The sheriff's going to Good shit, Miller. You and Bragg and Buddy and the dog are heading for your ranch. Judge grabbed the jury a Wheat infras. One of Miller's larger was bedded down in a little valley near his ranch house. A crowd of men were waiting for the lone ranger and the sheriff on the slope above it. And when they arrived, Judge Grant raised his arm for silence. All right, boys. Now, there's some of you here that may think it's beneath the dignity of a judge to conduct a trial for a dog. But I don't figure it that way. For one thing, it's a lone ranger who's asked for it. For another, the dogs are mighty important to individual out in this country. Your own dogs are the best friends and the best helpers you got. So that's why I'm out here and that's why you're out here. I want order in the court. Yeah, this is a lot of. I said order. Bring the prisoner forward.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Here he is, judge. Speak to the judge, Laddie.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Hi, fella. The charge is killing the sheep. We'll have the evidence against him first. That's me. All right, speak up, Miller. Bragg and me rode out from the ranch house towards the this valley early this morning. Well, it's yesterday morning now. Well, get on with it. We heard the sheep raising a fuss. We got here as fast as we could. And it was just in time to see this dog finishing off a land. That's right. We saw him. He let out and I shot at him. That's why he's wearing the bandage. And there's more evidence too. Now, just look close and you'll see some wool still cut in his coat right up here in the rough hunt around his neck. Order. Is that all? That's plenty prosecution refs. How about the defense? Are you going to speak for the prisoner, Jim? Oh, not me, your honor. It's a lone ranger who's going to do that. Well, sir. Your honor, the first thing I want to establish is Laddie's good character. A good sheepdog will lay down his life to protect the flock. It doesn't matter whether the flock in question belonged to his own master or not. Yeah, it does. With that dog, I'll prove you're wrong. That's your flock down there. Yeah, and if you was to let him loose. And of course, if nobody was around. Let me finish. I don't know whether you can see him or not. The tunnel's on the far side of the valley. He has a wolf dog and a chain. You may know the one I mean. He belongs to Jake Summers. What's the idea of bringing him here? Nice signal with this lantern. T will. Let him go. Let him go? You'll head straight for my sheep. That's right. And the only one who'll have a chance of saving them is Laddie. I won't stand for anybody setting a wolf on my flock. Laddie doesn't stop him. I hell, I'll shoot him myself. I'll take you up on that. This is my flop, not Jim's. No orders, you understand? Just flip the leash on him. That's the way it'll be. Let go of him, Buddy.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

And now for the signal. I can see him streaking toward the floor. There goes Laddie.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

But it's true. Laddie won't give up till he dies. And maybe that dog is too strong for him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I won't let him go that far, Buddy. The chain is still attached to Wolf's collar. I'll be able to drag him off with that. Look, he's cutting him off. Wolf won't get to that flock. There.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Laddie knocked him off his feet.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Great work, boy. Have I proved my point. Bloody a good sheep dog then. We'll stop the fights if you come on. Lone Ranger raced down the slope, spot where Ladd was turning back every attack of the wolf dog and driving him farther and farther from the panic stricken chief. The masked man slipped from the saddle, grabbed the length of chain that trail from the Wolf's collar and pulled him off. Come here. Come here. A few minutes later, Laddie was standing in front of the judge once more. Harry, help get that wolf dog out of here. Take care of him. Is there anything more you want to say about Laddie's character, Mask man? No, your honor. He protects sheep, he doesn't kill them. He did mine. The jury may not think so after I'm through. Did you ever chain your dog, Jim? Of course not. Well, Laddie has been chained and recently chained so tightly that it cut through his coat. Here you can see the marks for yourself. Easy, boy. I'm not going to hurt you. These marks don't explain why Ladd his camp. But they do explain why he didn't get back. You accuse him. I'm submitting evidence to the jury. What's more, the evidence is relevant. Go on. But that chain couldn't have. What chain, Brag? Why, no chain could have cut like that. The jury will decide that. I have one more thing to show them. The bandage tunnel.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Ah, stand still for him, Laddie. He just going to take the bandage off.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You gentlemen will remember that Bragg said he fired at Laddie as he and Miller rode Into the valley. Yes, sir. You're right on the spot. Here you can see how far away he must have been. I was lucky to hit him at all. He was moving fast. You've seen now everyone look at the wound that was made with that bullet. It's been washed, but you can still see the powder marks. Powder marks? Gentlemen, the bullet only graze the skin, but there are powder marks. That means a shot was fired at a distance of only a few feet. Perhaps one or two. That shot was fired while Larry was chained up. Order. That's all for the defense of Laddie, but now for the prosecution. Wait a minute. What do you mean by that? The sheriff has to make another arrest after this trial is over. You can't arrest Miller and Bragg. Tied Laddie up, stuck pieces of wool in his coat, shot him in the leg, made him look like a killer. Because I deny it, it ain't true. Because they wanted Jim Dewey to either kill or be killed in protecting him. But Jim either in jail or dead. There'd be no one to stop them from using the north half of Jim's section. This is a case of attempted murder. The defense rests. Order. Order. Is the jury ready with this verdict? Then let's have it. Guilty or not guilty? You mean Letty? I mean Laddie. Is the dog a killer or isn't he? No, you're dog gone, right? He isn't. Case dismissed. But there's been a charge made in this Air Corps. And I'm calling on the sheriff to arrest Miller and Bragg for attempted murder. That's a clear. You can't prove anything. You tried to frame Larry. And I heard you threat Jim myself. Take him away, boy.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Gosh, mister.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What, buddy?

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

Jim and me, we won't ever forget what you did for Laddie.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Laddie won his own freedom. I only helped him out.

[Buddy / Jim Dewey's Son]

You hear that, boy? She came to the masked man.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Goodbye, Laddie. Heave up your good work. Come on, silver. Sa. The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated. 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 our most recent ranch hands, 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 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. Sam.