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Plant Shop Owner
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ZipRecruiter Announcer / Podcast Host Andrew Rines
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The Lone Ranger
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ZipRecruiter Announcer / Podcast Host 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 heart. Hio, Silver. The Lone Ranger.
Dave Janis
Sam.
Plant Shop Owner
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Narrator
With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, the daring and resourceful mask 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.
The Lone Ranger
I'm Silver. Let's go, big fella.
Ollie Moonan
I am Silver.
Narrator
Miles Janis, the richest ranch owner in the town of Richland died and left his fortune to his son David, a confirmed gambler in ne' er do well. During the next two years, Dave Janis gambled away his cash reserves and was forced to sell his entire stock of cattle to buyers in Kansas City. His ranch foreman, Ollie Moon, a former cattle rustler, was with Dave when the young wastrel paid off his trail gang. Then, taking the rest of the sale money, Dave headed for a Kansas City gambling house. Late the next afternoon, after a night of gaming, Dave Janis lost his last chip.
The Lone Ranger
That's it, men. Bull house wins kings over Jackson.
Dave Janis
It's me.
The Lone Ranger
Better luck next time, Philip.
Narrator
Janice turned to Ali Moonam, who had remained with him.
Dave Janis
Clean me, ally broach.
Ollie Moonan
I am too, boss.
Dave Janis
I lent you all a hay lucky in one way. Your tickets back to Richland.
Ollie Moonan
But you have no livestock back there. No cow hands to run the place.
Narrator
If you did have stock, something tells
Dave Janis
me I'll have you back in the bran ch business again.
Ollie Moonan
Hey, my friend Jip Lowry's in Richland.
Dave Janis
He could help us. That's good to know. Let's figure out the way. I need it badly soon. He'll think up something on the way back to Richland.
Narrator
Dave Janis and Ollie Moonin went to the railroad station that evening. As they walked to their car, they passed the baggage coach. This money goes to Richmond. Three men holding guns in their hands stood around a collection of canvas suitcases, each of which had lettering on the side. Ali pointed to one of the bags. What it says on the side of that one bag?
Ollie Moonan
Bank of Richland. It says.
Dave Janis
Yeah. See it tomorrow, the first of the month.
Ollie Moonan
No, next day.
The Lone Ranger
What?
Dave Janis
Richland bank receives a money shipment from Kansas city on the 1st of each month. It must be it. Bank money, huh?
Narrator
You wouldn't have to rustle cattle if
Dave Janis
you had that cash. No, I wouldn't.
Narrator
The two men sat alone in the train on their way to Richland. After a long silence, Dave said, holly, I remember something.
Dave Janis
This train doesn't get into Richland till 6 tomorrow evening. Bank doesn't pick up the money then?
Ollie Moonan
No. Who does?
Dave Janis
No one. It's left in the station master's office in the safe. Bank people pick it up in the morning. Allie, I have an idea.
Ollie Moonan
I'm getting some myself.
Dave Janis
What's yours, boss? Josh Allen, the station master, is an old friend of my father's. When we get to Richland tomorrow evening,
Narrator
I'll go to his office. Dave talked about his plan during the rest of the trip. At six o' clock, the train reached Richland. Ali Moonan left the train and headed for the town's main street while Dave Janis waited inside the railroad car and alighted when he saw two guards, emerged from the station master's office and returned to the baggage coach. Then he too hurried to the station master's office.
Dave Janis
Josh, Will it. Josh, are you in?
Ollie Moonan
Who's there?
Dave Janis
Oh.
Ollie Moonan
Oh, it's you, Mr. Janice. I'm over here by the sea.
Dave Janis
Josh have an envelope here with important papers inside. Let's take him to the bank in the morning. Do you mind keeping for me until then?
Ollie Moonan
I'll be glad to keep them. I was just going to put this suitcase into the safe. Let me have the paper, sir.
Dave Janis
Here, Josh.
Narrator
Josh Allen knelt in front of the safe and began to work the dial, intent on the task. He was unaware that Dave Janis had tiptoed behind him and was watching closely, writing the combination on a piece of paper cupped in his hand.
Ollie Moonan
There she is.
Dave Janis
Thanks, Josh. I'll see you in the morning.
Narrator
The Janus ranch was on the outskirts, less than two miles from the town's main street. Ali Moonin had his pal Gyp Lowery with him when he arrived at the Dave Janis ranch house shortly after sundown that evening. The man exchanged greetings and then Dave outlined the plan he had discussed with Ali on the train. Jeff asked, what's this alibi you're setting up?
Dave Janis
A fire.
The Lone Ranger
Fire?
Ollie Moonan
Yeah.
Dave Janis
I'm gonna make certain my barn catches fire about 10 o' clock tonight.
The Lone Ranger
Your barn?
Ollie Moonan
Where's that?
Dave Janis
It's about 50 yards away from here behind the house. I'll make a slow burning fuse that'll burn for about half an hour. I'll lead it into the hayloft and light it about 9:30. And I'll ride into town and go to a cafe where people will see me.
Narrator
The fire will start about 10 o', clock, huh?
Ollie Moonan
Yeah.
Dave Janis
Because my place is so near town and on a hill, flames will be seen easily. That means a volunteer fire brigade of every man in Richland. When the fire starts, you two be waiting someplace where you can't be seen.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger and Tonto, heading westward, had circled around the town of Richland and were riding along a back trail in the hill country near the outskirts. A bright moon shone and as they neared the Janus ranch, they saw two horsemen speeding from the property toward the trail.
The Lone Ranger
Let's pull back into the underbrush here.
Narrator
Back up some back Scott. Back feller, the masked man and Indian backed their horses into the underbrush to a spot where they'd be unseen from the trail. But as the two horsemen approached and then passed, the Lone Ranger and Toto were able to see them. And the brief view was enough for the masked man. When the horseman had passed, he asked,
The Lone Ranger
did you get a look at those men, Toto? One nearest with Ollie Moonan.
Narrator
Ah, him one me know.
The Lone Ranger
The other was Chip Lowry.
Ollie Moonan
That's not good for men who own ranches here.
Dave Janis
I don't know.
The Lone Ranger
Let's camp near here somewhere. Think we'll do some investigating tomorrow. We'll learn if we can what Muna and Lauer are doing here up in hills. Seemed good place to camp Kimasabe and we'll camp there. Monsoon.
Narrator
A few minutes after 10 o' clock that evening, Sheriff Pete Tuttle was standing in front of his office with his deputy Maynard, when a man rushed up to him.
The Lone Ranger
Sheriff. Sheriff. The Janus Ranch. It's on fire.
Ollie Moonan
Hey, look.
The Lone Ranger
See the sky over there to the west? It's all red. A sea flames. See him, Sheriff?
Ollie Moonan
Sure I do. Boys, start shooting your guns off. Let's empty the cafes and get every man in town out there. That looks like a big fire.
The Lone Ranger
You ought to see it. Flames shooting way up.
Ollie Moonan
Get the alarm, boys.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger and Tottle, from their camp in the hills, saw the flames light of the sky above the Janus Ranch. They set out at once for the ranch. In town. The gunshots of Sheriff Pete Tuttle and his deputies had brought men streaming into the main street from the cafes. Among the first to appear was Dave Janis.
Ollie Moonan
The sheriff called, Janice, your place is on fire. No, no, it can't be, boys. You can see the sky from here. It's a big fire. May have spread. We're going to put out that fire and I want every man to volunteer.
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 few minutes later, as the sheriff, Dave, Janice and the men of the town rode toward the fire, only two persons remained on the street. 1. Standing in front of the Red Lantern Cafe was a girl entertainer, Carmen Carmel. She saw station Master Josh Allen standing in front of the station platform and waved.
Carmen Carmel
Josh. Hi there, Josh. Why aren't you going with him?
Narrator
Josh Allen heard the girl and called
Ollie Moonan
back, can't do it, Roger. Stay here. Better get back inside now.
Narrator
The old man, paying no further attention to the girl, turned and walked back into the open door of his office. As he stepped inside, two men with Their faces covered, leaped from the side of the room. One of them brought his gun crashing down on Allen's head.
Ollie Moonan
Tie him up and gag him. I'll open the the safe. I have the combination here.
Narrator
Jeff tied and bound Josh Allen while Ollie opened the safe and took the money filled suitcase. They hurried from the station office to the place nearby where they'd left their horses. When they mounted, they failed to see the girl, Carmen Carmel, crossing the street toward the station. As the two crooks rode away their horses into the underbrush, the girls saw them. Then, alarmed, she ran to the station master's office.
Carmen Carmel
Josh. Josh. Is something wrong? Josh?
Narrator
Sheriff Tuttle, Dave, Janice and the men from the town rode up to the scene of the fire. The barn, which had burned quickly, was a mass of flaming embers. Destroyed.
Dave Janis
My barn's destroyed.
Ollie Moonan
Too bad, Janice. You're lucky it wasn't your house, though. You're lucky that it was. Look.
Narrator
Coming from back of the house.
The Lone Ranger
Hey, it's an engine and a mask man. Those are Brazer outlaws. I bet they set this fire.
Dave Janis
Come on, let's take him.
Ollie Moonan
Don't let him get away.
Narrator
When he saw the masked man, an Indian thought quickly. No doubt they were outlaws. He would accuse them of setting the fire and make doubly sure of removing any suspicion of himself. He led the mob who, with guns were drawn, ran to the Lone Ranger and Tato.
The Lone Ranger
Up with your hands, mask man. You're covered. Hold on. Lower those guns. You're making a mistake.
Dave Janis
No, we're not. You two set fire to my barn, didn't you?
The Lone Ranger
Let the sheriff.
Ollie Moonan
I'll handle this. Let me talk to you.
The Lone Ranger
Hello, Sheriff. I'm glad you're here.
Narrator
I don't.
The Lone Ranger
I were getting into a spot.
Dave Janis
Sheriff, do you know these outlaws?
Ollie Moonan
These men are not outlaws. They're on the side of the law. Always have and always will be. That's not so.
Dave Janis
They set fire to my barn.
The Lone Ranger
No, we didn't. We saw the fire and came here to help fight it. Without help, there was nothing we could do except try to stop it spreading.
Ollie Moonan
Lower your hands. You too, Tom.
Dave Janis
Huh?
The Lone Ranger
Thanks, Sheriff. If you look at the ground, you'll see we've tried to keep it wet so the fire wouldn't spread. Let's see. That's right, Sheriff.
Narrator
Look.
The Lone Ranger
It's all water between here and the house. Sheriff, did you ever hear of Ollie Moonan and Gyp Lowery, the Texas outlaws?
Narrator
As the Lone Ranger spoke the name Ollie Moonan, Dave Janis paled and decided to take a desperate chance. Before he could try. The sheriff spoke.
Ollie Moonan
Ollie Moonan, an outlaw. But he's Mr. Janice's ranch foreman.
Dave Janis
That's right.
Ollie Moonan
He's not an outlaw.
Dave Janis
This man is lying.
The Lone Ranger
Moonan's been in jail for rustling. And the man who left here with him tonight was Gyp Lowery, another convicted rustling.
Ollie Moonan
They were here tonight, Sheriff.
Dave Janis
Don't believe this man. Moon was here. Yes, about seven o'. Clock. He went back to town alone. I left about eight.
Ollie Moonan
We see outlaw here after that time.
Dave Janis
You're the outlaws, Sheriff. They broke into my house and threatened me.
Ollie Moonan
Janice, you can't mean that. I'm sure these men have never threatened any honest man.
The Lone Ranger
And we never saw you before tonight. Janice. Sheriff, the rider coming this way. Hey, it's a woman. Hey, that's the girl from the cafe in town.
Carmen Carmel
Whoa. Whoa there. Whoa. Sheriff, there's been a holdup in town. The station master was robbed.
Narrator
Without waiting for questions, Carmen Carmel told of seeing the men right away and then of finding Josh Allen in the half open safe.
Carmen Carmel
And I cut the ropes from old Josh and brought him to. He saw the safe right away. Bank money's been stolen. That's what he said. Thousands and thousands of dollars.
Ollie Moonan
Ms. Carmel, you said you saw the two robbers riding away. Did you see their faces?
Carmen Carmel
Only one of them, Sheriff. A fellow I know from the cafe. Ollie Moonin.
The Lone Ranger
Ollie Moonan.
Ollie Moonan
Dave. Janice, do you hear that?
Narrator
The Sheriff and his men went back to their horses hurriedly and mounted them.
Ollie Moonan
We've been hornswoggled. Those hombres set fire to this place to get us out of town so they could rob the bank.
The Lone Ranger
I think you're right, Sheriff.
Ollie Moonan
I know I am. Men, are you all right?
The Lone Ranger
May Tottle and I ride with you, Sheriff.
Ollie Moonan
Well, sure thing. Come on along.
The Lone Ranger
Once a little.
Ollie Moonan
Get up there.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger, Tato, the Sheriff and the others sped from the ranch and headed for town. They had covered only a short distance when the Lone Ranger rode close to the lawman.
The Lone Ranger
Sheriff, will you stop these men for a minute?
Ollie Moonan
Right. Stop everybody. What's on your mind, mister?
The Lone Ranger
Where's that man, Janice?
Dave Janis
Sheriff.
Ollie Moonan
What? Isn't he with us?
The Lone Ranger
I thought he remained behind, Sheriff. I know he did. I saw him pull back.
Ollie Moonan
Well, we'll talk to him later.
The Lone Ranger
But first I'd like to play a hunch.
Dave Janis
I have.
The Lone Ranger
May I have one of your deputies to stay with me here?
Narrator
Deputies?
Ollie Moonan
Sure, sure. We have a lot of men. If you have an idea of some kind, go through with it. I know you well enough to have faith in your ideas.
The Lone Ranger
Thanks. I'll take two men. Then
Narrator
Sheriff Tuttle instructed Deputy Bill Maynard and another man, Luke hall, to remain with the Lone Ranger in Tato. Then the lawman, Carmen Carmel and the other men continued on to town. The masked man spoke to Maynard and Hall.
The Lone Ranger
I may be wrong in what I'm about to do. I am. I'm sorry. If I'm right, I want you men as witnesses and to take charge officially. All right. What are you going to do? That fire with a decoy, no doubt about it. Why Mr. Janice should deliberately lie and say Tottenham entered his house and threatened him is something that's a mystery.
Ollie Moonan
He took that back before we left, remember?
The Lone Ranger
Yes. After the girl identified his foreman, Ollie Moonan. Amen. Here's what I plan to do. We go back near the Janus ranch and hide among the trees that grow along the main trail.
Dave Janis
There.
The Lone Ranger
I'll write a note. Now Tyler will take that note. Dave.
Narrator
Janice paced the floor of his ranch house, unnerved by the developments of the past 20 minutes. He finished a drink when suddenly a rock crashed through the window and fell onto the floor.
Dave Janis
A rock with a note tied to it, I wonder.
Narrator
Janice heard to the broken window and peered outside. There was no one in sight on the moon bathed ranch.
Dave Janis
Someone threw that rock in. Someone, huh? Well, I see what's on that paper.
Narrator
Janice picked up the rock, removed the note and read it. There were a few words poorly scrawled on the paper.
Dave Janis
Act quick. Ollie. Ollie. I wonder what he means. Must have seen the sheriff and the men come here. But how? How could he get here in a
Narrator
Confused and shaking Janice tried to figure who had brought the note and why. Finally he went out onto the grounds. The fire in the barn still smoldered, but there was no one to be seen. He decided to go to the hideout and learn what the strange note meant. He ran to his horse, mounted and started for the hills.
Dave Janis
Get up. Get up. Over.
Narrator
Less than a minute later, four horsemen emerged from the brush by the roadside and followed him.
The Lone Ranger
Now take it easy. We'll let him see us.
Dave Janis
Come on.
Ollie Moonan
Soon,
Narrator
Ollie Moonan and Jeff Lowry in their secret hideout in the hills were surprised when the door to the cabin opened and Dave Janis entered.
Dave Janis
Bosh.
Ollie Moonan
What are you doing here?
Dave Janis
This note, Holly. What did you mean by it? What? No, this one. The one you were summoned through. In the window of my place, boss.
Narrator
You're crazy.
Ollie Moonan
Jip and I haven't left this place since we got here. That's right.
Dave Janis
And was a trick. That means. But wait. What about the money? Where is it?
Narrator
Right over here. See?
Ollie Moonan
We opened the bag. There's $28,000 in it.
Dave Janis
That much, huh? Well, look, we better divide it now. And you two better get out of the territory right away.
Ollie Moonan
Why?
Dave Janis
You were identified tonight. A girl from some cafe saw you after you robbed Josh Allen. Besides, there were a masked man and an Indian who saw you leave my place early tonight.
Ollie Moonan
Masked man and Indian? Did the masked combre ride a white horse?
The Lone Ranger
Yes.
Ollie Moonan
Ollie, look at the window.
Dave Janis
Shoot slow.
The Lone Ranger
Get up. Your hands, Janice.
Dave Janis
Jeb, did he mean it?
The Lone Ranger
Yep. I'll keep him covered while I put the handcuffs on this sneaking skunk.
Ollie Moonan
Right about us. Kamash Cambr shot us.
Dave Janis
Look at my hand.
Narrator
My arm.
Ollie Moonan
I need a doctor.
The Lone Ranger
You got a doctor, Jip. So will Ollie here. You got another jail sentence, too. Out with your hands. Janice. We heard everything.
Ollie Moonan
Me bandage arms the crooks. Kimasabi?
The Lone Ranger
No, Toto. Deputy Maynard and Mr. Hall have the situation in hand.
Narrator
Yeah, the money that was stolen, too.
The Lone Ranger
We'll bandage these skunks before we take him to the who's Gal.
Ollie Moonan
Good.
The Lone Ranger
We'll ride on ahead and tell Sheriff Tuttle what happened. He'll meet you on your way to town. Come on, fellow.
Dave Janis
You're letting that mask man go? Yep.
The Lone Ranger
But you're coming with us, Janice. We'll be able to send you away for a long time.
Ollie Moonan
That masked tumbler did it to me before. If I'd have known he was in these parts, I'd never have come here.
Narrator
Neither would I. He's poisoned.
Dave Janis
Yeah, but who is he?
Ollie Moonan
You don't know yet, Yoda. Boss. Just like all other crooks who get caught, he's the Lone Ranger.
Carmen Carmel
Sam.
Dave Janis
La. Sam.
Narrator
This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer.
ZipRecruiter Announcer / Podcast Host 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, 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 Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 10, 2026
In this classic, digitally restored episode of The Lone Ranger, "The Flaming Decoy," listeners are transported to the Wild West, where a cunning plot to rob the Richland Bank unfolds under the cover of an orchestrated barn fire. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, must untangle a web of deception, betrayal, and false accusations to restore justice. Featuring iconic radio performances and crisp audio, this story encapsulates the tension and heroism of golden-age Western drama.
Dave Janis on his plan:
"I'm gonna make certain my barn catches fire about 10 o’clock tonight." – Dave Janis (10:08)
Sheriff's rallying call:
"We're going to put out that fire and I want every man to volunteer." – Sheriff Pete Tuttle (12:57)
Lone Ranger’s defense:
"If you look at the ground, you'll see we've tried to keep it wet so the fire wouldn't spread." – Lone Ranger (17:44)
Sheriff on community trust:
"These men are not outlaws. They're on the side of the law. Always have and always will be." – Sheriff Pete Tuttle (17:28)
Reveal of the villain:
"Just like all other crooks who get caught, he's the Lone Ranger." – Ollie Moonan (24:45)
The episode maintains classic Western radio drama style: brisk, suspenseful narration, bold moral clarity, and quick, dialogue-driven plot advancement. The Lone Ranger displays measured confidence and unwavering pursuit of justice, while villains are both sly and desperate. Moments of tension are underscored by the threat of violence and the chaos of the fire, culminating in a cathartic, heroic resolution typical of the genre.
"The Flaming Decoy" exemplifies the thrilling, twist-filled narratives of old-time radio Westerns. With a blend of crime, cunning misdirection, and steadfast heroics—brought to life in restored audio—this episode offers newcomers and longtime fans a perfectly preserved slice of frontier justice, starring one of the West’s greatest fictional champions.
Listen for: timeless lessons in justice, quick-witted strategies from the Lone Ranger, and a vibrant soundscape that places you squarely in the wild, untamed West.