The Cave | The Lone Ranger (10-27-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Cave | The Lone Ranger (10-27-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 9, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic 1952 Lone Ranger radio drama, “The Cave,” newly remastered for clarity. It delivers a suspenseful tale centering on a wounded Lone Ranger hiding out at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch. When Thunder Martin mistakenly reveals the Lone Ranger’s whereabouts to two outlaws bent on revenge, Clarabelle, Tonto, and Thunder must concoct a clever plan to outwit the would-be killers, Red Kincaid and Trigger Maxim. The story is rich in frontier character, quick-witted banter, and classic Western tension.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. The Lone Ranger’s Peril

• Setting: The Lone Ranger, gravely wounded and feverish, recuperates at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch under the watchful care of Tonto and the concern of ranch hands.
• Threat Emerges: Thunder Martin reveals he let slip to Baldy (and thus a bar full of strangers) that the Lone Ranger is incapacitated and at Clarabelle’s—information overheard by notorious outlaws Red Kincaid and Trigger Maxim, former prisoners who have sworn revenge on the masked man.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle: “You jabbering baboon... What if the word spreads and some of the Lone Ranger’s enemies learn he’s here and helpless?” (06:15)

2. Frantic Strategies and Outlaw Schemes

• Thunder’s Regret & Brainstorm: Overwhelmed by guilt, Thunder suggests hiding the Lone Ranger in a local cave, but Tonto points out the danger of moving such a frail patient. Clarabelle delivers biting wit in response.
• Clarabelle’s Resolve: With no option to move their patient, Clarabelle arms herself, vowing to protect her friend if trouble arrives. Tonto and Clarabelle begin to scheme for defense, leading to a brilliant decoy plan with dummies.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle: “Oh, Thunder, I could brain you. Why, for two cents, I’d disconnect your head and unravel your spine.” (07:12)
  Tonto: “We not move Lone Ranger to cave. Him too weak. Move him hundred yards, maybe him die.” (09:09)

3. Outlaws Close In

• Thunder’s Desperate Bluff: Thunder goes back to town, attempting to convince the outlaws (and then the sheriff) that his tale was pure nonsense. The outlaws, unconvinced, decide to storm the ranch.
• Sheriff’s Hands Tied: The sheriff can’t act unless the outlaws break the law, foreshadowing the stakes for the coming confrontation.
• Quote:
  Sheriff: “If Kincaid and Maxim shoot anyone, I’ll make sure they pay in full. That’s not going to help the Lone Ranger.” (14:47)

4. Ambush and Captivity

• Thunder Ambushed: Thunder tries to tail the outlaws but is ambushed himself. He’s captured, tied, and used as leverage to negotiate with Clarabelle.
• Showdown at the Hornblow Ranch: Kincaid confronts Clarabelle at gunpoint, demanding to search for the Lone Ranger and offering Thunder’s life in exchange.
• Clarabelle’s Defiance: Clarabelle stands her ground with a shotgun, hurling insults and delaying tactics to buy time.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle (brandishing a shotgun): “I use this for rattlesnakes and polecats. Which are you?” (22:28)

5. Decoy, Trap, and Resolution

• The Cave Ruse: Kincaid is distracted by what he believes to be the tracks of the Lone Ranger and Tonto at a cave. He and Maxim fire into what appear to be sleeping figures—a fatal mistake.
• The Trap Springs: The “bodies” are actually dummies; Tonto and Clarabelle trigger a rockslide at the cave’s mouth, trapping the outlaws inside until the sheriff arrives.
• Justice and Closure: The outlaws, now helpless, beg to be released in exchange for promises. Clarabelle, Tonto, and Thunder ensure law and order will be restored.
• Quote:
  Kincaid: “Let us out, we’ll promise to go away and leave you and the Lone Ranger alone.” (30:06) Tonto: “Them inside. Trick work plenty good.” (30:24)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Clarabelle’s Insults:
  “You jabbering baboon. You clinker brain gorilla...” (06:15)
• Thunder’s Self-Admonishment:
  “I’ve been a double distilled fool.” (07:26)
• Clarabelle’s Defense:
  “I use this for rattlesnakes and polecats. Which are you?” (22:28)
• Kincaid’s Realization:
  “Nothing but a log. Same here. It was a trick.” (29:35)
• Tonto’s Victory:
  “Them inside. Trick work plenty good.” (30:24)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:47] The Lone Ranger’s condition and the initial plan to deal with the threat.
• [06:10] Thunder confesses to spilling the secret.
• [08:01] Debate over hiding the Lone Ranger in the cave.
• [10:04] Thunder brainstorms ways to mislead the outlaws.
• [14:20] Thunder seeks help from the sheriff.
• [15:52] Thunder is ambushed by Kincaid and Maxim.
• [21:55] Confrontation between Kincaid and Clarabelle at the ranch house.
• [24:41] Kincaid searches the house, distracted by evidence at the cave.
• [29:26] The cave’s trap is sprung; dummies are discovered and the outlaws are trapped.
• [30:24] Tonto confirms the ruse worked and instructs what happens next.

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Tone and Style

The episode blends high tension with humor, particularly in the banter between Clarabelle and Thunder. The Western setting is evoked through colorful insults, frontier pragmatism, and the unwavering commitment to justice embodied by Tonto and Clarabelle.

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Summary

“The Cave” delivers a classic Lone Ranger adventure, pitting wit and courage against revenge-fueled outlaws. The combination of misdirection, homemade justice, and resilient camaraderie makes this restored episode a glowing tribute to old-time radio Westerns.

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Transcript

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

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[Thunder Martin]

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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.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O.

[Thunder Martin]

Silver the Lone Ranger.

Sam.

What do you think makes the perfect snack? It's got to be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient. Could you be more specific?

[Andrew Rines]

When it's cravini.

[Thunder Martin]

Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m. I'm seeing a pattern here. Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave, which is anything from am pm. What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's Cravinience. AM PM Too much good stuff.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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.

[Thunder Martin]

Monsieur. Let's go, big fella.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Silver Oy.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger had been severely wounded. He lay in a small room off the kitchen in the home of his good friend Clarabelle Hornblow. Fever and infection had weakened him, so he could hardly talk. And Tottle, his Indian friend, was worried. Totto stood near the kitchen stove while Clarabelle ladled turkey broth into a bowl. Thunder Martin, the top hand of the Hornblow ranch, had gone to town.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Try to get the Lone Ranger to swallow some of this broth todo. It'll be mighty good for him.

[Thunder Martin]

Me cry is he wake him wake, but plenty weak. Fever high, but there you are.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I'll keep the rest of it warm in the back of the stove in case our friend wants more.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, me hope him want more.

Lest.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Our tarnation luck there's no doctor inside of 50 miles. But then I reckon Tondo's doing all that can be done.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, there you stab me.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Oh, that man howling like a banshee on a red hot stove. Keep your voice down, Thunder. Don't slam that door. Bell, I told you to be quiet around this house. You know, we got a mighty sick man here.

[Thunder Martin]

Yeah, I know that, Clarabelle. And I'd give all I got if he was somewhere else. Why, Clarabelle, I made an awful mistake. I got to talking in the cafe.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Don't tell me you blabbed about the Lone Ranger being here and wounded.

[Thunder Martin]

Now, Clarabell, I.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You did blab. Oh, you jabbering baboon. You clinker brain gorilla. What if the word spreads and some of the Lone Ranger's enemies learn? He's here and helpless.

[Thunder Martin]

The word don't have to spread.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Tell me the rest.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, I knew I made a mistake as soon as I told Baldy about the Lone Ranger. Then I looked around to see who else had heard it.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Well?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, there was two men at the end of the bar. They both were grinning at me like they was grateful for what I'd said.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Name them. Go ahead, Thunder, get it over with.

[Thunder Martin]

Red Kincaid and Trigger Maxim.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Kincaid and Maxim?

[Thunder Martin]

They're killers.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You don't say.

[Thunder Martin]

They did two years in jail because the Lone Ranger caught him in a hold.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I remember he swore they'd get square with the Lone Ranger. Yeah, and now you've given them the chance. You practically invited those killers to come here and kill the Lone Ranger when he can't defend himself.

[Thunder Martin]

I know.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Oh, Thunder, I could brain you. Why, for two cents, I disconnect your head and unravel your spine.

[Thunder Martin]

Yeah, I got it coming, Clarabelle.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Oh, Tondo. Close the door and come here.

[Thunder Martin]

Tondo. I've been a double distilled fool. Me hear what you say.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Did the Lone Ranger here? Eh?

[Thunder Martin]

I'm not here in sleep, Tondo, if you heard me, you know our friend's in awful danger. Kincaid and Maxim will come here to kill him as sure as you're born. You know. Say, wait. I got an idea. You know, it's a good idea, Clarabelle. Let me tell it, huh?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Well, who's stopping you?

[Thunder Martin]

All right, then. Listen.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

There.

[Thunder Martin]

There's a cave in the hillside about 100 yards from this house. You know the place?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I oughta. I've been looking at it through my kitchen window for the past 20 years.

[Thunder Martin]

Have you ever noticed that cave tunnel? Uh, me? No.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

That's a fool question. That black hole in the hill can be seen from any part of this ranch. It shows up like a green patch on the seat of black trousers.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, we'll take the Lone Ranger there. We'll hide him. Then when those killers come here, they can search the house if they have a mind to. And they won't find them hiding or hair the man they come to kill.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Thunder, you jughead. Do you remember the time you set fire to the Hen house while I was in town?

[Thunder Martin]

Bunny? It was an accident, Clarabelle.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Accident or not, you were plenty scared when I got back from town. Saw the Hen House burned and the hens running wild. I started looking for you. When I didn't find you in the house, where'd I look?

[Thunder Martin]

Uh, the cave.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

And that's where I found you hiding, remember?

[Thunder Martin]

I'll never forget it.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Kincaid and Maxim are likely to figure the same as I did and go look in the cave.

[Thunder Martin]

Well, maybe not, Clarabelle. Maybe they're not as smart as you are. What do you think, Donno? We not move Lone Ranger to cave him. Too weak. Move him hundred yards, maybe him die.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

That settles it. There's only one thing to do.

[Thunder Martin]

Where you going?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I'm getting my shotgun. We'll keep our eyes peeled and watch for those crooks. If they come around here looking for trouble, will accommodate him.

[Thunder Martin]

That'll mean gunplay.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You're doggone right, said Clarabelle.

[Thunder Martin]

I have another idea. I'm going back to town.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

For what?

[Thunder Martin]

I'll tell Kincaid and Maxim that I was just bragging and boasting about the Lone Ranger being here and that it was nothing but a whopping big fib.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Do you think they'll swallow that?

[Thunder Martin]

Well, if they don't, I'll talk to the sheriff. Maybe he can lock them up on some kind of a charge or something. Well, anyway, it's worth a try. I'll see what I can do.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Well, Tonto, looks like we'd better Be geared for trouble.

[Thunder Martin]

And what we do if crook come.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Here, I'd like to shoot em on sight. But dad Rattata can't do that. I can't shoot until they make the first move toward gunplay. And when they make their move, it'll be too late.

[Thunder Martin]

Maybe. Me got id.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

When Thunder gets ideas, I'm not much interested. But when you say that, Tondo, I'm downright glad to listen. Let's hear your idea.

[Narrator]

In early evening, Trigger Maxim and Red Kincaid occupied a table near the rear wall of the cafe. Maxim was speaking.

[Thunder Martin]

And after the barber shop, I went to the livery stable from near the general store. I asked about a dozen men where I could find the Lone Ranger. No one knew. You think they were telling the truth? Why wouldn't they? Maybe they were trying to protect the Lone Ranger. Protect him? Yeah. It's generally known that we vowed to get square with him for tracking us down after that robbery in Meadville. But that was two years ago. Even so, you're wrong, Kincaid. Maybe one or two men would try to protect the mask man, but not everyone.

I wonder if Thunder Martin was lying when he said the Lone Ranger was at the Hornblow Ranch and wounded. Well, there's only one way to find out. We'll go there. Why not? There's nothing to lose. Look who just came in the front door. Thunder Martin? Yeah. I thought he left town hours ago. So did I. Maybe he came back.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Hi there.

[Thunder Martin]

He's waving at us. He's coming this way. I wonder what he wants of us. Well, even Maxim. How they can gain. You mind if I sit down? Go ahead. Thank you.

Well, congratulations on getting out of the calabooze. Thanks. I wanted to speak to the two of you this afternoon when I saw you standing at the bar, but I couldn't take the time. I was in a hurry to get back to the ranch with some supplies. I didn't know you even saw us. How are things at the Hornblow Ranch? Oh, just about the same as usual. There's never anything new around that place? No. Fact is, I get mighty fed up with having no one to talk to except Clar Bell. I thought there was a wounded man at the ranch. Namely the Lone Ranger. Lone Ranger? Yeah. Wounded at the Hornblow Ranch? That's what I said. Maxim. Where'd you get that idea? You said so yourself. I said so? Oh, I savvy.

You overheard me having fun with a barkey buddy. I know he'll believe anything I tell him. Did you see his eyes go Wide when I told him the Lone Ranger was at our place. He never knows when I'm kidding him. You didn't sound like you were kidding. Ah, don't tell me you two gents thought I was serious. You lying to the barkeeper?

I reckon you and Kincaid don't know me very well. I can tell the biggest gosh awful lies you ever heard. And with a straight face. That doesn't answer my question. One time I told that barkeeper I licked 20 Redskins single handed and he swallowed every word of it. Is the Lone Ranger at your place? My place? The Hornblow Ranch. Kincaid, if that famous man was at the Hornblow Ranch, do you think I'd be here in town? Maybe. Now that's a maybe. You figured it was a mistake to tell where the Lone Ranger is. Maybe you came back to town to try and correct that mistake. Why in tarnation would I want to keep secret where the Lone Ranger is?

Never mind Sunday. Now listen, gents. I know you were both sore at the Lone Ranger because he capped. Yeah, we got a little debt to square with him. Well, dad, Radit, you got off easy. With only two years in jail, you both killed a few men. You're lucky there wasn't evidence enough to hang you. I don't crowd your luck, Maxim. I wonder what he's driving. You know plain well with that driving ad. If you come to the ranch looking for the Lone Rangers, there'll be things happen to you that'll make you wish you'd never got out of jail.

Just remember what I said.

[Narrator]

Thunder Martin hurried from the cafe to the home of Sheriff Bates. He told all that had happened and reminded the lawmen of the vow Kincaid and Maxim had made two years previously.

[Thunder Martin]

And, Sheriff, they meant it when they swore to get the Lone Ranger. And in spite of all I said, they know the Lone Rangers at Clarabelle's blazing wounded. They're killing Sheriff. That's never been proved, Thunder. They got a two year stretch for robbery and they serve the time. Far as the law is concerned, they're in the clear. Well, there must be some way you can jail them for 30 days or so. Not unless they break the law. Of course, if they go to Clarabelle's and start gunplaying, they won't start gunplay until they're sure of getting the Lone Ranger. If Kincaid and Maxim shoot anyone, I'll make sure they pay in full. That's not going to help the Lone Ranger. Never mind.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

What are you going to do?

[Thunder Martin]

I'll handle it. My way.

[Narrator]

Thunder Martin waited in the darkness between two buildings across the street from the cafe. Presently, he saw Kincaid and Maxim leave the place, mount their horses, and ride out of town in the direction of the Hornblow Ranch.

[Thunder Martin]

Get off.

[Narrator]

The trail followed the winding pattern of a valley. Though the moon was bright, the frequent turns and the many clumps of mesquite made it easy for Thunder to remain out of sight. He thought he was unnoticed by the men ahead. He learned otherwise when Kincaid and Martin, holding guns, stepped from behind a massive boulder.

[Thunder Martin]

What incarnation. You're covered. Take it easy now, Maxim Kincaid, where you wonder breath and dismount. Make a pass at your gun and I'll shoot new holes through your head. All right this month. Hey, yeah, I'm doing it. But that right? Keep him covered, Maxim. Take his gun. Well, Thunder, you think you were tagging a couple of greenhorns who don't know enough to watch their back trail? Hey, if you murder and pull cats figure on going to the Horton Blow Ram, Martin, we're gonna make sure that it's none of your business where we go of what we do.

[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.

[Thunder Martin]

What do you think makes the perfect snack? Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient. Could you be more specific?

[Andrew Rines]

When it's Cray Venient.

[Thunder Martin]

Okay, like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at am, pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Grab in just a second at am pm.

[Thunder Martin]

I'm seeing a pattern here. Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave, which is anything from am, pm. What more could you want? Stop by AMPM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience ampm. Too much good stuff.

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[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Thunder Martin's face was distorted with anger and frustration as he stood disarmed. With his hands at shoulder level. He faced Kincaid, who held a gun, and Maxim, who had just disarmed him.

[Thunder Martin]

How about shooting the big galoot with his own gun? Maybe later, but not here. We'll take him to the ranch with us. Get some rope. We'll tie and gag him here. There's some short hunks of rope in my saddlebag. Keep him covered. I warned you, Pole Catch, about crowding your luck. And I meant it. Hey, Maxim.

[Narrator]

With lightning speed, Thunder slapped aside Kincaid's gun, then closed in with a grip like Grizzly Bear. Maxim rushed in with his gun raised like a club. He brought it down on Thunder's head.

[Thunder Martin]

Good work, Maxim. We'll try and gag him before he comes to.

[Narrator]

At the ranch house, Clarabelle, Hornblow and Toto had been busy carrying out Toto's suggestion in the hope of outwitting Kincaid and Maxim. They were awaiting the return of Thunder Martin without the slightest suspicion that the big man had been captured.

When Thunder Martin regained consciousness, he found himself gagged and in a most uncomfortable position. His stomach rested on the saddle while his feet, tied together, dangled on one side and his head and shoulders on the other. His hands were tied together at the wrists and hung almost to the ground.

[Thunder Martin]

Hey, Kincaid. I think the big Chance regained consciousness. That's good. Rain in.

Why are we stopping here? It's the horn blow. Ha. Straight ahead. I'll go on alone and talk to Clarabel. It might be a good idea if I lead Martin's horse over yonder where we'll be out of sight, amongst those trees. No, no. Stay right here in plain view of the house. I want Clarabelle to see that we're holding Thunder Martin prisoner. Oh, I said. Come on, get him.

[Narrator]

Kincaid rode confidently to the front of the rambling ranch house, about a hundred yards away.

[Thunder Martin]

Ho, ho, ho.

[Narrator]

He drew rein in hand as he dismounted. He looked toward Maxim and Thunder to make sure they could be seen clearly in the moonlight. Then he rapped on the door.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Who's there?

[Thunder Martin]

The name is Kincaid. I want to talk to Clarabelle Hornblow.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

The door's unlocked. Open her up.

[Narrator]

Clarabelle stood back from the door. And slightly to one side, she held a double barreled shotgun.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Stand right there. You haven't been invited in.

[Thunder Martin]

What's the idea? You always meet visitors with a shotgun?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I use this for rattlesnakes and polecats. Which are you?

[Thunder Martin]

Huh?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Said your name was Kincaid. Well, I've been expecting you. Where's your murdering pal?

[Thunder Martin]

You've been expecting me?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah. Now just keep your hands away from that gun, Kincaid. It'd be legal shooting if I let you have it in self defense.

[Thunder Martin]

Why? Were you expecting me?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Thunder Martin said you and Maxim were in town. He thought you'd come here with the mistaken notion that you'd find the man who captured you a couple of years ago.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, so Thunder said that, huh?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah. Now, where's Maxim?

[Thunder Martin]

He's out front, about a hundred yards away. You'll see him if you'll move a little bit to the right. You're blocking the doorway.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Just step inside and move slow. That's far enough.

[Thunder Martin]

There's someone there with Maxim.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I see two horses.

[Thunder Martin]

You recognize the big horse?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah, that is it.

[Thunder Martin]

Looks Thunder Martin's across the saddle, tied and gagged.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Why, you ornery murderer.

[Thunder Martin]

Take it easy. You'll get a bullet in the head if anything happens to me. If you've heard he's all right so far. And he'll continue to be all right if you're willing to listen to reason.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Listen to reason? What do you mean?

[Thunder Martin]

I'm here to swap Thunder Martin for the Lone Ranger.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Kincaid, you must be loco. I can't turn the Lone Ranger over to you.

[Thunder Martin]

Where's his Indian pal? Where's Toto?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You're barking up the wrong tree. Where'd you get the idea that Tonto was around here?

[Thunder Martin]

Don't try to bluff me, Clarabelle.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

I'm not trying to bluff anyone. Tonto's not in this house. Why, if you're jughead enough to think I'm lying, you're Free to search the place, am I? That's what I said. Now listen to me, Kincaid. Thunder Martin's a blabbermouth. He tries to talk big every time he goes to town. When he came here and told me I'd been yapping to the barkeeper, I had a hunch we'd be hearing from you. Now clear out. You turn Thunder Martin loose, and I'll see that he forgets about being captured. I promise he won't try to make trouble for you.

[Thunder Martin]

Clarabelle, you said something about searching the house.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You won't find anyone here.

[Thunder Martin]

I'll see for myself.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

That's the same as calling me a liar.

[Thunder Martin]

Maybe so.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Why, you mangy. Noah.

[Thunder Martin]

Be careful how you wave that shotgun. If it goes off accidental, Maxim might think you fired at me. Then he'd shoot Thunder Martin.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

All right, Kincaid. Go ahead and search the place.

[Narrator]

Kincaid crossed the living room and went through an open door into the kitchen. Clarabelle followed closely.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Why don't you look inside the wood box? Maybe the Lone Ranger and Tonto are hiding there. Or maybe they're in the oven of the stove.

[Thunder Martin]

Is that door open? The outside?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Of course it does. Don't you see the window right next to it? That's the back door.

[Thunder Martin]

What about that door on the side wall?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

That goes to a small bedroom. I never use it except when someone's visiting.

[Thunder Martin]

It's dark in here.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Would you expect me to have lights going in every room of the house? There's enough moonlight coming through the window to show you the room is empty. I. Oh.

[Thunder Martin]

What's the matter?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Oh, nothing. I generally keep the curtains on the window closed. Strike a match if you want more light. You'll find a candle on the table. I'll just close these curtain. Just a minute. Go me. I want to draw the cur.

[Thunder Martin]

And I want to look through that window. You saw something out there?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Well, no. No, there's nothing to see except the side of a rocky hill.

[Thunder Martin]

Yeah, and a couple of horses standing at the foot of the hill.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah, that's it, Kincaid. That's why I was so surprised. I. I wondered how a couple of my horses got out of the crag.

[Thunder Martin]

One of those critters looks pure white. Just like the lone Rangers horse.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Oh, just the moon.

[Thunder Martin]

And the other seems to be a paint like Tanto's.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Moonlight makes everything look different. Kincaid, you should know that many a time I've mistaken a gray horse or a palomina for a white dog.

[Thunder Martin]

Those horses look as if they're standing near the entrance to a cave.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

What you know about the cave? I mean to say. What cave? Say, how about going on with the search? Don't you want to see the room upstairs and the shack where Thunder Martin lives?

[Thunder Martin]

I reckon there's no need to search the rest of the house. Now, take that shotgun.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You needn't twist my arm off. Give me back with you.

[Thunder Martin]

Might be tempted to use it.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Come back here, Kincaid. Where you going?

[Narrator]

After the front door slammed, Clarabelle stood motionless until she heard Kincaid ride away from the house. Then she turned quickly, gripped the bed and pulled it away from the wall to the middle of the room.

Then she dropped to her knees beside the Lone Ranger, who lay on a mattress which had been placed on the floor. The wounded man was too weak to speak, but the moonlight revealed his look of gratitude.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Well, we fooled him. He was so sure you were hiding in the cave, he never bothered to finish searching the house. Now I've got to leave you alone for a spell. You keep up the fight, everything's gonna be all right.

[Narrator]

Kincaid, full of discovery, rushed to the place where Maxim was waiting beside Thunder Martin. Thunder lay on the ground beside his horse. He was still tied and gagged, but he could hear the conversation.

[Thunder Martin]

Hard to work out, Kincaid. Lone Ranger in that house? No, but I know where he's hiding. And Tondo's with him. Yeah? Where? In a cave in that hill beyond the house. I don't see anything.

[Narrator]

Looks like a key.

[Thunder Martin]

The house is in the way. You can't see it from here. What about Thunder Martin? Leave him where he is. Come on. All right.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Come on. Get up.

[Narrator]

Get up here.

[Thunder Martin]

Come on.

[Narrator]

The killers rode in a semicircle, passing the house at a distance. To discourage any attempt by Clarabelle to open fire.

They drew rein at the base of the steep slope some distance from the cave. Leaving their horses, they proceeded softly on foot. Kincaid still held Clarabelle's shotgun. He led the way, and as he neared the cave and saw the two horses at ground hitch, he whispered to maximum.

[Thunder Martin]

That's the Lone Ranger's horse, all right. Enough.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah.

[Thunder Martin]

The other one is turtles. I'll never forget those horses. Up here. It'll peek around the edge of the opening. I hope we get him by surprise. You see anything?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah.

[Thunder Martin]

The cave goes straight back for about 50ft. Two men are stretched out in blankets at the far end. How could you see them? The moonlight's shining right down on it from a big hole in the ceiling. Must be a sort of chimney that comes out in the side of the mountain. Men are sleeping, huh?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Thunder Martin]

It looks like it. It must be. They didn't hear our horses. We'll rush them. I'll use both barrels of this scatter gun. Then we'll use our six guns. All right. Ready? Yeah. Let's go.

[Narrator]

The killers rushed forward, pouring deadly gunfire into the blanket wrapped figures.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Yeah.

[Thunder Martin]

We got him. They never knew what hit him.

[Narrator]

I've always wanted to look at the.

[Thunder Martin]

Face of the Lone Ranger. Well, here's my chance. I'll make sure we get the Indian for keeps.

Hey, Maxim. Kincaid. Look under this blanket. Nothing but a log. Same here. It was a trick. They had dummies here to foolish. I'm going back that red. What's this?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Hey, a blast. Look.

[Thunder Martin]

The mouth of the cave.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Rocks.

[Narrator]

The outlaw stared as tons of rocks slid down from the steep hill and piled up in the mouth of the cave. The blast had been set and fired by Toto, who was waiting and hiding on the hillside. The Indian stood near Scott and Silver until the rock slide stopped. Then he approached the sealed entrance.

[Thunder Martin]

You fella inside, let us out. We pull you out through hole and ceiling. After Sheriff come, we'll make a deal. You let us out, we'll promise to go away and leave you and alone. Ranger alone.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Are they in there, Tondo?

[Thunder Martin]

Them inside. Trick work plenty good.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

We'd have been here sooner, but it took a couple of minutes to untie Thunder Martin. Say, you sure those crooks can't dig their way out? Me?

[Thunder Martin]

Sure. Some are rock plenty big. Take three, four men with tools to move them. I'd move them single handed for the chance to get square with those bombers, the way they treated me.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Thunder, you ought to let the daw deal with them, Savage.

[Thunder Martin]

Oh, now, Clariboy.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

They'll get a spell in jail for assaulting you. And another term for trying to kill the Lone Ranger in Tahto.

[Thunder Martin]

Not Thunder.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

You ride to town, tell the sheriff what happened.

[Thunder Martin]

All right, Clarab, steady. Get up there. Me stay here on guard til sheriff comes?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

No, Tono, I'll stay here. If I see any chance that those critters are getting the rocks moved away, I'll blast the daylights out of them.

[Thunder Martin]

That good?

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Your place is at the side of our friend the Lone Ranger.

[Thunder Martin]

It.

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[Commercial Announcer]

Tired of juggling sales tools or spending hours on prospecting just to book a few meetings? Meet Apollo, the Go to Market platform for finding leads, connecting with buyers and closing deals all in one place. Apollo gives you access to over 210 million contacts and AI that handles all your busy work, finding leads, drafting emails and even prioritizing your day. So stop paying for five different sales tools when one does it all. Visit Apollo I.O. and sign up free today.

[Clarabelle Hornblow]

Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell, Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written 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.

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[Andrew Rines]

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[Andrew Rines]

Want to make a difference in your community but not sure how? Go to GoFundMe.com right now and start a GoFundMe. Seriously. Your next fundraiser doesn't have to start in a school parking lot or a church basement. You can start a GoFundMe today in just minutes. Fundraise for yourself, a friend or family member or an organization. All that matters is that you care about them. GoFundMe is the trusted place to fundraise for what you care about. With no pressure to hit your fundraising goal but tons of tools to help you reach it, you can confidently start fundraising right now. Whether it's creative, local or critical, your cause matters and there's a reason why GoFundMe is backed by millions and chosen by fundraisers everywhere. It works and it matters. GoFundMe helps you make a real difference. Start your GoFundMe today at GoFundMe.com that's GoFundMe.com G O F U N D M E dot com this is a commercial message brought to you by GoFundMe.

[Commercial Announcer]

Tired of juggling sales tools or spending hours on prospecting just to book a few meetings? Meet Apollo, the Go to market platform for finding leads, connecting with buyers and closing deals all in one place. Apollo gives you access to over 210 million contacts and AI that handles all your busy work, finding leads, drafting emails and even prioritizing your day. So stop paying for five different sales tools when one does it all. Visit Apollo I.O. and sign up free today.