The Cigar Band | The Lone Ranger (02-16-53)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns:

The Lone Ranger – “The Cigar Band” (02-16-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
[Originally aired: February 16, 1953 | Podcast release: February 9, 2026]

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns dives into a classic Lone Ranger adventure, “The Cigar Band.” Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored broadcast, immersing listeners in the golden age of radio drama. The Lone Ranger, his loyal companion Tonto, and Dan Reed unravel a stagecoach robbery, uncovering a conspiracy led by Mort Pierce, a scheming stage line owner. Through clever deduction, a signature cigar band, and teamwork, justice prevails once more on the frontier.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

The Stagecoach Robbery & the Scheme (04:30–07:54)

• Setting the Plot: Mort Pierce, owner of the Pecos freight and stage line, conspires with the outlaws Smokey, Blinky, and Al to rob his own company’s coach.

  • Pierce: “My stagecoach is bringing 10,000 a new guy bill to the Pecos bank. I want you men to get it.” (05:00)
  • The outlaws joke about the profitability: “Never let’s rob your own freight and stage line. Sure is profitable.” (05:08)

• The Cigar Band Clue: Mort’s fancy Cuban La Marina cigars are noted, and a cigar band is left in the outlaw hideout, setting up a key clue.

  • Blinky: “Sure, a fancy band on those cigars. What kind are they?”
  • Pierce: “La Marina cigars. Get them all the way from Havana.” (05:32–05:35)

Dan Reed’s Involvement & Discovery (06:14–10:09)

• Hold-Up Witness: Dan, the Lone Ranger’s nephew, is on the coach during the robbery, noticing odd gray dust on the outlaws’ boots.

  • Dan: “I noticed a strange gray dust on the outlaws’ boots.” (07:53)

• Sheriff’s Office: Dan helps the sheriff review wanted posters and notices a cigar band—matching Mort Pierce’s usual cigars—on the floor.

  • Sheriff: “But it’s just a circle of fancy paper… came off one of the cigars Mr. Pierce, the freight line owner, smokes.” (08:55)
  • Sheriff: “He’s the only one smokes them in town. Has them sent in special from Cuba.” (09:10)

Dan Captured & Resourceful Escape (10:09–17:46)

• Dan’s Capture: While following Smokey out of suspicion, Dan is caught by the outlaws, who decide to keep him alive until Pierce gives orders.

  • Outlaw: “Maybe we ought to drill him and dump his body in the river.” (12:15)
  • Blinky: “Knowing the boss, I’ll say this young maverick will be dead before morning.” (12:22)

• Escape Sequence: Left tied up and gagged, Dan ingeniously uses his horse, Victor, to free himself.

  • Narrator: “He nibbled at the knot that held the gag. Finally, the knot gave and the gag came loose.” (16:36)
  • Dan: “Good boy, Victor. Now come inside… Get me loose fella. Untie me, boy.” (16:44–17:26)

• Key Clue Secured: Dan discovers the La Marina cigar band at the hideout, confirming Mort Pierce’s involvement.

  • Dan: “Cigar band on a cigar stove… La Marina. That’s the brand the freight line owner smoked. He must have been here.” (17:56)

The Lone Ranger’s Plan & Final Confrontation (18:27–24:12)

• Strategizing: The Lone Ranger and Tonto confirm Pierce’s guilt and lay a trap. The Ranger disguises himself to lure Pierce out.

  • Lone Ranger: “I’ll remove my mask and disguise my features. Then I’ll go talk to Pierce.” (18:57)

• Pierce Warned: Disguised, the Lone Ranger warns Pierce:

  • Lone Ranger: “Well, not yet, but they found tracks… Sheriff figures he’ll find the hideout within an hour or so.” (19:58–20:09)

• Climactic Showdown: Pierce and his gang return to the hideout to finish off Dan, but are surprised by the sheriff and posse, along with the Lone Ranger.

  • Pierce: “Shoot him and hide his body in the thicket. We can’t take any chances now.” (21:28)
  • Lone Ranger (storming in): “Drop your guns, all of you.” (21:55)

• Pierce’s Arrest: The outlaw gang turns on Pierce, exposing his orders, and evidence of the loot in his office safe.

  • Blinky: “You planned the whole lips and told us to kill the young hombre.” (22:51)
  • Sheriff: “We’ll take him in with the rest of you when we get to town. We’ll get the evidence from his safe.” (22:59)

• Case Solved: Dan’s clever deduction with the cigar band gets special mention.

  • Lone Ranger: “The credit really goes to Dan. He was sharp enough to realize Mort Pierce was a leader when he found a cigar band here in the shack.” (23:09)
  • Sheriff: “That young fella’s gonna turn into a mighty clever lawman someday.” (23:23)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cigar Bands:

  • Sheriff (regarding the band): “He’s the only one smokes them in town. Has them sent in special from Cuba.” (09:10)

• Clever Deduction:

  • Lone Ranger: “The credit really goes to Dan. He was sharp enough to realize Mort Pierce was a leader when he found a cigar band here in the shack.” (23:09)

• Classic Masked Justice:

  • Sheriff (explaining to Pierce): “You see, Pierce, that fella who tricked you into coming here is really the Lone Ranger.” (24:12)

• Compliment to Dan:

  • Sheriff: “He’s a smart alec, all right. A darn sight smarter than all of you put together.” (23:59)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:30–05:49]: Mort Pierce reveals his plan to outlaws; discussion of La Marina cigars
• [06:14–07:54]: Stagecoach hold-up; Lone Ranger and Tonto join the investigation
• [08:29–09:16]: Dan finds the cigar band at the sheriff’s office
• [10:09–12:22]: Dan follows Smokey and is captured by the outlaws
• [13:42–17:46]: Dan’s resourceful escape with Victor’s help; finds cigar band at the shack
• [18:27–19:04]: Dan returns to camp, and the Lone Ranger devises a plan
• [19:42–20:21]: Lone Ranger in disguise misleads Pierce about the posse’s progress
• [21:17–21:55]: Showdown at the outlaw shack; Lone Ranger and sheriff swoop in
• [22:46–23:59]: The gang turns on Pierce; sheriff gathers evidence; Dan’s role recognized
• [24:12]: Sheriff reveals the masked stranger is the Lone Ranger

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Classic Old Time Radio Western Hallmarks

• Immersive Soundscape: Digitally restored effects of thundering hooves, gunfire, and lively banter make the West come alive.
• Suspense and Wit: Dialogue is lively, with playful quips—especially about Mort’s expensive cigars and the wit of young Dan Reed.
• Ambience: The episode weaves authentic frontier tension, family-friendly adventure, and Western justice in the Lone Ranger tradition.

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Relive the “thrilling days of yesteryear” with this smartly restored episode, where deductive logic, integrity, and quick thinking keep the plains just—and the Legend of the Lone Ranger shines brightly.

Transcript

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

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[Podcast Host / OTRWesterns Announcer]

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 / Lone Ranger]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hio.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Silver.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor.

[Commercial Announcer]

A cloud of dust, a flash of light, and a hearty hi, Morita. The lone stranger eats again.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

All right, partner, Reach and get away from my cache of silver bullets. Bronto, you're the one who's been taking my silver bullets. No, me. Just trading silver bullets for golden, rich merita sandwich bread.

[Sheriff]

What?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, it's better than wampum. I know, but you've got to stop taking my silver bullet from my six guns and putting in Morita. Me sorry.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Huh?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Sorry. Today I fired at a bandit and hit him with a bologna sandwich.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Him get away?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

No, I caught him when he stopped for mustard. Not good. So was the sandwich. All sandwiches taste better on Marita. All right, pronto. Here's your Marita sandwich bread. Now empty your pockets, faithful Indian companion.

[Commercial Announcer]

Tune in again for those thrilling days of yesteryear. The lone stranger eats again.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I owe Morita away.

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

For this 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 hoop beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Come on, Silver, let's go.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Big foe are you, Silver? Away.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Mort Pierce, owner of a freight and stage line out of Pecos, Texas, stopped in front of an old shack in Limestone Canyon a few miles from town. Puffing a large Cuban cigar, he strode to the front door and pushed it open. He stood a moment looking at the three tough looking men who sat playing cards. Then he spoke.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Smokey, I'll have another job for you and Blinky and Al tomorrow afternoon.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

What is it this time, Morden?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

My StageCoach is bringing 10,000 a new guy bill to the Pecos Bank. I want you men to get it.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Never let's rob your own freight and stage line. Sure is profitable.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I'd go out of business if it weren't for what we take. Smokey. You men have no kick. You get your share. Sheriff is still hunting us because of the shipment we stole from your freight line last week. Boss, don't worry about the sheriff. He's about ready to give up the search. The cigar is about finished. Last one I have with me, too.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Sure, a fancy band on those cigars. What kind are they?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

La Marina cigars. Get them all the way from Havana. Better throw this on the hearth.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Any particular place you think we ought to stop a stage?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Rock Valley is a good place. Be careful with your bullets. Drivers and guards are hard to get.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

We won't wing them unless we have to.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

All right, now cover your trail back here. Tomorrow night I'll come out here for the loot. I'll keep it in my safe till the excitement dies down. Then we'll split it. I'll see you later. So long.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The following day, Dan Reed, nephew of the Lone Ranger, was returning to Pecos by stage after visiting friends some distance away. As the stage rumbled along the trail through Rock Valley, Dan was suddenly startled by gunshots. Three masked.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Doblo's coming. Must be a hold up.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

All right, keep him covered. I'll see you about the passage.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Here we are.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

I got you covered.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Get out of here.

[Commercial Announcer]

All right.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I'm not armed.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Reach while I Search you. Only a few dollars. All right, get back in.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Thanks.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

All right, Trevor, throw down the cash.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Box and be quick about it.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

From inside the coach, Dan studied the three outlaws closely for a moment. Then Smokey called out, all right, Trevor, get going. When the stage reached town, Dan went to the livery stable and got his horse, Victor. A short time later, he arrived at a camp in the nearby hills where the Lone Ranger and Tonto waited to greet him. Dan told the masked man and Tato about the hold up, saying that he noticed a strange gray dust on the outlaw's boots. The Lone Ranger and Tonto rode to the place where the holdup took place. Later, they returned to camp. Any luck?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

No, Dan. A sheriff and a posse arrived there before us and covered any tracks the outlaws may have left. It will soon be dark, so there's little use in searching the hills now. We'll hunt for them in the morning.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The following morning, while the Lone Ranger and Tonto continued the search for the three outlaws, Dan Reed rode to town for supplies. Who? Who?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Victor, who?

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Easy, boy.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Steady, puppet.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

After dismounting at the hitch rack, Dan was walking past the sheriff's office toward the store when the sheriff called from the doorway.

[Sheriff]

Hey there, son. Come here a minute. All right, Sheriff, Come inside. Want you to look at some handbills. Here, look these over. Maybe you might just recognize one of the outlaws you saw yesterday.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Sorry, Sheriff, but I don't recognize any of these faces.

[Sheriff]

Well, it was just a thought I had.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Look there on the floor. Somebody dropped a ring.

[Sheriff]

Oh, that looks like a finger ring, all right. But it's just a circle of fancy paper with gold on it. Came off one of the cigars Mr. Pierce, the freight line owner, smokes.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Oh, For a moment I thought it was a ring. La Marina.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Yep.

[Sheriff]

Mighty expensive cigars. He's the only one smokes them in town. Has them sent in special from Cuba.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I'm not a judge. I don't smoke. Sorry, I couldn't get anything from the handbills.

[Sheriff]

That's all right. Goodbye, son.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Bye, sir.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

As Dan approached the general store, Smoky came out carrying a small bundle of supplies and went to his horse. At the hitch rack, Dan's attention was suddenly drawn to the man's boots. The lower part of each boot was covered with a layer of gray dust.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Gray dust on his boots, Just like the dust on the outlaw's boots. I'll follow him and see where he goes. Come on, victor.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Dan, using the knowledge he'd gained from the Lone Ranger and Toto, trailed Smokey without attracting the outlaw's attention. But as he approached the the entrance to Limestone Canyon.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Stop and reach. I got you coming. Oh, ho, Victor.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Ho.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Ho. Ho.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Get up.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Get up.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Come on. Ho. Ho, there.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Ho.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I was watching in case somebody followed Smokey. Good thing I was. Hey, you're the young fellow was on the stage yesterday. That's right.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

I heard the shot, Smiki, so I came back.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Sneak. And Maverick was to trying trailing you, Smokey.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

It's a good thing you were on guard. Say, he's the hombre who was passenger on the stage yesterday.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Yeah, I recognized him right off. I don't know how he spotted you, though.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

That don't matter. It's his hard luck that he did.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Shall I plug him?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Oh, no.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

I'll take him to the shaggy. You wait here a while to see if anyone else was following. Here's more to the shaggy.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

All right.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Right into the canyon ahead of me. And no tricks or I'll put a boat bullet in your back. Get gone.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Come on, Victor, get him. A short time later, Smokey shoved Dan ahead of him into the shack.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Go ahead, inside, you.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Hey, who's that, Smokey?

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

A young ombre who was riding the stage yesterday. He trailed me from town.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Holy mackerel.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I wonder why I trailed you.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Most likely you recognize me in tom, but I can't figure out how I did it. I'd speak up.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

You.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

How come you follow me out here?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

If you'd been smart, you'd have cleaned your boots after the stage robbery. That gray dust made me suspicious.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

So that's it. Well, now that you're here, we can't let you get away. You think you're smart, don't you? Sit down.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Dan was tied to the chair, then gagged. After inspecting the knots to make certain they were secure, Smokey said, yeah, that'll hold him.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

He'll sure be mighty sorry he picked up my trail.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Maybe we ought to drill him and dump his body in the river.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

I agree, but the boss might find out and be sore about it. We'll wait till he tells us what to do with this snooper. Knowing the boss, I'll say this young Maverick will be dead before morning.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

[Commercial Announcer]

A cloud of dust, a flash of light and a hearty hi, Marita. The lone stranger eats again.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, pronto. Ever been to a picnic before? That little Bighorn? That was no picnic. Maybe not for cavalry.

[Ma'am (Bun Vendor)]

Why, it's the lone stranger. Impromptu.

[Commercial Announcer]

Hello, ma'.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Am.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Hello.

[Ma'am (Bun Vendor)]

Can I get you boys some are enriched hot dog and hamburger buns.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Much obliged, ma'.

[Podcast Host / OTRWesterns Announcer]

Am.

[Ma'am (Bun Vendor)]

Here you are.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

How come there no hot dog or hamburger in these buns?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Maybe they're vegetarians.

[Ma'am (Bun Vendor)]

Why, goodness gracious, no. We just love the baked while you sleep. Fresh taste so much. We never put any anything in Amarita. Hot dog and hamburger buns.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Well, they're very delicious. Thank you and goodbye, ma'.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Am.

[Ma'am (Bun Vendor)]

Oh, my. He handed me a silver bullet. Me take that, Indian giver.

[Commercial Announcer]

Tune in again for those thrilling days of yesteryear. The lone stranger eats again.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

I owe Marita away.

[Dr. Z (Neurosurgeon / FIGS Sponsor)]

Hey, I'm Dr. Z and I'm a neurosurgeon. So that means long hours, early rounds, late nights, and everything in between. And through it all, I wear figs because they're built for what I do. Through the chaos, through the hours, and through whatever the day throws at me. They do their job so I can do mine. They're comfortable when it counts and functional when I need them the most. So where do you wear your figs? On shift? On call? On the couch in the break room, listening to this podcast. Wherever it is, they fit right in. And now, listeners of this podcast can get 15% off their first order. Just head to wherefigs.com and use code FIGS RX at checkout. That's wherefigs.com code FIGS RX.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Now to continue. Dan Reed, captured by the three outlaws and tied and gagged in the shack, realized that unless he found a way to get help, he had little chance of surviving. After a short time, Blinky came to the shack and the three men played cards. Then, after eating lunch, Smokey said, blinky.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

And I will ride to town to see the boss. Al, you stand guard at the entrance to the canyon until we get back.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

You think it's safe to leave that fella here alone?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Sure.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

He's tied good and gagged. Don't worry. He'll be here when we get back.

[Commercial Announcer]

Let's go.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Dan waited until the three crooks were gone. Then he looked around in hopes of finding some means to loosen his bonds. As he glanced through the side window, he saw his horse, Victor, tied to a sapling a shot short distance away. By using his toes, he managed to inch the chair across the floor to the window, which was closed. Finally, he reached the window and found that his head came above the windowsill. He maneuvered the chair until the back of his head rested against the window pane. Gritting his teeth, he bent his head forward, then brought it back with a smashing blow against the glass. Disregarding the small cut on the back of his head, Dan managed to turn the chair sideways. Then he faced the open window and saw that Victor was looking his way. The intelligent white horse saw his young master with a gag tied to his mouth. Victor knew Dan needed help and tried to get loose by bucking and pulling on the line that held him to the sapling. Unable to break it, Victor took it into his mouth and began gnawing. Within a short time, the rope parted. With a loud snort, Victor trotted toward the broken window. Dan turned his head and leaned back. For a moment, Victor nibbled at Dan's ear. Then, seeming to realize what he must do. He nibbled at the knot that held the gag. Finally, the knot gave and the gag came loose.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Good boy, Victor. Now come inside. Go to the door and come inside, Victor.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Victor stood a moment as though puzzled. And tentatively reached his head toward the broken window.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

No, Victor, no. You'll get cut by that broken glass. The door, Victor. The door. Come through the door.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Victor pawed the ground, then raised his head and whinnied in understanding. He whirled and trotted around the corner of the shack. A moment later, Dan heard the click of the latch. As Victor pressed down on it with his nose. Then the door was pushed open.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

That's fine, Victor. Get me loose, fella. Untie me, boy.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Victor, as well as Silver and Scout, had been trained for just such emergencies. The intelligent horse found the knot that held his young master's hands.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

That's right, Victor. Keep trying, boy.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

After many attempts, Victor's strong teeth pulled apart the knot that held Dan's hands.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

That's great, Victor. Now I'll untie my feet. Feet.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Within a short time, Dan got to his feet and was free once more. As he started toward the door, something glittered on the hearth. He stooped and picked it up.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Cigar band on a cigar stove. La Marina. That's the brand the freight line owner smoked. He must have been here. I'll go find the Lone Ranger and Tano. They'll know what to do. Come along, Victor. Easy, boy. Steady, fella. I'll go out through the far end of the canyon to avoid the guard. Come on, Victor.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

When Dan arrived at the camp, he found the Lone Ranger and Toto already there. He told them what had happened and showed them the cigar band. Then the Lone Ranger spoke.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Dan, Mord Pierce must be in with those crooks.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

He may be the boss. They spoke about that.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Right. What we do, Kimasari?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Let me think a moment.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

This should do it.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

How to go back with Dan, the way he came from his shack to avoid the guard, tie and gag him again. Then hide nearby to make certain he isn't harmed.

[Sheriff]

Ah.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

And what you do?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

I'll remove my mask and disguise my features. Then I'll go talk to Pierce. But before I do, I'll find the sheriff and the posse and tell them of my plans.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

You think Dan be all right?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Yes, with you nearby to protect him. If things work out, we should be able to catch those three outlaws along with Mort Pierce.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

After identifying himself to the sheriff, the Lone Ranger related what Dan had discovered and told of his plan. Then he rode to town and stopped in front of Mort Pierce's office.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Well, stranger, what can I do for you?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Howdy, Mr. Pierce. I just left the posse because I had to come back to town on business. But the sheriff asked me to tell you they have a line on the outlaws he thought you might like to know.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

How sure is he? I mean, has the. Has the posse found their hideout?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Well, not yet, but they found tracks they know are those of the crooks. And the sheriff figures he'll find the hideout within an hour or so. Just a matter of following their trail. Now, those hombres are mighty clever covering their tracks.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Maybe the sheriff will lose a trail again.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Nope. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they move in on those coyotes. Reckon that's mighty good news for you.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Yeah, sure. Thanks for the information, stranger.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Glad to give it to you. Goodbye, Mr. Pierce.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Bye.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger mounted and rode to the edge of town where he waited in a stand of trees. Soon he saw Mort Pierce heading out the trail on horseback.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

There he goes now. We'll follow him, big fella. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Mort, disturbed by the news and wishing to reach the shack to warn his men, rode at top speed. At the entrance to the canyon, he called to Al to join him. Then the two men rode on to the shack. What brings you here?

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Blinky and I just got back from your office.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I just found out the sheriff and his posse have a line on this place. You have to leave here right away.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

What about the young hombre we got tied up here?

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Shoot him and hide his body in the thicket. We can't take any chances now. Funny thing. When we came in a short time ago, we found him still here. But that window's broken. This sure is a mystery.

[Sheriff]

Forget that.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Maybe it was already broken and you didn't notice it. All right, Smokey, you take your gun and drill that snooper.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

All right, boys.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Smokey drew his Gun and stood a short distance behind Dan Reed. But before he could pull the trigger. Hey, redskin. At the window.

[Dr. Z (Neurosurgeon / FIGS Sponsor)]

I'll get him.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Drop your guns, all of you.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Oh, my hand. Hey, that's the stranger who came to my office. Use your gun, Al. Call it, Pierce. What?

[Sheriff]

My men are covering all of you from the the windows.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Keep them covered.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Chair. I'll take their guns.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Quickly.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger took the outlaw's guns, then took the gag from Dan's mouth and untied him.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

There you are, Dan. Sorry I had you take the risk.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Oh, that's all right, sir. I knew Tano was watching. And the crooks didn't suspect that I'd left here and come back.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Left and came back.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

I don't savvy that gives you something to think about, Sheriff. Now you have proof that Mortal Pierce was leader of this small gang.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

That's right, sir. He gave the order to have me killed and then told the men to leave before the sheriff found the hideout. The young maverick's lying. I came out this way to join the posse and accidentally found this hideout. These crooks got the drop on me. They would have killed me along with the young man.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

You can't walk out on us. You planned the whole lips and told us to kill the young hombre.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

He's lying.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

In fact, you'll find the loot in his office safe still in the cash box.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

That's right.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Mort's trying to get out of this.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

With a whole scene.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

But we're not going to let him.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Get away with it.

[Sheriff]

Don't worry. We'll take him in with the rest of you when we get to town. We'll get the evidence from his safe.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I don't know how this happened.

[Sheriff]

You can thank the tall stranger for getting a line on you, Pierce.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

The credit really goes to Dan. He was sharp enough to realize Mort Pierce was a leader when he found a cigar band here in the shack.

[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

What?

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

Yes, a fancy La Marina band like the one he found in your office, Sheriff.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

Cigar band.

[Sheriff]

I say now, that young fella's gonna turn into a mighty clever lawman someday.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

I hope so, Sheriff. My wallet they stole is in the table drawer.

[Sheriff]

Good. Yep. Here's the wallet. I'll hold it as evidence.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Mort.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

You and those fancy cigars. The fine leader you turned out to be, letting a young maverick like him out with you.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Oh, shut up.

[Sheriff]

Time up, men. Then we'll take him back to Pecos.

[Tonto / Lone Ranger (Masked Stranger)]

I'm sure you and your men will able to finish the job, Sheriff. So we'll Leave now. Adios.

[Sheriff]

Goodbye, mister.

[Blinky (Outlaw)]

We should have finished off that young smart alec when we first caught him.

[Sheriff]

He's a smart alec, all right. A darn sight smarter than all of you put together. Yeah, I reckon he learned what he knows from his friend, the mask man.

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

Mask man? What mask man?

[Sheriff]

The tall stranger usually wears a mask, but he used a disguise to fool you this time. You see, Pierce, that fella who tricked you into coming here is really the lone Rang.

[Dr. Z (Neurosurgeon / FIGS Sponsor)]

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[Podcast Host / OTRWesterns Announcer]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies. Easy steps for teas, tinctures, and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs hello there.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator / Lone Ranger]

Listen to the Lone Ranger.

[Podcast Host / OTRWesterns Announcer]

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

[Smokey (Outlaw)]

SA.