The Carrier Pigeon | The Lone Ranger (06-02-52)

Summary

The Carrier Pigeon | The Lone Ranger (06-02-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: November 4, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored broadcast of "The Carrier Pigeon," an original 1952 episode of The Lone Ranger. The story centers around an elaborate plan to root out traitors inciting Indian uprisings in the Old West. Sergeant Jeff Barnett, publicly disgraced and discharged from the Army, secretly works undercover to identify the criminals plotting attacks on military forts. The Lone Ranger and Tonto play a crucial role in ensuring the plan's success, utilizing carrier pigeons, quick wit, and bravery to thwart disaster.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Sergeant Barnett’s Court Martial and Secret Assignment

• [05:05] Colonel Emmett publicly announces the dishonorable discharge of Sergeant Jeff Barnett, citing disorderly conduct and insubordination.
• [06:03] In private, Colonel Emmett reveals to Barnett that the discharge is part of a covert operation:
  • Barnett is to pose as a disgraced, bitter ex-soldier, hoping to lure out the men responsible for Indian uprisings.
  • Communication is to be maintained via carrier pigeons delivered to retired trooper Jed Bagley’s nearby farm.
  • “My one hope is that those responsible for the uprisings... will get in touch with you. Once you join them and gain their confidence, we'll know what's going on.” (Colonel Emmett, 06:22)

2. Barnett Infiltrates the Gang

• [07:33] Barnett carries out his orders: drifting between towns, loudly expressing resentment toward the Army in public cafés.
• [08:00] Jeff is approached by Handy and Leo, who introduce him to their leader, Gil Kane, suspecting him of being a kindred spirit.
• [11:24] Initial suspicion is cast on Barnett by the gang, but he passes their test through clever answers and Handy’s vouching.
• [12:22] The gang shares details of their plan:
  • Combine Indian villages for a coordinated attack to seize two nearby forts.
  • Gil Kane promises “all the cash, horses, rifles and ammunition” to the Indians if the forts are taken.

3. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

• [10:04] Tonto, having overheard Barnett’s café rants, reports to the Lone Ranger. They suspect Barnett’s bitterness will make him a valuable recruit for the gang inciting the uprisings.
• [14:43] The Lone Ranger and Tonto trail Barnett and the gang, aiming to learn more about the plot.

4. The Carrier Pigeon Messages & Double-Cross

• [15:11] At the pigeon farm, Barnett uses the carrier pigeons for covert communication with Fort Lancaster.
• [20:04] Handy, spying on Barnett, realizes the pigeons are being used for Army communication:
  • “Barnett’s a sneaking double-crosser. He must have sent word to Fort Lancaster by that carrier pigeon.” (Gil Kane, 21:01)

5. The Gang’s Scheme to Trick the Army

• [22:00] Gil Kane gives Barnett false information: they will attack Fort Mill (not Fort Lancaster) to mislead via pigeon.

• [22:53] In reality, the gang intends to draw the bulk of the military to Fort Mill, leaving Fort Lancaster vulnerable for an Indian assault.

  • “He’s sending word that the Indians are going to attack Fort Mill. So soldiers will march tonight for Fort Mill. Then at dawn tomorrow, the Indians will really attack Lancaster.” (Gil Kane, 22:53)

6. The Ambush & Barnett’s True Loyalty

• [23:55] The Lone Ranger and Tonto find Barnett shot and left for dead on the trail; they rescue and tend to him.
• [25:00] Barnett, believing he may be dying, confides the secret plan to the Lone Ranger, who reveals his identity with a silver bullet:
  • “Does it mean anything to you at all?” (The Lone Ranger, 25:07)
  • “Silver bullet? Yes ... you must be the Mask ...” (Jeff Barnett, 25:07-25:19)
• Barnett’s actions and communication enable the Army to prepare a double envelopment of the Indians.

7. Climax: The Battle and Resolution

• [27:01] The Lone Ranger and Tonto, with soldiers from both forts, launch a squeeze play on the combined Indian forces, catching them by surprise.
• The battle ends with the Indian forces surrendering, their leaders dead, and the plotters exposed.

8. Barnett Honored and the Lone Ranger’s Legacy

• [28:58] Colonel Emmett praises the Lone Ranger and Tonto for their critical help.
• [29:26] Sergeant Barnett’s true heroism is revealed; he is recommended for promotion and a medal.
• “He’ll be Lieutenant Barnett soon and receive an award for his courageous act. His court martial and disgrace were planned to help bring about what you saw today.” (Colonel Emmett, 29:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Secret Assignment
  • “You went through that ordeal so convincingly that nobody can question the authenticity of the proceedings.”
    (Colonel Emmett, 06:03)
• Clever Deception
  • “If he's as bitter as you say, he's ready to listen to most anyone.”
    (The Lone Ranger, 10:20)
• The Plot’s Unraveling
  • “Now we know Barnett's using those carrier pigeons... He’s sending word that the Indians are going to attack Fort Mill. So soldiers will march tonight for Fort Mill. Then at dawn tomorrow, the Indians will really attack Lancaster.”
    (Gil Kane, 22:53)
• The Reveal
  • “Does it mean anything to you at all?”
    (The Lone Ranger, 25:07)
  • “Silver bullet? Yes ... you must be the Mask ...”
    (Jeff Barnett, 25:07-25:19)
• Honor Restored
  • “That boy will be mighty proud when he’s rewarded for what he did. I recommended him for a promotion and ... for a medal award.”
    (Colonel Emmett, 29:34-29:40)
  • “Courage personified, Captain. And a fine American. He's the Lone Ranger.”
    (Colonel Emmett, 30:18)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 05:05 – Barnett’s public disgrace and secret mission
• 11:24 – Barnett is tested and accepted by the gang
• 14:43 – Lone Ranger & Tonto tail Barnett
• 20:04 – Pigeon message sent, villains suspect betrayal
• 22:53 – True plan to attack Fort Lancaster is revealed
• 23:55 – Barnett wounded, Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue him
• 25:00 – Barnett confesses the whole plan to Lone Ranger
• 27:01 – The joint Army attack and resolution
• 29:26 – Barnett’s honor and promotion; the Lone Ranger’s legacy

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Episode Tone and Atmosphere

The episode stays true to the classic, clear-cut morality and brisk pace of the original Lone Ranger radio dramas. The dialogue is earnest, with overt expressions of loyalty, duty, and justice. The immersive audio restoration brings new life to gunfights, galloping horses, and the prairie ambiance, drawing listeners into a cinematic retelling of the Old West’s timeless battle between good and evil.

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For Listeners: Why This Episode Stands Out

• Thrilling Undercover Plot: The use of a “dishonorable discharge” as a cover for a secret mission is compelling and suspenseful.
• Innovative Communication: The carrier pigeon device adds a unique, period-authentic twist to spycraft in the Old West.
• Heroic Payoff: The moral clarity and reward for true courage (Barnett’s restoration and the Lone Ranger’s approval) is classic Western fare.
• Dramatic Showdown: The finale's coordinated cavalry assault and the Lone Ranger’s pivotal role embody the spirit of radio adventure.

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Conclusion:
A classic Lone Ranger adventure, “The Carrier Pigeon” combines espionage, military intrigue, and timeless heroism. Listeners are treated not only to masterful radio drama, but also to the technical marvel of restored, crystal-clear audio immersion in the wild frontier.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

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[Jeff Barnett]

Fascinating.

[Narrator]

It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.

[Colonel Emmett]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Narrator]

Cut the camera. They see us.

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[Jeff Barnett]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very underwritten by.

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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 absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse for the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Jeff Barnett]

Sam.

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[Jeff Barnett]

Sam.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tado, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fellow. Silver away.

[Narrator]

The soldiers at Fort Lancaster, located close to the east bank of the Pecos river, were drawn up in formation on the parade ground in front of and facing the company. Young Sergeant Barnett stood between two guards. The commanding officer of the fort, Colonel Emmett, standing a few paces from the sergeant, read from an official looking paper.

[Colonel Emmett]

At a court martial composed of qualified officers of the United States Army, Sergeant Jeffers Barnett has been Found guilty of disorderly conduct, insubordination and striking an officer. The penalty for his conduct, as decided by the court martial is dishonorable discharge from the service, to take effect immediately.

[Narrator]

As the soldiers and the prisoner stood stiffly at attention, the colonel removed the insignia and brass buttons from the sergeant's uniform.

[Colonel Emmett]

That's all, Mr. Barnett. You're free to go.

[Jeff Barnett]

Yes, sir.

[Colonel Emmett]

Captain, dismiss the company. Yes, Ms. Barnett. Before you leave the fort, I'd like to see you in my office.

[Gil Kane]

Yes.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Jeff Barnett, in civilian clothes, was ushered into the colonel's office and stood without speaking until the corporal had left.

[Colonel Emmett]

Sit down, Barnett.

[Jeff Barnett]

Thank you, colonel.

[Colonel Emmett]

Well, my boy, you went through that ordeal so convincingly that nobody can question the authenticity of the proceedings. Now, wait. I suggest you drift from town to town, frequent the cafes and express your bitterness toward me and toward the army.

[Jeff Barnett]

Well, I'll really have to force myself to do that, sir.

[Colonel Emmett]

It's necessary if our plan is to work, sergeant. My one hope is that those responsible for the uprisings by the Indians west of here will get in touch with you. Now, once you join them and gain their confidence, we'll know what's going on.

[Jeff Barnett]

Well, how am I to contact you, sir?

[Colonel Emmett]

I've arranged that a retired trooper, Jed Bagley, has a small farm across the river west of here. I've already sent him several carrier pigeons.

[Jeff Barnett]

Oh, I see. Sir, if I have a message for you, I take it to Bagley and he releases one of the army pigeons with a message.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Colonel Emmett]

The pigeon will, of course, come straight here to the fort where his home coop is located.

[Jeff Barnett]

Oh, that's fine, sir. Well, I. I reckon I'm all set to leave now.

[Colonel Emmett]

I. I watched you a long time before I asked you to take this assignment, sergeant. I admire your courage. I know you'll come through with flying killers.

[Jeff Barnett]

Thank you, colonel. I'll notify you if and when the men were after. Get in touch with me, sir. Goodbye, sir.

[Colonel Emmett]

Goodbye and good luck.

[Narrator]

Jeff left the fort and crossed the Pecos to the West. For over a week, he went into cafes in one small town after another in the territory. After pretending to drink too much, he expressed his bitterness against the commandant at Fort Lancaster and against the armory in general to anyone who would listen. One night, he was following his usual routine as he talked to the barkeep at the cafe in Milburgh.

[Jeff Barnett]

Yeah, and like I said before, bartender, I'm gonna get back at that polecat colonel at Fort Lancaster for having me thrown out of the service. Yeah, sure. Those officers think they're big pumpkins. And that goes for every one of them that's in the army as far as I'm concerned. Here, fill it up. You haven't paid for the last one yet, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

I do.

[Jeff Barnett]

Here, Bucky, take it out of that. Then bring his glass back to the table in the corner.

[Gil Kane]

Right.

[Jeff Barnett]

What's the idea?

[Colonel Emmett]

Who are you?

[Jeff Barnett]

Just a friend, mister. My pals know me as Handy. Handy, huh? Well, you sure came in handy right now. Just about broke. Well, maybe you aren't gonna be for long. Come on back and sit down. A friend of mine wants to talk to you. What about? Look, it's not gonna hurt you to come and find out.

[Narrator]

Well.

[Gil Kane]

All right.

[Jeff Barnett]

Sit down. Meet Leo, friend of mine. Hi, Leo. I'm Jeff Barnett, formerly Sergeant Barnett.

[Gil Kane]

Well, howdy.

[Jeff Barnett]

Used to be in the army, eh? Seems you have a grudge against it. Now, from the way we heard you talk, you or anyone else don't like what I say about the army. Okay, now, hold on, Jeff. Maybe I agree with you. Who knows? Handy, too, huh?

[Gil Kane]

Handy?

[Jeff Barnett]

Yeah, maybe we do. Now, look, you said you wanted to talk to me. What do you got to say? I figured maybe if you met our boss and he thinks you're all right, you might be able to make some money and get back at that colonel both at the same time. You interested?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well.

[Jeff Barnett]

I'll go with you and see what he has to say. All right.

[Colonel Emmett]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Later that night, Tonto, Indian companion to the Lone Ranger, rode from town to their camp in the nearby hills. Tonto, who had been standing in the cafe, told the masked man about Jeff's loud and bitter talk.

[The Lone Ranger]

I heard of a Sergeant Barnett who was dishonorably discharged from the army at Fort Lancaster last week. He must have been the one you heard talking in the cafe.

[Colonel Emmett]

Tottle, maybe. That right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Was the man from the table a friend?

[Colonel Emmett]

No, him. Not friend. Him stranger to army feller.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm certain it must have been Barnett. And if he's as bitter as you say, he's ready to listen to most anyone.

[Colonel Emmett]

Not right.

[The Lone Ranger]

The men we're trying to find who are inciting the Indian uprisings would be glad to get a fellow like Barnett to join them.

[Colonel Emmett]

Me not savvy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, if he's bitter enough, Sergeant Barnett could tell them the weaknesses of Fort Lancaster as well as army strength and movements in this territory.

[Colonel Emmett]

Oh, you think fellas in Capay who get army man to leave with them? Ones who deal with renegades. Kinosadi.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's possible. We'll move camp to the edge of town in the morning. Toddo, watch for that young sergeant. If you see him riding from town, we'll follow him. May lead to something.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the two men, Handy and Leo, took Jeff to a deserted miner's shack in a remote hollow. He was introduced to their boss, Gil Kane, a large, tough man with dark, piercing eyes. Handy explained why they'd brought Jeff there. Gil turned an unfriendly stare upon Jeff.

[Gil Kane]

As he asked, how do I know you're not just putting on an act, Barnett?

[Jeff Barnett]

Act? What do you mean?

[Gil Kane]

Maybe you got a line on Handy and Leo somehow. Then when you saw them in the cafe, you started that loud crazy talk so as to get him to bring you here.

[Jeff Barnett]

What's he yapping about, Handy? You brought me out here to listen to a lot of loco stuff like that. I might as well go back to the cafe. More fun there anyway. Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute, Jeb. Sit down. All right, all right, all right. But if he thinks I'm gonna take it easy, let me do the talking. Now, listen, Gil. I heard this fella doing the same kind of talking in Sandrock, and I know he didn't see me tonight in town. Leon and I were sitting back in the corner. He didn't even look our way when he came in and started talking to the bartender. That's right, Gil.

[Gil Kane]

Well, after what Handy just said, I reckon I was wrong, Barnett.

[Jeff Barnett]

Now you're acting human, Kane. Now tell me how I make that cash and get back at that no good colonel at Fort Lancaster.

[Gil Kane]

All right, listen. How many soldiers are at Fort Lancaster?

[Jeff Barnett]

About 200.

[Gil Kane]

How many at Fort Mill 20 miles to the south?

[Jeff Barnett]

I reckon about the same number.

[Gil Kane]

There are about 800 Indians spread out in small villages among the hills on the other side of the river. They're ready to combine.

[Jeff Barnett]

What for?

[Gil Kane]

They want the valley across the river. They figure if they could get control of those two forts, they'd be able to take over the valley.

[Jeff Barnett]

But even if they did, the army would move in later and drive them out again.

[Gil Kane]

That's not my worry. Chief Big Owl has promised that we could have all the cash, horses, rifles and ammunition. If we help them grab the forts, I could get rid of this stuff quick south of the border.

[Jeff Barnett]

800 savages ought to be able to take a fort manned by just 200 men.

[Gil Kane]

Yeah, provided they didn't get wind of which fort was going to be attacked and brought in reinforcements from the other. In that case, the Indians would be up against 400 well trained riflemen.

[Jeff Barnett]

That's Right. When do you plan to make your first move?

[Gil Kane]

In a couple of days.

[Jeff Barnett]

Which fort will I go after first?

[Gil Kane]

I'll decide that tomorrow. We'll talk some more in the morning and you can give me details of Fort Lancaster. I reckon we better turn in now.

[Jeff Barnett]

Yeah. Well, I'll get back to town and come out in the morning. I figure I can find a way now.

[Gil Kane]

You better stay here tonight.

[Jeff Barnett]

No, I have a room at the hotel I have to settle for. I might as well go there to sleep.

[Gil Kane]

All right, go ahead, then. See you in the morning. And remember, keep your mouth shut. Sure thing.

[Jeff Barnett]

Good night. Good night, Jeff.

[Gil Kane]

Trail him, Handy, and don't let him.

[Narrator]

Out of your sight.

[Gil Kane]

Right.

[Jeff Barnett]

There he goes. I'll watch him, Gil. Don't worry.

[Narrator]

At dawn, the Lone Ranger and Toddo stopped in a thick grove on the edge of town.

[Colonel Emmett]

Easy, fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll camp here and keep our eyes open for Barnett. You sure you'll recognize him, Taddo?

[Jeff Barnett]

Me? Sure.

[Narrator]

Half an hour later, the two men heard hoof pounding on the trail beyond the grove.

[Colonel Emmett]

That young fella, Barnett, him riding hard from town.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll saddle the horses. We'll follow his trail.

[Narrator]

Lone Ranger and Tonto quickly saddled Silver and Scout. And as they were about to mount, they heard other hooves passing on the trail.

[Colonel Emmett]

Him ride plenty fast, too. And me sure him one of men who talked to Barnett in cafe.

[The Lone Ranger]

He must be trailing Barnett. Let's go.

[Narrator]

Easy, fella.

[The Lone Ranger]

Montauken up.

[Narrator]

Unknown to the others, Jeff was heading for the farm on the west trail where the pigeons from Fort Lancaster were kept. Handy, who was trailing him, knew the gang leader. Gill, was suspicious of the young sergeant. Finally, Jeff's hoof marks turned onto a branch trail that led to the farm. Handy rode in the same direction. The trail became hard and rocky, and when he caught a glimpse of the farm building through the trees, he dismounted behind some boulders alongside the trail. He was preparing to go forward cautiously on foot when he heard other hoofbeats approaching.

[Jeff Barnett]

Somebody else taking the branch trail to that farm. I'll keep out of sight behind these boulders till they go past.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode past.

[Gil Kane]

Hi, Bronchie. Crown.

[Jeff Barnett]

Nacho Bookmark. Look.

[The Lone Ranger]

There are farm buildings. That must be where they were heading. They keep out of sight and try to find out what's going on.

[Jeff Barnett]

Hey, a couple of owl hoots. They must be following Barnett and me.

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[Jeff Barnett]

Every now and then I rinse it out and I need dummy rinse tonight. Needing more My kid went dead and the smell never leaves. I don't know what to do. I'm always in the dark. The sweat and dead shark smells like a dark.

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[Colonel Emmett]

That's the sound of James adding long lasting gain scent boosters to his laundry this morning. Several hours later later, James sniffs the irresistible scent of gain on his shirt. Ah gain. Several hours later, James has even caught the attention of his mother in law and she never gives him attention.

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[Jeff Barnett]

Oh, thanks mom.

[Colonel Emmett]

I love you too.

[Jeff Barnett]

I never said that.

[Colonel Emmett]

Add gain scent boosters to your laundry. Add joy to your day.

[Jeff Barnett]

They don't know it but they're liable to wind up full of lid.

[Narrator]

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.

[Jeff Barnett]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. After the Lone Ranger and Toto had gone past his hiding place, the crook Handy went forward on foot. Not knowing they'd been observed. The Lone Ranger and Toto stopped in a grove of trees near the farm.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't see their horses but that branch trail ends here at this farm. We'll move carefully toward the house and see what's happening.

[Colonel Emmett]

Ah, that good idea.

[Narrator]

The masked man and the Indian approached the farmhouse and the side through the tall brush. Suddenly they crouched down and watched as men came out the back door.

[The Lone Ranger]

Two men are going from the house.

[Colonel Emmett]

To the small one of them, Barnett Feller.

[Narrator]

They continued to watch as the farm owner climbed wooden steps to the pigeon loft then came down carrying a pigeon. For a few minutes he and Jeff Barnett stood with a bird.

[Colonel Emmett]

Them tie something to legged pigeon.

[The Lone Ranger]

That must be a carrier pigeon. Look. They let it go. I don't know what it's all about, but we'll wait and continue to follow Barnett.

[Narrator]

Meantime, the gunman Handy was hiding close to the barn. He too had seen the pigeon leave and he was close enough to hear Jeff remark.

[Jeff Barnett]

Yeah, there he goes. Shouldn't take him long to reach Fort Lancaster. I'll get back now, but I'll come to see you again soon. All right, Shell. I'll go get my horse. Then take a shortcut to the shack and tell Gill what I saw and heard. I better tell him about those two owl hoots that's out, too. Maybe he can figure out why they were trailing us.

[Narrator]

Later, Handy entered the shack and reported to Gill.

[Gil Kane]

And Barnett's a sneaking double crosser. He must have sent word to Fort Lancaster by that carrier pigeon.

[Jeff Barnett]

We ought to plug him when he comes back. If he does come back, you show up.

[Gil Kane]

Don't worry. You want to get more information?

[Jeff Barnett]

What about the two owl hoots I saw? I know they were trailing either Barnett or me to that farm.

[Gil Kane]

Hell, if you covered your trail from the farm to here, that puts us in the clear. If they was following you. In case they followed Barnett and trail him here. We'll just take care of that mask man and his partner.

[Jeff Barnett]

What you gonna do about Barnett?

[Gil Kane]

I'll give him some information and let him go. Send it. I see a way to make this thing turn in our favor.

[Jeff Barnett]

It must be him now. Hi. Well, I found a way back here. All right, Fine.

[Gil Kane]

We came to a decision. During the night, we're riding over to tell Big Owl to get his Indians ready to attack Fort Mill at dawn tomorrow. 20 miles from here. If Fort Lancaster learns about it, they'll send reinforcements down there. Don't you think so?

[Jeff Barnett]

Yeah, that's right.

[Gil Kane]

Well, there's no way for them to know it now. You stay here, Barnett. We'll be gone about two hours. Then when I get back, I'll tell you the details.

[Jeff Barnett]

All right.

[Gil Kane]

Come on, Andy, Leo, let's go.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto had followed Jeff to the shack. They had watched from hiding as the three crooks rode away. Then, waiting until they saw Jeff come out, they mounted and followed him back to the pigeon farm. Once more, they watched as a pigeon was released with a message. Meantime, Gill and the other two had ridden a short distance from the shack, then stopped.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look, Gil.

[Jeff Barnett]

What's up? Are we really going to see Big Al and tell him about attacking Fort Mill?

[Gil Kane]

We'll see him later today and tell him to attack Fort Lancaster.

[Jeff Barnett]

But you told Barnyard. Sure, sure.

[Gil Kane]

Now we know Barnett's using those carrier pigeons to communicate with Fort Lancaster. He's sending word that the Indians are going to attack Fort Mill. So soldiers will march tonight for Fort Mill. Then at dawn tomorrow, the Indians will really attack Lancaster. Which isn't going to have but a few Men left to defend it.

[Jeff Barnett]

That's smart figuring, Gil.

[Colonel Emmett]

Sure it is.

[Gil Kane]

Now we'll turn back and wait in the gully beside the trail to Dry Gulch Barnett when he rides back from the farm as gold.

[Narrator]

Once more. Jeff left the farm after sending the second message. The Lone Ranger and Toto rode the trail toward the shack a short distance behind him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Otto, I'm beginning to think we've found the men we've been hunting. If we can get proof that they.

[Narrator]

Are, we'll hear shouts.

[Colonel Emmett]

Them come from ahead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver Count.

[Narrator]

As the masked man and Indian rode over a rise, they saw Jeff Barnett lying on the trail. His horse stood nearby with trailing reins.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's Barnett.

[Colonel Emmett]

Him not dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

They must have scared off those who shot him.

[Jeff Barnett]

They found out, I reckon, that mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, fella, easy. Toto got the first aid kit who bandaged his wound. Then camp temporarily over there in that grove.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto attended to Jeff's wounds. They made him comfortable in the grove. And soon Jeff indicated he wanted to talk.

[Jeff Barnett]

That mask, I. I still don't savvy. But after you helped me like you did, I reckon it doesn't matter.

[The Lone Ranger]

It doesn't matter, Barnett. But there are other things that do. Your trips to that farm, the pigeons, those other men.

[Jeff Barnett]

I gave my word not to talk about it. But I may be dying. If there was someone I could trust here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look at this, Jeff. This is a silver bullet. Does it mean anything to you at all?

[Jeff Barnett]

Silver bullet? Yes, I. At the ford, I heard of a masked man who.

[Gil Kane]

You.

[Jeff Barnett]

You must be the Mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right. We heard about your discharge and we know you joined that gang. I don't know what's going on.

[Jeff Barnett]

I know I can trust you, and, well, I. I'm not what you might think. Mister, let me tell you everything before I die. And if I don't die, well, I failed anyway.

[Narrator]

Briefly, Jeff told about the colonel's plan. How he agreed to be dishonorably discharged from the army and of his hopes that he could finally join Gill's gang. He told all that he'd learned and explained about the carrier pigeons. Then the Lone Ranger remarked.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're a brave, patriotic soldier, Jeff.

[Jeff Barnett]

But I. I failed.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, you succeeded. You found the men responsible for the uprisings. I'm sure you'll get well, Jeff. We'll take you back to the farm where you'll be comfortable. We'll send another message telling the colonel the Indian's plans and suggesting that he send word to Fort Mill.

[Jeff Barnett]

Yes, Commandant. There will Move his cavalry across the river and northward.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then if the Fort Lancaster cavalry come across at this point, the two forces can move on the Indians from each end before they have a chance to fully organize.

[Narrator]

After the final message was sent, Jeff was put to bed at the farmhouse to rest while the Lone Ranger and Toddo went back to the shack and from there followed the trail left by Gill, Handy and Leo. Later, with their horses safely hidden nearby, the Lone Ranger and Toto crouched among the brush on a bluff overlooking Chief Big Owl's village. As the afternoon wore on, there was much activity in the village. One small tribe after another entered the valley below and moved about in confusion. The masked man used field glasses.

[The Lone Ranger]

The three white men are doing their best to get the Indians organized.

[Colonel Emmett]

Toto, me sure hope soldiers come soon.

[The Lone Ranger]

I do too. Might be disastrous if all those Indians start moving southward and have a chance to meet the 200 men from Fort Mill. I'm counting on sort of a squeeze play by soldiers from both forts. But if they don't come soon, I. They've arrived. I see the men from Fort Mill riding in from the south.

[Jeff Barnett]

And men.

[Narrator]

From other fort coming from north end Montado. When the Indians saw cavalry moving on them from the south, they immediately started fighting. But they were taken totally by surprise to find cavalry riding in from the opposite end of the narrow valley. Also, the Lone Ranger in Toddo rode a break next speed to join the colonel and his forces and were soon in the midst of the fight. The masked man on the big white stallion seemed to be everywhere at once with blazing guns. Tato, too, on the spirited paint scout, moved beside the Lone Ranger as he yelled the war cry of his fathers and turned aside frenzied redskins with rapid gunfire. For some time the battle raged until the Indians, totally disorganized, thought only of escape. Finding no way to get past the well armed soldiers guarding each end of the narrow valley and lacking sufficient firearms to resist the onslaught by the cavalry, the Indians, in spite of their greater number, finally gave up and the battle ended. Later, in front of Chief Big Owl's wigwam, the Lone Ranger and Tono were greeted by Colonel Emmett.

[Colonel Emmett]

I was told you a Tanto would come to this territory to help my friend. But I didn't know you were here until I received the message you sent by carrier pigeon earlier today.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're to be complimented, Colonel, on the way in which you acted so quickly. Another hour might have been too late.

[Colonel Emmett]

You spoke of the men responsible.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. You'll find three white men behind the chief's Wigwam. All three dead by the hands of the Indians who thought they'd been betrayed.

[Colonel Emmett]

Big Al is a prisoner. The men are attending to the wounded. Then we'll start the remaining Indians on the way to the reservation.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sergeant Barnett really brought all this about, Colonel. He's at the farm resting because of a bullet wound inflicted by one of the gang he joined.

[Colonel Emmett]

That boy will be mighty proud when he's rewarded for what he did. I recommended him for a promotion and.

[Narrator]

For a medal award.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ein. I make it a point to be present when the award is made and the truth is told. To his company. Tant and I'll go help with the wounded, Colonel. We'll see you again before we leave the territory though. Adio, sir.

[Colonel Emmett]

Goodbye, my friends.

[Jeff Barnett]

Monsieur Upscout.

[Colonel Emmett]

Colonel. What's all that about Barnett, Captain. He'll be Lieutenant Barnett soon and receive an award for his courageous act. His court martial and disgrace were planned to help bring about what you saw today.

[Jeff Barnett]

Holy mackerel. I'm sure glad to hear it. But tell me, who is that masked man?

[Colonel Emmett]

Courage personified, Captain. And the fine American. He's the Lone Ranger.

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[Jeff Barnett]

Sa it.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated created by George W. Trendle. Produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated Directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you 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.

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