The End of the Line | The Lone Ranger (11-03-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast

The End of the Line | The Lone Ranger (11-03-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Summarized: December 12, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this classic Lone Ranger episode, "The End of the Line," listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, where law and order struggle against cunning and danger. Two notorious outlaws, Red Slade and Blink Matson, stage a daring jail escape, setting off a manhunt that entangles an archaeologist and his daughter, a determined posse, and the ever-resourceful Lone Ranger (recovering from a wound) and his loyal companion, Tonto. The episode blends suspense, action, and the immersive atmosphere of Old Time Radio, enhanced for modern clarity.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Outlaws Red Slade & Blink Matson Escape (04:08–06:18)

• Clever Jailbreak: Slade and Blink use expertly hidden lock-picking tools (concealed in trouser seams and boot linings) to break out of their cell and subdue the guard.
  • “Tools for picking locks are mighty small and easy to hide. I'll get to work.” – Slade [05:29]
• Escape Preparations: They swiftly gag the guard, steal horses and supplies, and set out into the night.

2. Meanwhile: Professor Hardy and Daughter Marion Camp in the Mountains (06:45–08:10)

• Tension of Wilderness: Marion's eagerness for adventure is juxtaposed with her father’s cautions about outlaw dangers in the region.
  • “There are perils greater than wild beasts.” – Prof. Hardy [07:10]
    “Renegades and outlaws. This country is ideally suited for men who are in hiding.” [07:14]
• A Discovery of Bats: Professor Hardy notices an enormous swarm of bats, indicating a large cave, and decides to investigate at sunset.

3. Lone Ranger’s Recovery and Lawmen’s Dilemma (09:07–13:43)

• Setting & Stakes: The Lone Ranger is healing from a grave wound at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch. Tonto and Thunder Martin discuss recovery as the sheriff arrives, shaken by the outlaws’ escape.
  • “Slade and Blink? Well, Sheriff, you were warned about those slick critters!” – Thunder Martin [10:33]
• Exposing the Outlaws’ Skills: The sheriff details the methodical way supplies, horses, and a mule are stolen, hinting at premeditated cave hiding—candles and twine are acquired to survive in darkness.
• Trail Ruse: Suspicion arises that the criminals looped south to mislead, then doubled back into the mountain caves north of town.
  • “Them steal candles, steal string. That means them plan to hide in plenty big caves.” – Tonto [14:06]

4. The Search into the Badlands and a Shooting Mishap (14:47–21:07)

• Posse Assembles: Sheriff, two deputies, Tonto, and Thunder spread out over rugged terrain, searching for tracks.
• Marion’s Panic: As Tonto approaches the archaeologists’ tent, Marion, on edge after her father's disappearance, impulsively fires and grazes Tonto’s head, thinking him a threat.
  • “I didn’t mean to kill you. If you’re dead, I…Heart’s beating. Oh, thank heaven.” – Marion [20:02]
• Tonto is only mildly wounded; the misunderstanding quickly resolves.

5. Rescue Mission: Tracking and Cave Exploration (21:07–29:47)

• Joining Forces for the Search: Marion insists on joining the posse to find her missing father. She recognizes the bats’ cave as his likely destination.
  • “My father saw them last evening. That’s why he came here.” – Marion [23:07]
• Tracking the Outlaws: Tonto’s keen eye identifies multiple horse and mule tracks entering the cave—signs that Slade, Blink, and potentially their father are inside.
  • “Three, four horse. Or maybe three horse and one mule. Mule. Three horses go in cave and none come out.” – Tonto [24:01]
• Danger in the Cave: Tonto and Thunder Martin follow string left as a lifeline. Inside, they discover Professor Hardy held captive by the outlaws, who are using the string and a bell system to detect intruders.
  • “Let ‘em starve. That rat it. Hardy. Why’d you come here in the first place?” – Blink [25:59]
• Hostage Standoff: The outlaws threaten Hardy’s life to force surrender from searchers.
  • “Listen to me, both of you. Come in here with your hands up or we’ll kill Hardy. And I’m not fooling.” – Slade [28:10]
• Turning the Tables: At a critical moment, Tonto and Thunder act quickly—disarming and subduing Slade and Blink in the darkness.
  • “I’ll kill him with my bare hands!” – Tonto [30:11]
    “Well, sleep tight you coyote conduit.” – Thunder Martin [30:22]

6. Resolution & Aftermath (30:52–31:11)

• Justice Restored: Slade and Blink are returned to jail, with Professor Hardy and Marion safe.
• Epilogue with the Lone Ranger: Tonto recounts the tale to the recuperating Lone Ranger, who is pleased with the outcome and hopeful to ride again soon.
  • “So now crooks back in jail. Nem not escape again. Professor and girl spend 23 day in town then go back explore big cave.” – Tonto [31:00]
  • The Lone Ranger, smiling: “Me glad you think me do all right. Me hope real soon we write again together.” [31:14]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Escaping the Law:
  “They picked more than the jail lock. They picked the lock in every livery stable and took out their horses and pack mule…” – Sheriff [11:41]
• On the West’s Dangers:
  “There are perils greater than wild beasts… Renegades and outlaws. This country is ideally suited for men who are in hiding.” – Professor Hardy [07:14]
• On a Close Call:
  “I didn’t mean to kill you… Heart’s beating. Oh, thank heaven.” – Marion Hardy after mistakenly shooting Tonto [20:02]
• Tight Spot in the Cave:
  “Listen to me, both of you. Come in here with your hands up or we’ll kill Hardy. And I’m not fooling.” – Slade [28:10]
• Classic Western Justice:
  “Well, sleep tight you coyote conduit.” – Thunder Martin after knocking out Blink [30:22]
• A Gentle Hopeful Close:
  “Me glad you think me do all right. Me hope real soon we write again together.” – Tonto, to the Lone Ranger [31:14]

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Important Timestamps

• [04:08] – Lone Ranger set up, Outlaws plotting the jailbreak.
• [07:10] – Professor Hardy explains why the West is dangerous.
• [10:33] – Sheriff and Thunder Martin discuss the outlaws' skills.
• [14:06] – Tonto deduces the real escape route.
• [20:02] – Marion realizes Tonto is alive after shooting at him.
• [23:00] – Marion spots bats, providing a clue to her father’s location.
• [24:01] – Tonto identifies tracks leading into the cave.
• [28:10] – Outlaws threaten the hostage’s life.
• [30:22] – Thunder Martin’s triumphant moment subduing the outlaw.
• [31:00–31:14] – Tonto recounts the resolution to the Lone Ranger.

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Tone and Style

The episode features the atmospheric grandeur of classic Western radio, with rich soundscapes, earnest pacing, and straightforward, hearty dialogue. Tonto’s blunt wisdom, Thunder’s bravado, Marion’s mix of courage and vulnerability, and the outlaws’ cunning all come through in lively vintage radio fashion.

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Summary

“The End of the Line” delivers a suspenseful, character-driven adventure. With danger lurking in mountain caves, the courage of lawmen and citizens is tested. The resourcefulness of Tonto and Thunder, the heart of Marion, and the sense of triumph as order is restored embody the spirit of the Lone Ranger’s legacy: justice, teamwork, and enduring hope for the Wild West.

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Transcript

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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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hios Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

Sam.

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[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 hoof beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Red Slade and Blink Matson had been pretending to sleep in their prison cell for several hours. It was long after midnight and the town was quiet when Slade silently rose, moved to the other bunk and spoke In a low voice.

[Tonto]

Blink. I'm awake and waiting. Think it's safe to start work on the lock? Safe as it'll ever be. Get that steel rod out of the seam in your trousers. I did that hours ago. What about the tools in the lining of your boot? Here they are. Good. That fool Share thought he searched it. You never suspected that? Tools for picking locks are mighty small and easy to hide. I'll get to work.

[Narrator]

Blink reached through the bars of the cell door and with the skill of an expert, went to work on the lock with small, cleverly designed tools of highly tempered steel. Presently there was a faint click.

[Tonto]

I got it. I'll open the door slow. Good work. The outside door will be a cinch. What about the guard? It's still in the same place. I climbed up in my bunk and made sure he's sitting beneath the cell window to make sure no one tosses anything into us. Probably half asleep. It'll be easy to sneak up on him. We'll tie and gag him, then get the things we need and clear out.

[Narrator]

Morning. Found the prisoners gone and the sheriff beside himself with rage. The manhunt was organized and continued all day. Professor Hardy, an archaeologist, and his daughter Marion were interested in the caves that honeycomb the mountains at sunset. They made camp north of town.

[Marion Hardy]

There, dad, the tent's pegged down and I'll have supper ready in a few minutes.

[Tonto]

Splendid, my dear, splendid.

[Marion Hardy]

You know, sooner or later you'll have to admit that I'm an efficient camper.

[Tonto]

Marian, I had no doubt of your efficiency.

[Marion Hardy]

Well, then why did it take you so long to decide that I might come with you on this expedition?

[Tonto]

Because of the danger. Danger?

[Marion Hardy]

Oh, dad, we've seen nothing worse than a mountain lion. And I killed that with the first shot.

[Tonto]

There are perils greater than wild beasts.

[Marion Hardy]

What are they?

[Tonto]

Renegades and outlaws. This country is ideally suited for men who are in hiding. There's an ample supply of fish and game and the many caves.

[Marion Hardy]

What is it, Dad?

[Tonto]

I declare.

[Marion Hardy]

What do you see?

[Tonto]

Many creatures flying over that hill. Hand me the binoculars.

[Marion Hardy]

Here. What are those?

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Birds?

[Tonto]

They're. They're not birds. They're bats. Bats? Thousands of them. This is the time of day when they come out of the caves. Marian. There must be a big cave just beyond the crest of that hill. I must go there at once.

[Marion Hardy]

But Now?

[Tonto]

Yes. Lucky I hadn't unsaddled my horse.

[Marion Hardy]

Why not wait until morning?

[Tonto]

In the morning I might be unable to find the cave. Steady. There. Some of the most interesting caves would never have been discovered if bats had not been seen at sunset coming from a crevice in a rocky wall. Very well.

[Marion Hardy]

I'll be ready in a moment.

[Tonto]

No, no, you stay here. Marian, keep the campfire going. I may need a beacon on my return trip.

[Marion Hardy]

All right, dad.

[Tonto]

Marion, remember this. If someone comes near the camp, take no chances. Killers and renegades take refuge in these mountains. Steady now. Get up there.

[Narrator]

After the professor was out of sight, the slender girl drew her pistol from the holster and made sure that it was fully loaded. Then she gathered a supply of firewood and prepared to wait. Between the lonely camp in the mountains and the town from which Slade and Blink had fled, there was a ranch owned by Clarabelle Hornblow. It was here that the Lone Ranger lay recovering from a wound. Clarabelle had left the ranch about an hour after supper to spend the evening with neighbors Thunder Martin, the top hand, took advantage of the opportunity to make himself a pot of coffee. He and Toto were seated at the kitchen table. The Lone Ranger was in a small adjoining bedroom.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

You know, Toto, this is the first cup of coffee I've really enjoyed since the Lone Ranger came here wounded. You know, it's a mighty big relief to know he's out of danger.

[Tonto]

That's right. Me plenty glad. Plenty.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

I heard a horse stopping out by Clarabelle. Can't be back soon.

[Tonto]

Clarabelle not rapping door.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Who's there?

[Tonto]

The sheriff.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Wonder what he wants. Come in.

[Tonto]

I saw that the kitchen was lighted, so I came to the back door. Coffee smells good.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Are you here friendly?

[Tonto]

Yes, of course I am.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, then sit right down. Chair. Saddam has some coffee. Here, use this cup. I got it out for Tonto, but he didn't want coffee.

[Tonto]

Thanks.

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Thanks. I'll pour it for you.

[Tonto]

How's your friend getting along? Tonto? Lone Ranger better soon. Him ready to ride. How soon? Maybe four, five day. Oh, I sort of hoped it'd be sooner.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Sheriff. The Lone Ranger was a mighty sick man. His wound was infected and he had a roaring fever.

[Tonto]

Yeah, I know.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

For a about a week it was nip and tuck. We thought he was gonna die.

[Tonto]

Sheriff, you need help with a Lone Ranger? I sure do. You see, Red Slade and Blink Madsen have escaped from jail.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Slade and Blink? Well, Sheriff, you were warned about those slick critters Thunder.

[Tonto]

Me not know about them.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

You never heard of Red Slade and Blink Matson Tunnel?

[Tonto]

No.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, let me tell you. They're the smartest, slickest crooks that ever drew a dishonest Brad. Why, they've been robbing and stealing and swindling people for the past five years.

[Tonto]

Them killers?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, I don't know about that.

[Tonto]

As far as we know, Tono, they've never committed murder. They depend on trickery rather than violence.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

How'd they get out of jail?

[Tonto]

I'll tell what I know. Federal lawman brought Slade and Blink to my office. Asked me to lock him up until arrangements could be made to take him to Austin, where they were to stand trial for mail robbery.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Yeah, I know that part, Sheriff.

[Tonto]

I'm telling Tarto. Oh, I was warned that those crooks were plenty smart.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Likewise. You were told that they were expert at picking locks and cracking safes.

[Tonto]

Do you want to tell it?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Oh, no, no, Sheriff, go ahead. I don't know what happened after you.

[Tonto]

Jailed him this morning. We found the jail turnkey handcuffed to the chair in his office and gagged with his own bandana. The cell door was unlocked and wide open. And Blink and Slade were gone. Yeah.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Everyone knew they were expert at picking locks.

[Tonto]

They picked more than the J lock. They picked the lock in every livery stable and took out their horses and pack mule left there by a prospector. Then they went to Pete's General Store. Them open lock and store? Yes. They picked the lock on the back door and stole a lot of supplies, they said.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Are you sure Blink and Slade are the ones who stole the mule and robbed the store?

[Tonto]

It's a logical deduction. The tracks of the mule were with the tracks of the horses in the dirt behind the store. They needed the mule to carry all their supplies. Now what them steal from stores? Just about what you'd expect by men who are going into hiding. Guns, ammunition, canned food, flour, salt, bacon. Pete says he took a case of candles. Candles? Yep, A whole case of them. They stole three big balls of twine.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Twine? You mean regular string?

[Tonto]

Yes. Plain white string. String Pete uses to tie up parcels. They took all he had on hand. The crooks take anything else? Pete doesn't know.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Did you try following the tracks of the horses and that mule?

[Tonto]

Of course. I've been at it all day with a couple of deputies. Which way tracks go? They went south from town. Plenty strange. Why? Open plain south from town, they're no place to hide. North from town, they're plenty mountain. Plenty good place to hide. Well, those tracks headed south as far as we could follow them. We finally lost them on hard ground. Couldn't find them again. Oh.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Where you going?

[Tonto]

Todo Go to bedroom, talk to Lone Ranger. Thunder, Are you sure the Lone Ranger's too Weak to ride?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

It's out of the question.

[Tonto]

Sheriff, I hoped he and Todo could help track down those crooks.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

How far could you follow the tracks?

[Tonto]

A couple of miles. We lost them half an hour after leaving town. We spend most of the day beating around hoping to pick up the trail again. Doggone it, Thunder, I'm in real trouble. I lose my job if those crooks aren't brought back.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, how in tarnation could they pick a jail lock? They must have had tools or some guy.

[Tonto]

I don't know where they got them. We searched them real careful, and I know nothing will smuggle into them. Oh, wait.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

How's our friend Dotto?

[Tonto]

Him? Fine. Is there any chance that he'll be able to ride? Me tell him about robbery? Yeah. And him say me go with you go.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, go too. By Juniper, Sheriff, with Tonto with a cut sign. We'll run down those ornery bullcatch.

[Tonto]

No use to look for trail in dark. We start at daybreak. Whatever you say, Tonto. We search mountains north of town, but the crook's headed south. Them steal candles, steal string. That means them plan to hide in plenty big caves.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

That's right.

[Tonto]

No cave south of town and plenty cave north in mountains. Then you think they headed south to mislead us. Then circle around town and headed for the mountains. All right, Todo, what you say goes. We'll search the mountains, but it'll be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

[Narrator]

Early the next morning, the sheriff brought his wife to the ranch to aid in caring for the lone ranger. Two deputies also accompanied him to assist in the manhunt. Toto and Thunder Martin were ready. They rode into the hills with the lawman. The five men rode together for several miles, and then the sheriff signaled a halt.

[Tonto]

Boys, I've been talking to Toto. Beyond this point, there's a lot of caves. You said Blink and Slade would probably hide in the cave. That's right. We're likely to find the tracks of their horses almost anywhere. Also the tracks of that pack mule. Yes. Now, we'll cover more ground if we spread out. Anyone who finds the tracks is a signal by firing a shot. The rest of us will go there. That clear? And let's go. Get up. Get him up.

[Narrator]

When the men spread out, Tatl guided Scout up a rugged rocky slope to the crest of a hill. As he started down the other side, he saw a slender column of smoke rising from beyond a cluster of boulders. As he advanced, he saw a small tent, the flap of which was closed he didn't suspect that a panic stricken girl who held a gun was watching through a slit from inside the tent. Suddenly, a bullet streaked from the tent. Tato spun to one side and fell to. 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.

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[Marion Hardy]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Marion Hardy remembered her father's warning that dangerous renegades might be met in the mountain badlands. She fired impulsively and was horrified when Toto fell. She had not meant to kill. The girl was dazed and frightened as she came from the tent. Still gripping the gun, she moved to the side of the man who lay on his back. Toto's face was good, not evil. Marian was suddenly overwhelmed by remorse. She dropped the gun, knelt beside the Indian and felt for a heartbeat.

[Marion Hardy]

I didn't mean to kill you. If you're dead, I. Hearts beating. Oh, thank heaven.

[Narrator]

The girl gave her attention to a wound high on the side of Tonto's head. She was too absorbed to be aware of approaching horsemen until she heard.

[Tonto]

It's Tano.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

What happened to him?

[Tonto]

Where'd you come from?

[Marion Hardy]

My father and I, we were.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

No, he's alive.

[Marion Hardy]

I didn't mean to shoot him.

[Tonto]

So you shot him? Yes, sir.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Hey, Terry, bring me my canteen and keep an eye on the girl.

[Tonto]

Right.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Now this looks like nothing more than a scaboon.

[Tonto]

Hey, Thunder, you want me to pour water on a bandana?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Marion Hardy]

You're wearing a badge. Are you the sheriff?

[Tonto]

I'm a deputy, ma'. Am. Oh, that's the sheriff coming over the hill now. The deputies with him. Here you are, Thunder.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Thank you.

[Marion Hardy]

Is there anything I might do to you?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

You've done enough. You just stand back until we get around to asking why you shot Tottle.

[Narrator]

Tottle regained consciousness soon after the arrival of the sheriff and the second deputy. The bullet had grazed his head and stunned him, but the wound was slight. The sheriff introduced himself and the others and told about the manhunt. Then Marion Hardy told her story.

[Marion Hardy]

So, after my father left here last night at sunset, I kept the fire burning. I kept it burning all night and all of today. But my father hasn't returned.

[Tonto]

And you haven't had any sleep.

[Marion Hardy]

No, I've just been waiting and watching.

[Tonto]

Ms. Hardy, your father's a mighty important man. It's more important to find him than it is to find those outlaws.

[Marion Hardy]

You look for him.

[Tonto]

Yes.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

I'll go with you now, miss. You've been a long time without rest. Maybe it'd be better if you stayed here.

[Marion Hardy]

No, no, Mr. Martin.

[Tonto]

She might as well go.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, if you say so.

[Tonto]

It'll save leaving someone here.

[Narrator]

Marian rode with Thunder Marten, Tahoe and the three lawmen in the direction her father had taken. The party rode over the crest of a mountain and into the most rugged valley imaginable. There were countless boulders, many of them larger than a two story house. In many places, the valley's sides were cliffs of rock.

[Tonto]

Those cliffs, that must be a crevice every 10 or 15ft. Yeah. Any one of those crevices might be the entrance to a tunnel. It'll take a year Sundays to investigate them all. Never mind the crevices. Just watch the ground for hoof marks. Get up There.

[Narrator]

The immensity of the valley became more and more apparent as the afternoon waned. Finally, the sheriff signaled a halt.

[Tonto]

Boys, it's just about sunset. We're not going to be able to cover much more ground before dark.

[Marion Hardy]

Sheriff, you're not going to quit?

[Tonto]

No, Ms. Hardy, we're not going to quit. We better look for a place to camp for the night.

[Marion Hardy]

Look.

[Tonto]

What do you see, Miss? Bats.

[Marion Hardy]

Over there where I'm pointing.

[Kerrygold Butter Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Tonto]

For sakes alive, must be thousands of them.

[Marion Hardy]

My father saw them last evening. That's why he came here.

[Tonto]

Them come from caves?

[Marion Hardy]

Yes, that's what dad said. He came here to look for the cave of the bats.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, then that's where we want to go. Get up there.

[Tonto]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

Toto and Thunder led the way, guiding their horses around some of the massive boulders and between others until they came within view of a section of rocky wall above which bats were flying. Straight ahead, they saw an opening in the wall and there were hoof marks leading into the opening.

[Tonto]

Hold your horses back. Don't get too close. Don't spoil those hoofprints.

[Marion Hardy]

That must be the entrance to the cave where Father went.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Here, I'll help you down, miss.

[Marion Hardy]

Thank you.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Now, steady. What about those goof marks, Donald?

[Tonto]

They're more than one horse.

[Marion Hardy]

More than one horse?

[Tonto]

Three, four horse. Or maybe three horse and one mule. A mule. Let me look. Steady, boy. I'll know the tracks for the mule. That Slade and Blinkstone.

[Marion Hardy]

Who?

[Tonto]

He means the outlaws we were hunting. Those look like the tracks. There they are. I'd know the mule tracks anywhere. Two new shoes, two old ones. Mule. Three horses go in cave and none come out. Oh, you.

[Marion Hardy]

You mean those outlaws are in there?

[Tonto]

That's right. Unless there's another way out.

[Marion Hardy]

My father.

[Tonto]

Someone ride in after outlaws. Me go inside. Just a minute, Tato, Slade and Blinker inside. They're liable to indeed not all go. Someone stay with girl. It better. Lawman stay here.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

That's good. Sandstono, I'll go inside with you. If those poor cats are hiding there, we'll find them. What'd you find?

[Tonto]

There's string tied here just inside. Opening it go back into cave.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Then we'll follow the string.

[Tonto]

Just a minute. This is a job for the law, Sheriff. This job for Indian.

[Narrator]

After a discussion, the sheriff was persuaded to remain with Marion while Toto and Thunder entered the cave to follow the string.

[Tonto]

If you're not back in half an hour, I'll send the deputies to see what happens. Not good. You ready, Thunder?

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Let's go.

[Narrator]

Beyond the entrance, the cave was wider. Toto and Thunder Martin moved silently through the darkness in single file, each keeping one hand on the guiding string. They made countless turns and without knowing it, passed many devious branching tunnels. Far ahead of the two men, the string ended in a high ceiling chamber. The string was tied to a rock and suspended from the string was a bell. Professor Hardy lay on the stone floor. His hands and feet were tied and his face looked gaunt in the light of a single candle. Blink and Slade were at his side.

[Tonto]

Now listen, Hardy, you might as well eat. I refuse to eat while I'm held captive. Then you'll starve to death. We're staying here for at least a week, maybe longer. We're gonna wait until we think the search for us is called off. We got nothing against you, Hardy. Just as we told you, we gotta hide out for spell. When we're ready to leave, we'll let you go. I doubt that. Sure we will. You're not going to gain anything by starving to death. Don't coax him to eat. Let him starve. That rat it. Hardy. Why'd you come here in the first place? You read my credentials. Exploring cave. Blink the signal. Someone else is feeling his way along the string. Watch Hardy. In here. Don't let him yell. I got my hand on his mouth. Get a gang. It's faster than I knock him out. That did it. I'll blow out the candles. Wait till I get the dark lantern lighted. Or make it fast. There's plenty of time. Meantime, that cowbell jangles long before anyone gets near enough to see any light from this room. Thanks to all the twists and turns, the lighter's lighting. Now blow out the candle. Now disconnect that cow belt so it doesn't warn the critter who's coming this way. Right. And stay close to Hardy. If you think he's coming to give him another rap with your gun barrel.

[Narrator]

In dark darkness, the men held guns and Slade had one hand on the dark lantern ready to open the shutter and send a beam of light stabbing into the tunnel through which Toto and Thunder were making their way. The Indian and his companion knew that the outlaws were somewhere ahead. Suddenly, a blinding light filled the tunnel.

[Tonto]

Thunder.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

What's this?

[Tonto]

There they are. I know. The pals are the lone rang.

[Narrator]

Just as the shots were fired, Toto and Thunder leaped back and around a bend.

[Marion Hardy]

Miss this.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

You pole cats. We're calling on you to surrender.

[Tonto]

Come and get us. We not have to do that. We break string and you Never find.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Way out of cave.

[Tonto]

Maybe you don't know that we're holding a mighty important man. His name is Hardy. Professor Hardy.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

That's what we were afraid of, Donna.

[Tonto]

A lone ranger wouldn't want you to let a man like Hardy die.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Now, Woody, maybe we should rush him, huh?

[Tonto]

Listen to me, both of you. Come in here with your hands up or we'll kill Hardy. And I'm not fooling. You kill man, you hang. We'll take that chance, Thunder. We take big chance.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Whatever you say.

[Tonto]

Don't try to sneak away. You're not in the beam of this light with your hands up. In three seconds, you'll hear a shot fired drew Hardy's head. We do what you say and step in of you.

[Narrator]

Thunder and Tonto half expected to be shot as soon as they appeared in the beam of the lantern. But instead of gunfire, they heard Slade.

[Tonto]

Say, now stand still. Keep one hand high while you unbuckle your gun belts and let them drop to the floor.

[Narrator]

There was no choice but to obey.

[Tonto]

That's it. Now walk straight toward this lantern.

[Narrator]

Tottle and Thunder moved ahead until they were within the chamber. With the lantern's beam no longer directly in their eyes, they could see Slade and Blink, the unconscious professor and the horses.

[Tonto]

You showed good judgment in surrendering.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

What's your next move, Slade?

[Tonto]

I'll keep you both covered while Blink ties you. Then we'll ask questions. I want to know how you found this place and who else knows about it. I'll light the candle so we can see better. Good. And before you get the ropes, you'd better hook the cowbell back on the street so we'll have warning of other snoopers come this way.

[Narrator]

Tonto felt as if a blow had fallen. He had hoped to stall for time until the sheriff's deputies arrived. But now he knew that the bell would give warning. The deputies too would be trapped.

[Tonto]

Don't move the candle. It's good enough where it is. Hang the bell and tie these two facing the wall.

[Narrator]

Tonto realized that he and Thunder had to act. He tensed and waited until he knew that Blink was occupied.

[Tonto]

No, Adam. My enemy.

[Narrator]

When Toto threw himself backward at Slade, the gun exploded close to his ear, but the shot was wild. Flink dropped the bell to charge, but Thunder was turning to meet him. Tonto jabbed Slade in the stomach, then chopped at his gun hand.

[Tonto]

I'll kill him with my bare hand. You try. Try this. Blink.

[Narrator]

Blink bent forward from a blow to the stomach. As his chin came down. Thunder, Martin's fist came up to meet him.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Well, sleep tight you coyote conduit. Oh, you've been taken care of Slade, huh?

[Tonto]

Him through with fight. Now we tie crooks, then see why Hardy sleep.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

Then let's get out of here with Hardy and the crooks.

[Narrator]

Sunrise found Tonto at the bedside of his wounded friend. The Lone Ranger was awake and listening with interest to every word of the adventure.

[Tonto]

So now crook's back in jail. Nem not escape again. Professor and girl spend 23 day in town then go back explore big cave.

[Narrator]

The masked man smiled and nodded approval.

[Tonto]

Me glad you think me do all right. Me hope real soon we write again together.

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[UnitedHealthcare Narrator]

Kishana wanted to pay homage to her son. I lost my son to cancer when he was just 14 years old and I came to UnitedHealthcare to make a difference. She instantly made an impact on others. Anything that I could do to honor him, I understood. I was once that person on the other side. Through her work she's been able to turn her pain into purpose. I to it for my boy. He gave me so much. Hear more stories like Hishanna'[e-mail].

[Tonto]

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 Fred Flowerday. 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. 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.

[Marion Hardy]

Foreign.

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[SpinQuest Announcer]

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[UnitedHealthcare Narrator]

Heather is a nurse practitioner from UnitedHealthcare.

[Narrator]

We meet patients wherever they live.

[UnitedHealthcare Narrator]

During a house call, she found Jack had an issue.

[Kerrygold Butter Advertiser]

Jack's blood pressure was dangerously high.

[SpinQuest Announcer]

It was 217 over 110.

[UnitedHealthcare Narrator]

So they got Jack to the hospital and got him the help he needed.

[Narrator]

He had had a stent placed in his heart preventing a massive heart attack.

[Tonto]

If it wasn't for my guardian angel, I wouldn't be here.

[UnitedHealthcare Narrator]

Hear more stories like Jack's at unitedhealthcare.com benefits, features and or devices vary by plant area limitation and exclusions apply.

[Kerrygold Butter Advertiser]

This holiday season, reach for the one butter that never disappoints. Kerrygold. Made with milk from grass fed cows on Irish family farms, it's rich, creamy and perfect for baking. Whether browning butter for cookies or crafting the flakiest pie crust, Kerrygold's high butterfat content makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Holiday treats will taste extraordinary.