The Faceless Bandit | The Lone Ranger (04-07-50)

Summary

Episode Summary: "The Faceless Bandit | The Lone Ranger (04-07-50)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode Title: The Faceless Bandit | The Lone Ranger (04-07-50)
• Release Date: January 17, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of The Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a classic Lone Ranger adventure. The episode, titled "The Faceless Bandit," breathes new life into timeless tales of the Wild West through meticulously restored audio. Listeners are immersed in the intense pursuit of justice led by the iconic Lone Ranger, his faithful horse Silver, the silent companion Toto, and the brave nephew, Dan Reed.

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Setting the Scene: The Threat of the Faceless Bandit

The episode opens with the narrator vividly describing the Lone Ranger and Silver's relentless fight for law and order in the untamed western United States.

[00:49] Narrator: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O. Silver, the Lone Ranger...the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains."

The tranquility of Rimstone is shattered by the menacing presence of the Faceless Bandit, an outlaw leader whose identity remains concealed beneath a black stocking hood, rendering his face entirely unrecognizable.

[03:18] Narrator: "The Faceless Bandit...his head and features were completely covered by a black stocking...held up a stage carrying a payroll from the Rimstone bank."

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The Outlaws' Reign of Terror

The Faceless Bandit's gang unleashes a series of robberies, targetting ranchers, bank shipments, and trains laden with valuables. The community of Rimstone lives under the shadow of fear as the outlaws execute their daring heists with precision and impunity.

[03:55] Sheriff: "Get up here. Get up."

Amidst these crimes, Sheriff struggles to maintain order, grappling with the intelligent and elusive nature of the Faceless Bandit.

[08:14] Dave Gridley: "Well, maybe you could try to figure out who's out of town about the time the hold-ups take place."

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Arrival of the Lone Ranger and Allies

Responding to the growing threat, the Lone Ranger, accompanied by Toto and his nephew Dan Reed, rides into Rimstone to investigate the Faceless Bandit's activities. Their keen investigative skills and unwavering commitment to justice set the stage for a showdown.

[05:56] Dan Reed: "We'll make camp as soon as we get a little closer to Rimstone, Totto."

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Gathering Clues: The Glittering Dust

As the Lone Ranger and his team delve deeper into the mystery, Dan Reed observes a crucial detail that could unravel the Faceless Bandit's identity—the presence of glittering dust on the outlaws' boots.

[14:06] Dan Reed: "I noticed there was a fine dust sort of glittered in the sunlight like gold does."

This observation becomes the linchpin in identifying the gang members, particularly pointing towards individuals within Rimstone itself.

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Tensions in Rimstone: Suspicions Arise

Back in Rimstone, the community's frustration peaks as key figures like Dave Gridley and Will Gorman confront Sheriff about the rising insecurity.

[07:51] Dave Gridley: "Seems to me, Sheriff, you should have been able to pick up the trail of that faceless bandit and his gang by now."

Their suspicions create an atmosphere of distrust, complicating the Sheriff's efforts to identify and capture the outlaws.

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The Confrontation: Unmasking the Faceless Bandit

The episode builds to a climactic confrontation when the Lone Ranger and his allies corner the Faceless Bandit's gang. Utilizing the clue of the glittering dust, they methodically expose the true identities of the outlaws.

[20:14] Dan Reed: "I can explain my mask, Sheriff. As a matter of fact, in regard to the gang, I am in no."

In a display of strategic prowess, the Lone Ranger disarms the Sheriff and his posse, leveraging the situation to facilitate the capture of the misled townsmen.

[21:18] Dave Gridley: "Gun to scallion, somebody."

The revelation culminates when it's uncovered that prominent townspeople, including Gorman and Gridley, were inadvertently aiding the Faceless Bandit by harboring stolen goods, thus tying the local community directly into the gang's schemes.

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Resolution: Justice Restored

With the evidence of the glittering dust leading back to the gang's hideout—a cave filled with fool's gold—the Sheriff realizes the depth of the betrayal within Rimstone. The Lone Ranger's intervention ensures that justice is served, with the outlaws apprehended and the Sheriff's trust restored.

[26:55] Dan Reed: "That must be the gang's hideout. Then it explains the glittering dust on Gorman's boots."

In the aftermath, Sheriff acknowledges the Lone Ranger's pivotal role in resolving the crisis, hinting at a newfound respect and the cessation of hostilities.

[27:03] Sheriff: "We'll stick Gorman, the Faceless Bandit, into jail. Then I'll take a big posse and grab the others without much trouble."

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Conclusion

"The Faceless Bandit" episode masterfully captures the essence of classic Western tales, blending action, mystery, and moral clarity. Through sharp dialogue, strategic plot developments, and the timeless heroism of the Lone Ranger, listeners are treated to an engaging narrative that underscores themes of justice, community, and vigilance. The episode not only entertains but also reinforces the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger as a symbol of righteousness in the Wild West.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [08:14] Dave Gridley: "Well, maybe you could try to figure out who's out of town about the time the hold-ups take place."

• [14:20] Toto: "What do you think of Kimasabe?"

• [20:23] Dave Gridley: "Watch out, sheriff. Get him from the side so he can't grab you."

• [26:16] Sheriff: "And you're the brave lad the pioneer told about one who went to trail them. Outlaws?"

• [27:28] Sheriff: "Fill them three sure faces down the Faceless Bandit, eh, boys?"

These quotes highlight pivotal moments in the episode, showcasing character dynamics and turning points in the narrative.

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Final Thoughts

Andrew Rhynes successfully resurrects a classic Lone Ranger story, enhanced by superior digital restoration that enriches every nuanced sound—from the creak of a saloon door to the thunderous gallop of Silver. "The Faceless Bandit" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio Westerns, offering both nostalgia and fresh engagement for modern listeners.

Transcript

[Toto]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Sheriff]

Lone. Silver. Let go, big fellow. Are you still there?

[Narrator]

The territory surrounding the town of Brimstone had for some time been terrorized by an outlaw gang led by a man who had become known as the Faceless Bandit. This name had been given the outlaw leader because his head and features were completely covered by a black skin. Tight covering, seemingly improvised from a black cotton stocking in which two slits were cut for his eyes. The first appearance of the Faceless Bandit and the gang was when they held up a stage carrying a payroll from the Rimstone bank to a mining settlement several miles away.

[Sheriff]

Holy smoke. Outlaws.

[Toto]

Use your whip.

[Sheriff]

I'm guarding his payroll.

[Dave Gridley]

We won't give up without a fight.

[Sheriff]

Get up here. Get up.

[Will Gorman]

Ours.

[Sheriff]

Come on. Here.

[Narrator]

I'll give him some lead.

[Dave Gridley]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Get up.

[Sheriff]

Come on. They're gaining on us. Keep going. I'll pick them up. Oh. Oh. They got the gun. I got to stop. Oh, boy.

[Dave Gridley]

I reach you and don't move.

[Sheriff]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

All right, man.

[Dave Gridley]

You know what the boss is pointing for. Get up there and get that payroll out of the strong.

[Narrator]

A short time later, the gang headed by the Faceless Bandit held up the Rimstone Express office just after nightfall.

[Sheriff]

What the.

[Dave Gridley]

Hold up Mr. Edombre. Next year. His head and face all black.

[Will Gorman]

He's faceless.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, sure.

[Dave Gridley]

And he's pointing at the safe. That means he wants you to open that prana. Oh, no, I can't.

[Dan Reed]

Here. Here. All right.

[Dave Gridley]

The boss is going to make him.

[Dan Reed]

Hurry.

[Dave Gridley]

James, you better make it quick, or.

[Dan Reed]

The boss will play Here.

[Dave Gridley]

Wait. I'm hurrying. Now get busy, fellas. Empty that safe. Prano, the armor you call Voss just signals with his hands. He don't talk.

[Sheriff]

Shut up.

[Dave Gridley]

Voss is waiting for us to clear out fast.

[Sheriff]

Come on.

[Toto]

This way.

[Narrator]

And so it went. Ranchers who drew Large sums from the bank in town were waylaid and robbed. A train that had left remaining with a gold shipment was robbed some miles away. When it stopped at a water tower to take on water. A herd of prize horses disappeared. Soon after they arrived at a large spread outside of Rimstone. And always came the same report. It was the Faceless Bandit and his gang who did them. News of the gang had spread throughout the Southwest. And had reached the ears of the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion, Toto. Early one afternoon they rode the trail through the hills a few miles from Rimstone. Accompanied by the Lone Ranger's nephew, Dan Reed. The masked man was saying, we'll make.

[Dan Reed]

Camp as soon as we get a little closer to Rimstone, Totto. Then we'll see what we can find out about the so called Faceless Bandit in these gangs.

[Faceless Bandit]

Golly, how can anyone be faceless? Do you think he really hasn't got a.

[Dan Reed]

No, Dan, from what I've heard. I understand the gang leader wears what seems to be part of a black stocking pulled tightly over his head and face that right.

[Toto]

And them say him never wear hat and have small holes in face covering to see through. Them say him never speak in direct gang by signals with hands.

[Dan Reed]

Yes, I know. Because of that Toto, I'm almost convinced it's someone who's well known in Rimstone.

[Toto]

You mean him not talking because him prayed? Someone no voice Kimasabi.

[Dan Reed]

That's right.

[Faceless Bandit]

But what about the rest of the gang? If they're around town, someone might recognize one of them.

[Dan Reed]

That's true, but I feel sure they aren't in town. The leader could go to meet them at some hideout whenever he has a job he wants done.

[Toto]

That right?

[Dan Reed]

From what I've heard, they go after shipments or people who are known to have something valuable. But always after they leave Rimstone.

[Toto]

And that's what me here.

[Dan Reed]

I'd say that means there's a person in town who's in a position to know when someone's taking something of value out of Rimstone.

[Faceless Bandit]

Gosh, I wonder why the sheriff in Rimstone hasn't thought of that.

[Dan Reed]

Maybe he has, Dan. But there are two or three hundred people in that town.

[Faceless Bandit]

I didn't think of that.

[Dan Reed]

After we pitch camp, we'll make plans for getting a line on that gang. All right, let's move a little faster now. Come on, Silver.

[Sheriff]

Come up, Scout Victoria.

[Narrator]

Meantime, in Rimstone, several men stood in a group around the sheriff. While two of them, Will Gorman, the banker, and Dave Gridley, the cafe owner, took Turns prodding the lawman with sharp words about his lack of success in finding the outlaws.

[Dave Gridley]

Seems to me, Sheriff, you should have been able to pick up the trail of that faceless bandit and his gang by now.

[Banker]

That's right, Sheriff. Getting so everybody around here is getting scared to move out of town with.

[Sheriff]

Anything worth taking head. By thunder, I'm doing the best I can. That hombre everybody's calling the Faceless Bandit is mighty smart. I could suspect most everyone in town and still be wrong.

[Dave Gridley]

Well, maybe you could try to figure out who's out of town about the time the hold ups take place.

[Sheriff]

Well, Gorman, for a banker, you talk like a fool. Folks, you're going in and out of town all day long. In fact, you were out of town the time that gold shipment was stolen from the tree.

[Dave Gridley]

That's right. That's right, I was. I rode over to Stockton on business.

[Banker]

For that matter, I was out of town that day too, remember?

[Sheriff]

That's right, Wheatley.

[Banker]

Rode out to look over a spread I was thinking of buying.

[Dave Gridley]

Well, for that matter, the sheriff himself was out of town on two occasions when that gang struck. That's right.

[Sheriff]

Where'd you hide the stocking hood? Yeah, sir, why don't you. All right, go ahead and make fun all your legs. But it proves my point. You can't say an hombre's a faceless bandit just because he's out of town when things happen somewhere in the territory.

[Will Gorman]

Say, Sheriff, you reckon me and my partner will be safe heading out of here for Pecos in our prairie schooner?

[Sheriff]

Well, if that be dragged looking wagon down in front of the blacksmith shop is a schooner. You mean, mister, it wouldn't get a second look from that outlaw game?

[Will Gorman]

You can't go by. Look, Sheriff, you come a mighty long way in. That wagon left a wagon train 20 miles east of here.

[Sheriff]

Is that you? Why didn't you stay with it too?

[Will Gorman]

My partner and me sold out a good business in St. Louis. We got a nice nest egg of cash. And we want to buy a spread west of the Pecos and stock up with cattle. What's the best route to take from here?

[Sheriff]

Well, head out the main trail at the west end of town about three miles from here. There's your fork in the tree area. You take the one to the right.

[Dave Gridley]

You mean to the left, Char?

[Sheriff]

No, no, it's to the right. No. Oh, you're right, Will. He does take the left. Forward. Thanks a lot.

[Will Gorman]

Reckon we better get started so as to make some distance this afternoon.

[Sheriff]

So long. Shalom.

[Faceless Bandit]

Do you?

[Dan Reed]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

I reckon I better get back to the office.

[Dave Gridley]

I've wasted enough time in here myself.

[Banker]

So have I. I have work to do back at my desk.

[Sheriff]

This. See you all later.

[Dave Gridley]

Bye.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, Toto and Dan found a campsite just off the main trail, a short distance toward town from where the trail divided. Sometime later, the Lone Ranger and Toto left the camp. They rode across the main trail and headed for a distant hill to check the vicinity for a possible gang hideout. A little later, Dan mounted his horse, Victor and rode leisurely out to the main trail. He turned toward town and had gone only a short distance when he saw a weather beaten prairie schooner coming around a bend ahead. One of the men on the driver's seat called out to him.

[Sheriff]

Hey, stay there, son. Hi.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, Victor.

[Dave Gridley]

Ho, ho.

[Narrator]

Hi.

[Sheriff]

Ho, ho. Ho there. Ho, ho, ho.

[Will Gorman]

Sonny, we're supposed to be coming to a split in the trail somewheres along here.

[Faceless Bandit]

Well, that's right, sir. It's just a short distance ahead.

[Will Gorman]

Oh, I wasn't worried about finding it exactly. Oh, what we really want to know is which branch do we take to head for Pecos? I asked in town, but they got me confused by saying first one way and then the other.

[Faceless Bandit]

I'm sure you take the left branch trail, sir.

[Will Gorman]

The left. Now that you mention it, they finally did decide it was left. Don't you like, boy? We'd have been sitting at that fork in the trail scratching our heads in puzzlement trying to guess which way. Great day. Look it coming over that rise off to the side. Several men with bandanas covering their faces.

[Dave Gridley]

Them's outlaws with broad guns.

[Will Gorman]

Jed.

[Faceless Bandit]

Golly. The one in front, he's the Faceless Bandit.

[Will Gorman]

Oh, I heard talk about him.

[Dave Gridley]

Grab your rifle. Freeze. And I r for your rifles. We got you covered. That means you do. But I'll get busy some of you men. Boss is signaling the search away.

[Will Gorman]

Now look at here.

[Dave Gridley]

We're just poor pioneers. We know you got plenty of cash with you. Hurry up, boys.

[Sheriff]

Find that.

[Narrator]

While some of the outlaws were searching the wagon, Dan Reed sat silently on Victor and held his hands high, disregarding the other men. After a quick glance, he studied the leader whose head was entirely encased in the stocking, like covering. Careful training by the Lone Ranger and Totto had taught Dan to take into tails. And the boy quickly made a mental picture of the sinister Faceless bandit and of his horse. Finally, the outlaws came from the back of the wagon with a small canvas bag.

[Sheriff]

Hey, looks like they found it, chief. Good work.

[Dave Gridley]

Fellas now throw your rifles down here, you two.

[Will Gorman]

Now wait a minute, mister. You got our cash, but without rifles.

[Sheriff]

Sure, sure.

[Will Gorman]

There's mine.

[Dave Gridley]

Here's mine too. Grab those rifles.

[Sheriff]

Let's hit living.

[Dave Gridley]

Get away from here.

[Sheriff]

All right, come on.

[Dave Gridley]

Hit leather.

[Sheriff]

All right, let's go.

[Narrator]

They're heading off the trail back over.

[Will Gorman]

That rise where they come from. By thunder. We're turning around and heading for the town to tell the sheriff. Better come along, son.

[Faceless Bandit]

No, you go ahead.

[Sheriff]

I'm gonna try and trail him. Come on, big Pay. Don't be local.

[Dave Gridley]

Come back.

[Narrator]

For a short time, Dan managed to follow the outlaw's trail. Then he came to a wide, shallow creek where he pulled to a stop.

[Dave Gridley]

Oh ho, Victor.

[Faceless Bandit]

Oh, boy, they got a good start on this fella. Click to the water to cover the trail. Best thing to do is go back to camp and wait for the Lone Ranger to Tato. Come on, Victor.

[Narrator]

Dan rode back to the camp and waited impatiently. It was over an hour later when the Lone Ranger and Tottle returned. Dan quickly told them what had happened. The Lone Ranger listened intently, then spoke.

[Dan Reed]

You were wise to come back and wait for us. Dan and I saw what seemed to be a posse from a distance riding up the main trail. I guess the sheriff and his men are trying to trail the gang now.

[Toto]

That's right.

[Faceless Bandit]

I took a good look at the Faceless Bandit. He and the others had ordinary looking Bronx without any special markings on them. But I did notice one thing.

[Dan Reed]

Oh, what was that then?

[Faceless Bandit]

Well, in the crease of his boots where the sole joins the upper part, I noticed there was a fine dust sort of glittered in the sunlight like gold does. I noticed it on some of the others boots too.

[Toto]

What you think of Kimasabe?

[Dan Reed]

I'm thinking that Dan's quick sense of observation may help us spot that outlaw.

[Toto]

How do that.

[Dan Reed]

I'm certain he's someone from Rimstone. If I'm right, that shiny dust Dan noticed on his boots will help us to capture the Faceless Bandit.

[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 now to continue. A short time later, the Lone Ranger with Totto and Dan Reed rained to a halt in a secluded grove of cottonwoods near the edge of town.

[Dan Reed]

I'll wait here. Toto, you and Dan go on into town and look around. It will be dark in another hour or so. If it's necessary for me to go into town, I can go. Then stop drawing attention to my Mask. All right. Better get going.

[Toto]

And if we find boots with shiny dust, we come back quick. Come, Dan. Get him up.

[Narrator]

Dan Reed and Tottle left their horses at the hitch rack in front of the general store. Then they sauntered along the street, eyeing the boots on those who passed and also on those who rode by. Finally, after arranging to meet in front of the general store where the horses waited, they separated. Tottle went to the cafe. He stood at the back and observed everyone who entered. After he'd been there a short time, Dave Gridley, the owner, came from his back office and went to talk to the barkeeper.

[Banker]

Anyone been looking for me, Jake?

[Toto]

No, not that I know of, Mr. Gridley.

[Dave Gridley]

In fact, I didn't even know you were away from the cafe.

[Banker]

I had some attendant, went out and came in the back way. I'll be back in the office if anyone wants to see me.

[Dave Gridley]

Right.

[Toto]

Him have shiny gold looking dust and creaser boots. Me go meet Dan, tell Loan Ranger.

[Narrator]

Meantime, Dan Reed entered the general store and sat down, saying he was waiting for someone. His keen eyes looked over the boots of all who entered. Then banker Will Gorman came in.

[Will Gorman]

Howdy, Mr. Gorman. What can I do for you?

[Dave Gridley]

I just came in from some tobacco, Hank. Well, sure thing. There you are. Thanks. Put it on my account.

[Will Gorman]

Been out of town? I noticed you just rode up to the hitch rack out front. Just found it.

[Dave Gridley]

Yes, I have. Hank and Aubrey wanted to get a loan on a claim he has, so I went out to look it over. Be seeing you again soon.

[Narrator]

As soon as Will Gorman left the store, Dan Reed quickly left behind him and went to the hitch rack where Victor and Scout were waiting. He watched as Gorman walked up the street and went into the bank. Then Dan saw Toto coming toward him.

[Faceless Bandit]

I'm glad you didn't keep me waiting.

[Toto]

We leave now, Dan. Go meet Lone Ranger. Not talk here.

[Sheriff]

He's a fellow.

[Toto]

Get him up.

[Faceless Bandit]

Come on, Victoria.

[Narrator]

While Dan and Tottle were in town, the Lone Ranger sat on a stump in the cottonwood grove as the great horse Silver grazed close by. Suddenly, Silver raised his massive head. Then Winnie the warning. Instantly, the masked man jumped to his feet and whirled, making a grab for his guns. But even as he whirled, a voice spoke out sharply.

[Sheriff]

What the. Hold it, missy. Don't drop.

[Narrator]

The sheriff's voice came from behind him in a short distance, distance away.

[Sheriff]

Can't be quick about it.

[Narrator]

The sheriff had stepped from behind a tree. And after he got the drop on the masked man, six members of his posse showed themselves. The Sheriff, spoke again.

[Sheriff]

We got tipped off by a fellow who saw you turn in here with two others. Where are they?

[Dan Reed]

In town.

[Sheriff]

In town? Man, you and them must be part of the gang we were hunting eastwards. That mask proves you not, huh?

[Dan Reed]

I can explain my mask, Sheriff. As a matter of fact, in regard to the gang, I am in no.

[Sheriff]

Mood to listen to phony explanations. Now that I'm standing in front of him. The rest of you get together behind him.

[Dan Reed]

Now what, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

You'll find out what before we're through. Everyone in that faceless bandit's gang will hang for the killings that took place. We're taking you into Rimstone Jail. You'll hang anyway, so you might as well talk and let the others hang with you.

[Dan Reed]

Sheriff, does a silver bullet mean anything to you?

[Sheriff]

You have a silver bullet. Keep reaching There. I reckon you have a silver bullet, all right. But if it was made of gold, it wouldn't mean any more than the fact that you stole it from someone who got it as a trophy for shooting or something. All right, boys, keep him covered.

[Dan Reed]

Careful.

[Sheriff]

Like I'm gonna holster my gun and then take those fancy ones he's got. After that, we'll take off that mask.

[Dave Gridley]

Watch out, sheriff. Get him from the side so he can't grab you.

[Sheriff]

Don't worry. With five of you bunched together behind him with drawn guns, he won't dare flicker an eyelash. All right, mister, I'll holster my gun and take yours. One little move, you'll get a hail of bullets from behind you.

[Narrator]

As the sheriff stepped cautiously to the side a bit and then moved in toward the Lone Ranger, the masked man took a quick glance back. He saw that the intelligent stallion, Silver, was tensed and ready for quick action. Even as the Lone Ranger spoke sharply, Silver sprang into action like a silvery streak of lightning. Silver rushed into the group of men holding guns, pulling them over right and left. And as the sheriff's attention was momentarily attracted by the commotion, the Lone Ranger drew one of his own guns and reaching with the other hand, grabbed the sheriff's gun from its holster.

[Dan Reed]

That's fair play, Sheriff. Now you're covered.

[Dave Gridley]

Gun to scallion, somebody.

[Dan Reed]

I dropped my gun.

[Sheriff]

So did I, but I'll get it now. You'll not use guns.

[Dave Gridley]

Reach.

[Sheriff]

Hey, an Indian with two guns. Yeah.

[Dave Gridley]

All of us knocked on the ground.

[Sheriff]

The MASH bat has two guns, too.

[Dan Reed]

I'll keep them covered. You go pick up their guns and toss them into the bushes.

[Toto]

He used one hand, each gun ready, another quickly.

[Narrator]

Tahoe got the guns from the men of the posse and tossed each one into the thick bushes off to one side. Then the Lone Ranger flung the sheriff's gun.

[Dan Reed]

There's your gun, too, Sheriff. You and your men can hunt around in those bushes for them later.

[Sheriff]

Hey, Cynthia. You regret this, mister. We'll get our horses and take after you.

[Toto]

HD Horses and edge of grove. No Something wrong. The untie horses. Send them galloping along trail away from town.

[Sheriff]

What's that? Holy smoke. We'll have to round up our horses. These owl hoots don't decide to cut us down.

[Dan Reed]

We're not outlaws. So you're safe, Sheriff.

[Toto]

Damn. Waiting at your grove.

[Dan Reed]

Good.

[Sheriff]

Here's Hillary. I'm Scout.

[Dan Reed]

Adio, Sheriff. See you again sometime.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto met Dan on the edge of town, and they cleverly covered the trail back to the camp. Tottle reported the cafe owner Gridley, had glittering dust on his boots. Dan reported he had seen the same kind of dust on the boots of the banker Gorman. The Lone Ranger detailed a plan to bring the gang leader into the open. Then they rode back toward town. Later, Dave Gridley sat at his desk in his office at the cafe. Hearing a knock at the back door, he got up and with a gun in hand, went to open it.

[Banker]

Oh, an Indian holding a kid by the arm. What's the idea?

[Toto]

You not need gun. Me bring no friend here. You know. You let me you so still you not get weighed.

[Banker]

I guess it's safe to holster my gun while I read this. Dear boss, you can trust the redskin. The button was caught snooping at our place. Told the redskin you'd pay him more for bringing the button to you. Signed Jeff. Hey, who printed this note?

[Sheriff]

Who's Jeff?

[Banker]

What kind of trick is this anyway?

[Toto]

Him say you remember boy. And you pay plenty cash if we bring him here.

[Banker]

Bye, Thunder. There's something funny here. Step aside, kid, and I'll show you what I'm gonna.

[Narrator]

Dan jumped aside as Toto sprang at Gridley, landing a hard blow to the chin. Quickly, Toto and Dan ran into the shadows nearby, followed by the Lone Ranger, who had been standing to one side just outside the door. They stopped and looked back at the open door.

[Dan Reed]

He's getting up. Look, he's coming out.

[Toto]

Him run between buildings toward Plant.

[Faceless Bandit]

Maybe going for his horse at the hitch rack.

[Dan Reed]

Come on.

[Toto]

Look. Him run past horses, go across to sheriff's office.

[Dan Reed]

He's a man we want. He's clever. Let's finish our plan.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Will Gorman, the banker, was given A similar note.

[Toto]

He read it, then said, boy snoopers.

[Dave Gridley]

Like you always get hurt. Bring him over to my desk and hold on to him, Indian. I'll give you some cash.

[Narrator]

As Gorman opened the top drawer of the desk, Tato leaned forward and looked at its contents. He saw, among others, one item that was of great interest. A black stocking mask. Gorman looked up and saw him staring just as Dan blurted out, hey, there's.

[Faceless Bandit]

A canvas bag stolen from the pioneers today. He's the Faceless Bandit.

[Narrator]

As Dan spoke, Toto, in a lightning like move, shoved the boy down in front of the desk, at the same time pulling his gun. But a gun was already in Gorman's hand as he withdrew it from the drawer.

[Dave Gridley]

I'll kill you and him too, Indian. Oh, I'm hit. Someone shot through the window. There they are, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Reach, Indian. You too, son. You got some explaining to do.

[Dave Gridley]

Hey, Sheriff, that's the same redskin that helped the masked man trick us a while ago.

[Sheriff]

Yes, so he is. Now we're getting somewhere.

[Toto]

You wait.

[Sheriff]

No, I'm not waiting. Yes, you will wait, Sheriff.

[Dan Reed]

And listen this time.

[Dave Gridley]

Mask man again with two guns, level.

[Dan Reed]

Head holding these guns only to keep anyone from making a foolish move. Hello. What about this man, Gorman?

[Toto]

If Sheriff look in desk drawer, him find Black Hood. A Faceless bandit?

[Faceless Bandit]

Yes, and he'll find a canvas bag of money stolen from the pioneers today.

[Sheriff]

It's just like they said. But will Gorman, he can't be the Faceless Bandit.

[Dan Reed]

He can be, and he is. Sheriff, here's a letter from the Pecos Marshal sent to a padre friend of mine asking him to get my help in hunting this outlaw.

[Sheriff]

Great day this is. Will you get the masked man known as the Holy Catch it? That's what you meant by speaking of a silver bullet, eh? Yes, Sheriff, but what led you to Gorman?

[Dan Reed]

There's a glittering dust in the crease of his boot near the sole. This boy noticed it today when the pioneers were held up.

[Sheriff]

And you're the brave lad the pioneer told about one who went to trail them. Outlaws?

[Faceless Bandit]

I guess so, sir.

[Dan Reed]

We spotted two men in town with that dust on their boots. Ridley and Gorman.

[Banker]

So that's why they came to me, huh? A shaky old prospector opened a pouch of gold us today in the cafe and spilled some of it on my boobs.

[Dave Gridley]

You can't pin this on me. Anyone could have planted that hood and things in my head.

[Sheriff]

Wait a minute. I recollect a couple of old prospectors who dug for months into the side of a hill. Think of them better striking. They got a regular cave and all they got was fool's gold. They threw the dust all over that cave in disgust.

[Dan Reed]

That must be the gang's hideout. Then it explains the glittering dust on Gorman's boots. How? And I'll help you round up those outlaws after that.

[Sheriff]

Well, you did your job grabbing the important one, mister. We'll stick Gorman, the Faceless Bandit, into jail. Then I'll take a big posse and grab the others without much trouble. They won't be expecting anything. We owe you an apology for what happened.

[Dan Reed]

Forget it, Sheriff. We'll be nearby until we hear you caught the gang. Let's get back to camp, Tullo. Come then.

[Sheriff]

Fill them three sure faces down the Faceless Bandit, eh, boys? Get Gorman out of here along with the evidence. Then we'll grab the others. They'll squeal on one another like a litter of pe.

[Will Gorman]

Look, Sheriff, why did you change toward.

[Banker]

That masked man like you did?

[Sheriff]

Who is he anyway? I wondered why he didn't gun some of us late this afternoon when he turned the tables on us. But now I know. You see. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Are you? This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamed 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 the following ranch hand, Steve, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.