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Narrator / Jim Kinney
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Shannon Maldonado
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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. From your enjoyment, you can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.
Announcer / Narrator
A fiery horse with a speed of
Narrator / Jim Kinney
light, a cloud of dust and a haughty high o silver Volo Ranger.
Announcer / Narrator
General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions present by special recording the Lone Ranger.
Commercial Announcer
I know something you want to get from your grocer right away. The special Wheaties Blackboard package. You see, there's a blackboard right on the back of this package, one you can write on with regular chalk. You can play games, draw pictures, write notes, practice spelling, all sorts of things. And you can use the Wheaties blackboard over and over again, wiping it off each time with a cloth or a regular blackboard eraser. In fact, it's a good idea to get several of these Wheaties blackboard packages so you can let your friends join in with the fun playing Tic Tac toe or having drawing contests. Or maybe you'll want extra blackboards so you can save your own best drawings. Now, there's no extra charge for the blackboard. Nothing to do, nothing to send in. You just pay the regular Wheaties price. So look for the Wheaties package with the sign on the front that says blackboard. That means there's one of These wonderful blackboards on the back ready to use. Be sure to pick up several. They're at your grocer's right now. Just ask for the special Wheaties blackboard package.
Announcer / Narrator
With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the
Narrator / Jim Kinney
daring and resourceful mask rider of the
Announcer / Narrator
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.
Commercial Announcer
From out of the past come the
Announcer / Narrator
thundering hoof beats of the great horse.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella. And Silver, away.
Announcer / Narrator
Jim Kinney stood before the warden's desk in the office at Territorial Prison. For six months, he had been imprisoned with a captured outlaw, Dave Norton. Now he was to go free. After a moment of silence, the warden looked up, smiled and said, sit down, Jim.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Thanks, Warden.
Announcer / Narrator
Jim, it took a lot of courage
Narrator / Jim Kinney
for you to go through all this to get in with the Lackey gang. How did it work out? Fine, fine. Dave Norton gave me a note to Lackey. I'll take it to him with his cafe and take us. Good. Blackie and his gang have committed many crimes in the Southwest, including the murder of your uncle Hank Weston.
Announcer / Narrator
But we can't get evidence against.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Yes, I know.
Announcer / Narrator
For a moment, Jim sat thinking. No one except the warden and United States Marshal Drake knew he was Hank Weston's nephew. That he'd agreed to go to prison on trumped up charges in order to be a cellmate to Dave Norton, who had been formerly with Lackey's gang. It had taken courage to stay in confinement six months. But the toughest part of his assignment was still to come. Joining the Lackey gang and getting the evidence. The warden suddenly broke Jim's line of thought.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
After the evidence is produced, Jim and
Announcer / Narrator
the gang captured, we'll see to it your name is cleared publicly.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
I'll do my best, Warden.
Commercial Announcer
To get the evidence against,
Announcer / Narrator
Jim was supplied with a gun, some ready cash and a hors. Then he left prison and headed for Pecos. A few days later, he entered the Pecos Cafe.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Good for you, Mr. Yeah? I'm looking for Spike Lackey.
Spike Lackey
I heard you ask him for me. I'm Spike Lackey. What can I do for you?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
I brought this note.
Spike Lackey
Spike introduced me.
Lone Ranger
Come on back to my office.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
All right.
Spike Lackey
Sit down.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Thanks.
Spike Lackey
Now, in the note, Abe Norton says you were his cellmate, you can be trusted and that you need a job, right?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
That's right.
Spike Lackey
He says you're Jim Kinney and you did a short stretch for helping in a robbery.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Right again.
Spike Lackey
Well, if you're handy with a gun, I might use you.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
I can handle a gun well enough.
Spike Lackey
All right, Jim. I'll try out. You meet the rest of the men tonight at my small ranch. Go there after supper. Second range house to the left on the south trail. I'll be there with him. All right, that's all for now. Be out there tonight.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Right.
Announcer / Narrator
That night Jim rode to the ranch house and Spike introduced him to four tough looking men dressed as ranch hands. Then Spike gave Jim further information about their operations.
Spike Lackey
Men work here as ranch hands between jobs. You do the same, Jim. They come to the cafe like any other cowpokes when they have the time.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Yeah, that's it.
Spike Lackey
We all wear masks on the job. They cover our trail to the ranch. I keep only about a hundred head
Lone Ranger
of cattle just for the looks. We're willing to take you in on, Dave.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Say so, Kenny. But we'll feel better about you after we see how you do on your first job with us.
Spike Lackey
Don't act so high and mighty, Kansas. You'll take him on my say so. I'm running this outfit.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
All right, so you're the boss. But you can't blame us for wanting to be sure Kenny doesn't bungle a job and get us caught.
Spike Lackey
Forget it, Kansas. Spike knows what he's doing. We'll help you get started with the game, Kenny. You'll soon learn the rules.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Thanks, Slim.
Spike Lackey
Going to have anything else lined up for us soon, Spike?
Lone Ranger
Yep.
Spike Lackey
I'll let you know what and when.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Well, I got to get back to the cafe.
Spike Lackey
Slim, show Kenny where to bunk and find something for him to do around here tomorrow.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Right.
Spike Lackey
See you again soon. Jim Long, everybody.
Announcer / Narrator
The following afternoon, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Toto camp in the hills near Pecos. Why we come here, Kimosabe?
Lone Ranger
There have been more gang robberies in this territory recently. Tado Cafe owner Spike Lackey is suspected of being in with the gang. So far there's been no evidence against him. About time something's done to get the necessary evidence.
Announcer / Narrator
You think of Wayne?
Lone Ranger
Yes, I thought of a plan. An outlaw, Dave Norton was caught during a gang hold up some months ago. The rest of the gang escaped and he refused to talk.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Ah, me.
Spike Lackey
Remember?
Lone Ranger
I'll disguise myself as a Mexican, then go to Lackey at the cafe. Tell him I used to be Dave Norton's cellmate. Dave suggested he might give me a job. Spiked Lackey would have no way of checking My story?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
That's right.
Spike Lackey
But it'd be risky if him let you join gang.
Lone Ranger
It's worth the risk to get evidence against Lackey and his gang. I'll work on a disguise now. Better we ride to town. I'll go talk to Lackey.
Announcer / Narrator
Dusk had fallen by the time the Lone Ranger and Toto reached the edge of town and stopped among some cottonwoods for a last minute conference.
Lone Ranger
I've outlined a plan that may trap the gang if Blackie takes me in here. The plan is written on this paper. You enter the back door of the cafe and stay in the shadows. They can go. All right. I'll manage to signal you. And you take that paper to Marshall Drake. He'll remember you and make the necessary preparation.
Spike Lackey
Ah, me do it.
Lone Ranger
I'll go to the cafe.
Announcer / Narrator
Later. Disguised as a Mexican, the Lone region entered the front door of the cafe. He sauntered over and spoke in a low voice to the barkeeper.
Lone Ranger
Senor Lackey here at this cafe?
Spike Lackey
No, he owns it.
Lone Ranger
What about it? It is most important that I speak with him, senor. He's in his office. The door back there. What's his.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Come in.
Lone Ranger
And you're Lucky?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Yeah.
Spike Lackey
Who are you? What do you want?
Lone Ranger
You perhaps remember Senor Dave Norton?
Spike Lackey
No Daving. Why?
Lone Ranger
He's the hombre who sent me to see you.
Spike Lackey
That's interesting. Sit down.
Lone Ranger
That's it.
Spike Lackey
What's your name?
Lone Ranger
Carlos, Senor.
Spike Lackey
What brings you here? Why did Dave Norton send you to me?
Lone Ranger
Because I was his cellmate, senor. Until a few days ago. He thought perhaps you would find work for me. I'm not particular, senor Lucky. And I'm very fast with the guns.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
You.
Spike Lackey
You say you were his cellmate. Didn't he give you a note or something?
Lone Ranger
That would be too risky. I might have been searched before leaving the prison.
Spike Lackey
Yeah, that's right. There were just the two of you in the cell, huh?
Lone Ranger
Carlos, these seor for six long months. Are there something I could do? Or anything at all?
Spike Lackey
Tell you what, Carlos. See, I have to ride out to my ranch on business.
Lone Ranger
Why don't you come along?
Spike Lackey
Maybe I'll think of something for you
Announcer / Narrator
to do after we get out there.
Lone Ranger
Well, no. I'm ready to go with you, senor.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Good. My horse is out front.
Lone Ranger
Come on.
Announcer / Narrator
As the two men walked through the cafe, the Lone Ranger managed to signal Toto that he had succeeded. Then he followed Spike to the hitch rack and the two men started for the ranch.
Spike Lackey
Are you there? Yes, I'm the.
Announcer / Narrator
On the trip from town, Spike rode in silence. We had no doubt that Dave Norton had sent Jim Kinney. Dave had described Jim in the note and had given his name. And the handwriting was unmistakably Dave's. But Spike was sure the man he was taking to his ranch didn't come from Dave Norton. He realized the Mexican called Carlos knew too much for the gang's safety. Finally, the two men arrived at the ranch house. Hola. Easy.
Spike Lackey
Go to the bunkhouse, Carlos. I want to speak to the rain change and have you meet him. Come on.
Lone Ranger
Of course, senor.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Hey, Spike, who's that Mexican hombre? What's the idea of bringing him here?
Spike Lackey
I bring who I please, Kansas.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Yeah, well, I for one don't like the way. Kansas.
Spike Lackey
What's it all about, Spike? Men, this is Carlos. He tells me Dave Norton sent him to me. That he was Dave's cellmate for the past six months.
Announcer / Narrator
How could that be?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
What about Jim Kinney? He brought Dave's note.
Spike Lackey
Ever see this hombre around the prison, Jim?
Narrator / Jim Kinney
No. I was Dave's cellmate and I'm sure this man wasn't there.
Lone Ranger
You are mistaken, senor.
Spike Lackey
No, he's not. I brought you out here because I figured you came to spy on us.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Now reach, mister.
Spike Lackey
This gun says you'll start talking. And if we don't like your explanation, you won't leave here alive.
Announcer / Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a few moment.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Cowboy Tom is a boy of six. He knows all kinds of cowboy tricks. He can rope a steer because he knows he's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios. You bet.
Announcer / Narrator
Cheerios. The oat cereal that needs no cooking. Every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. And besides, giving you go power. Cheerios is downright wonderful tasting. That toasted oat flavor is really something. And when you add milk and your favorite fruit, say some sliced bananas. You're in for a delicious breakfast treat. Get the whole family off to a a good start every morning with Cheerios. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue. Ordered by Spike Lackey to raise his hands, the Lone Ranger, noticing that every man in the bunkhouse had suddenly drawn a gun, quickly complied. He realized that somehow Jim Kinney's presence had spoiled his plan. He knew he must think quickly. Assuming a look of surprise, he spoke to Spike.
Lone Ranger
Please. I do not understand, senoraki. What is it you want me to say?
Spike Lackey
You told me Dave Norton sent you, that you were a cellmate. Didn't you see, Senor man? Jim Kenny was Dave's cellmate up to
Narrator / Jim Kinney
a few days ago.
Spike Lackey
And he brought me a note from Dave. You lied to me, mister. So you better explain or.
Lone Ranger
Oh, no, Senor Lucky. I admit the story I told you was not quite the truth.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
What is the truth?
Spike Lackey
Go on, talk.
Lone Ranger
Many people, Senor, have said I am an outlaw. But I do not admit it is true. Not long ago in another town, I heard a lawman talking. It was what he said that brought me to you.
Spike Lackey
Yeah?
Lone Ranger
What did he say? He said a convict named Dave Norton used to work for you.
Spike Lackey
Go on.
Lone Ranger
The lawman said he thought Norton was connected with a gang you let. But no one could get evidence to prove it. I said to myself, Carlos, there's one very smart hombre. If he does had a gang. Monseigneur, I decided to come to you. They Norton sent me in the hope that you might get me in with the gang if you really worked with one. That's amigo easy truth.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Did I say Take his gun and keep it till we are sure.
Spike Lackey
All right. Take his gun, Kansas.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Right. I got it.
Announcer / Narrator
The Lone Ranger had left his fancy gun belt and guns with tottle and had worn an ordinary gun. When he went to see Spike, it was this gun that Kansas now took from him. The Lone Ranger shrugged his shoulders and remarked way.
Lone Ranger
Now if that is the way you want it, senors, then Carlos will go.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Without a gun, you have no choice.
Spike Lackey
Carlos, you ride with us on our next job to prove yourself. But you won't carry a gun.
Lone Ranger
But without a gun, that's the way it'll be.
Spike Lackey
You don't like it?
Lone Ranger
I shall do as you say. Then you're lucky. Good.
Spike Lackey
Heading back to cafe. See you all later.
Announcer / Narrator
In town, Tato saw Spike return to the cafe alone. He left the cafe unnoticed and reported to the marshal. Half an hour later, the express clerk entered the cafe and spoke complainingly to the barkeep.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Dog on it. I have a good mind to give up my job at the express office. Never know what my hours are going to be. Now we got a valuable shipment that has to go on the 5am stage to the Austin bank. Now here it is after 9 o' clock at night and I got to be Back at the office between 4 and 5 in the morning. Oh, well. Reckon I better get home and get some sleep. So
Announcer / Narrator
Spike, who had been standing nearby listening, spoke casually.
Spike Lackey
Joe, I got a lot of office work to do tonight, so I'm going back there and I don't want to be disturbed.
Lone Ranger
All right, boy.
Announcer / Narrator
Spike went into the office. Then he hurried out the back door, got his horse and headed for the ranch.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Ho, ho. Steady.
Announcer / Narrator
The men looked up in surprise when he entered the bunkhouse.
Spike Lackey
We didn't expect you back here tonight. Listen to me. I overheard the clerk from the express office grumbling about having to stay late and get up early because of a valuable shipment that's waiting to go out on the stage.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Oh, maybe this is a chance to grab something big.
Spike Lackey
Yes, and a chance to see how Kenny and Carlos do on a job.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
That's right.
Spike Lackey
Now, a couple of you men go saddle the horses and bring them around. Kansas want to talk to you outside a minute. Come on.
Lone Ranger
All right.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
What do you want to talk about?
Spike Lackey
The Mexican, Carlos. I still figure he's spying on us.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Yeah, I don't trust him.
Spike Lackey
Well, after we get the stuff in the safe in the express office, we'll plug him, then make our getaway.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Right. I've been suspicious of him ever since we found out he lied to you.
Spike Lackey
He won't do any more lion after tonight.
Announcer / Narrator
Spike and the gang, accompanied by Jim Kinney and the Lone Ranger, rode to town and stopped in a grove behind the express office.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
I hope the safe isn't too hard to open.
Lone Ranger
Ah, there is no safe that is hard to open, amigo.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Oh, you think you're good at getting them open, huh?
Lone Ranger
See, I'm sure of it.
Spike Lackey
Carlos, we'll all go in and watch you open the express safe. Come on.
Lone Ranger
See?
Announcer / Narrator
Moving through the shadows, the gang, wearing masks, walk to the back of the Expression press office. Kansas forced a back window, then went in and opened the back door for the others.
Lone Ranger
Come on, let's go.
Announcer / Narrator
A lamp turned low gave enough light for them to see.
Spike Lackey
Now, Carlos, get busy on the safe.
Lone Ranger
See, Senior?
Announcer / Narrator
The Lone Ranger knelt in front of the safe a moment and pretended to twirl the knob. The men stood tensely watching. And Jim Kinney noticed that Kansas slowly leveled his gun at the Lone Ranger's back, ready to fire the moment he pulled open the safe door.
Lone Ranger
Now that he's unlocked, look out, Carlos.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Hey, he knocked my gun out of my hand. Outset of. Carlos, drop that gun. Two guns. You're all covered. Got him, men. Hold it in. Reach they came in both doors. Fight your way out. Late for that, Slim. Better drop your gun.
Announcer / Narrator
The gang quickly dropped their guns and surrendered. Jim Kenny had taken his place beside the Lone Ranger.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Unmask amendment. Hey, look. Spike Lackey in his ranch hand.
Lone Ranger
Lackey and these men are the ones who've been operating as a gang in this territory.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Hey, he's not a Mexican. He dropped his accent. I knew he was a spy. Marshall. I've heard enough while I've been with him to know you'll find plenty of evidence in Lackey's safe at the cafe. Hey, hold.
Spike Lackey
Hold on. Dave Norton said you could be trusted.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Kenny. Jim Kenny was planted as a cellmate to Dave Norton. Joined your gang to get evidence.
Lone Ranger
I ran into trouble, Marshall. When I told Lackey I had been Norton's cellmate. I didn't realize Jim was working against him until he prevented Kansas from shooting me.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Spike, you lunkhead. I knew you were local. To bring strangers into the gang like you did, you'll all be hanged for the murder of a rancher named Hank Weston. What? He was Jim Kenny's uncle. So that's it. Spike fired the shot that killed Weston. You can't pin a murder charge on the rest of us. You're all guilty in the eyes of the law. Did a good job, Jim. But you have the man posing as a Mexican to thank for trapping the gang. So this was a trapper? Yes. And you fell for it. The safe door was unlocked. There were two guns inside. Nothing else? That was part of the plan. We were waiting in the shadows nearby.
Lone Ranger
Marshall, I'm sure you'll have plenty of evidence against these men to convict them.
Spike Lackey
Horses waiting outside Kimasabi.
Lone Ranger
Good, Jim. Thanks for your quick action. You have a lot of courage.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
I'm satisfied now that Uncle Hank's killers are caught.
Lone Ranger
Yes. The main thing is the gang is caught and Spike Lackey is finished. Thanks for your cooperation. Marshall. I don't know how to leave now. Adios, everybody.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Marshall, I don't understand all this. I was sure he was a Mexican. Now I'm confused. Who is he? A great American, Jim. Friend to all those who need help right now. He's in disguise, but he usually wears a mask. You see, he's known and respected as the Lone Ranger.
Announcer / Narrator
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell. Muir Incorporated. A part of a Lone Ranger Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer friend. Boy, Listen to the Lone Ranger. Brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Tom who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Narrator / Jim Kinney
Sam.
Episode: The Cellmate | The Lone Ranger (12-21-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: July 15, 2026
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a thrilling installment of The Lone Ranger titled "The Cellmate," originally aired on December 21, 1953. The story is centered around themes of justice, undercover bravery, and the enduring fight against lawlessness in the Old West. Jim Kinney, having infiltrated a notorious gang to avenge his uncle’s murder, finds his covert mission unexpectedly intersecting with the Lone Ranger’s own plans to bring the outlaws to justice. Together, their schemes converge in an explosive conclusion that both vindicates the wrongly accused and finally uncovers the elusive evidence needed against the gang.
[04:08-06:54]
[05:47-08:15]
[08:15-13:04]
[13:04-14:03]
[17:34-22:27]
[21:18-22:48]
This digitally restored Lone Ranger episode exemplifies the rich storytelling, suspense, and strong moral undertones of classic radio Westerns. The themes of undercover bravery and justice prevailing are brought vividly to life, supported by atmospheric sound effects and tightly written dialogue. The interactions between Jim Kinney and the Lone Ranger elevate the drama, culminating in a classic Western ending where law and order emerge victorious.
For longtime fans or newcomers to radio Westerns, this episode stands out as a prime example of the genre’s appeal—where high-stakes adventure, cunning schemes, and the triumph of honesty and courage capture the spirit of the American frontier.