The Floating Stagecoach | The Lone Ranger (08-14-40)

Summary

Episode Summary: The Floating Stagecoach | The Lone Ranger (08-14-40)

Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Episode Release Date: June 15, 2025
Original Air Date: August 14, 1940
Episode Focus: The Lone Ranger intervenes in a conflict involving a stagecoach line threatened by a nefarious individual, Thorpe.

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Introduction

In this thrilling episode of The Lone Ranger, titled "The Floating Stagecoach," listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Old West. The story unfolds around Barney Titus, a renowned stagecoach driver who has recently lost his sight due to an accident. Despite his blindness, Barney remains steadfast, relying on his trusted horses, Big Red and Dusty, to maintain his impeccable schedule. The episode delves into themes of perseverance, corruption, and justice, culminating in the Lone Ranger's heroic intervention.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Barney Titus concluding his day at Wolf Rock, where he’s greeted by a crowd awaiting his arrival. [Narrator (04:03)] "In the early days of the western United States, the stagecoach lines were the only means of transportation..."

The Threat Emerges

Barney receives a letter from the governor, signaling that his stagecoach line has been awarded the contract to carry U.S. mail to Sandy Bend, ensuring the line's future. However, this success draws the ire of Thorpe, a rival who has been pressuring Barney’s son, Paul, to sell the business. [Bonnie (06:27)] "We're gonna get the contract to carry the United States mails from here to Sunday Bend."

Confrontation with Thorpe

Thorpe confronts Barney and Bonnie, expressing his disdain and threatening their business. [Thorpe (07:36)] "You're gonna do what?" This confrontation heightens the tension, revealing Thorpe's determination to acquire the stage line by any means necessary.

Tragedy Strikes

The situation takes a dark turn when Paul is mysteriously killed, leading Barney and Bonnie to suspect Thorpe’s involvement. [Bonnie (09:50)] "Oh honey, your paw's been killed."

The Lone Ranger’s Intervention

Enter the Lone Ranger, who promises to bring justice. He and his trusted companion, Tato, begin tracking the murderer. [Narrator (12:24)] "Silver, old fella. The stage got this far without any trouble..."

Climactic Confrontation

The Lone Ranger confronts Thorpe as he attempts to sabotage the stagecoach's delivery. A tense showdown ensues, culminating in Thorpe’s exposure and the recovery of the stolen mail.

[Bonnie (28:57)] "Well, he caught a killer and you saved us the franchise."

Resolution

With Thorpe defeated and the stage line secured, Barney and Bonnie can look forward to a prosperous future, free from Thorpe's malicious influence. The Lone Ranger once again upholds justice, ensuring peace returns to the frontier.

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Character Highlights

• Barney Titus: A determined and resilient stagecoach driver who, despite his blindness, continues to uphold his family's legacy. [Bonnie (14:28)] "I'm afraid of what Thorpe might do."

• Bonnie (Jane) Titus: Barney’s supportive wife, who stands by him through adversity and plays a crucial role in uncovering the truth behind Paul’s death. [Bonnie (19:42)] "I didn't hurry. Promise you won't."

• Thorpe: The antagonist, a ruthless individual intent on acquiring Barney’s stage line through intimidation and violence. [Thorpe (23:45)] "You can't proof that."

• The Lone Ranger: The embodiment of justice, who intervenes to protect Barney and ensure the integrity of the stagecoach line. His strategic thinking and courage are pivotal in resolving the conflict.

• Tato: The Lone Ranger’s faithful companion, assisting in tracking down the culprit and supporting the Ranger’s mission.

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Key Scenes and Insights

1. Barney’s Persistence [01:15 - 02:43]: Despite losing his sight, Barney remains an iconic figure in the stagecoach industry, showcasing resilience.

2. Thorpe's Intimidation [07:15 - 09:22]: Thorpe’s attempts to pressure Barney into selling illustrate the corrupt practices prevalent in the West.

3. Paul’s Murder [09:40 - 10:24]: The untimely death of Paul heightens the stakes, revealing the lengths Thorpe will go to control the stage line.

4. Lone Ranger's Investigation [12:24 - 18:31]: The Ranger methodically uncovers the truth, demonstrating his commitment to justice and his keen investigative skills.

5. Final Showdown [25:00 - 28:52]: The confrontation between Thorpe and the Lone Ranger leads to the antagonist’s downfall, restoring order.

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Notable Quotes

• Barney Titus:
  "We've got it. We can't hardly believe it." [06:58]
  Reflects Barney’s relief upon receiving the governor’s letter securing their future.

• Bonnie (Jane) Titus:
  "We're gonna get the contract to carry the United States mails from here to Sunday Bend." [06:28]
  Highlights the pivotal opportunity that threatens existing power dynamics.

• Thorpe:
  "You can be jailed for a stint like this." [23:51]
  Demonstrates Thorpe’s attempts to manipulate and threaten others to achieve his goals.

• Bonnie (Final Confrontation):
  "Well, he caught a killer and you saved us the franchise." [28:57]
  Acknowledges the Lone Ranger’s crucial role in resolving their plight.

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Conclusion

"The Floating Stagecoach" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and action, encapsulating the essence of Western radio dramas. Through compelling characters and a tightly woven plot, the episode underscores themes of justice, integrity, and the unyielding human spirit. The Lone Ranger’s intervention not only resolves the immediate conflict but also reinforces his enduring legacy as the protector of the innocent in the Wild West.

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Note: This summary is intended for those who have not listened to the episode, providing a comprehensive overview while preserving the spirit and key elements of the original broadcast.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

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[Campaign Representative]

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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 of 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.

[Bonnie]

It.

[Barney]

Sam.

[Campaign Representative]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.

[Teen Advocate]

A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually, it becomes a problem.

[Campaign Representative]

It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Our urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Narrator]

In the early days of the western United States, the stagecoach lines were the only means of transportation. The drivers of the coaches were hardened to danger and equal to any emergency. But the local sheriffs were unable to give them the protection they needed. And it was not until the masked rider of the plain started his great fight for law and order that the trails became safe. 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. Come on, Silver. We're paying for Wolf Rock paddles. Waiting on the trail ahead bound Silver. There was always a crowd on hand to greet old Barney Titus whenever he brought the ancient stagecoach he drove to the end of its run at Wolf Rock. Barney, in spite of the fact that he was employed by a line so small that had had only one coach in operation, was the most famous driver in the entire state. Some years earlier, an accident had robbed the old man of his sight. But to the surprise of everyone, blindness had not ended his usefulness. His two lead horses, Big Red and Dusty, knew the trail and understood their duties better than most humans. And with their aid, Barney had never missed a trip or been so much as 10 minutes off schedul. One day, as the old man reigned in his team at the end of the run, the crowd around the office realized that something unusual had happened. Barney climbed down from the blocks with a speed that was amazing.

[Bonnie]

Quinn. Sad folks. Let me get through, huh? Gene. Hi, Jean. You hear? Where's your paw?

[Barney]

I'll beg him to sink with a sink. Careful of a sick.

[Bonnie]

Don't you worry about me, honey. I don't need to see to get around you. Come on inside. We're gonna get news for you. Come on, Jane. Inside the office with you.

[Barney]

Funny. What is it?

[Bonnie]

I carry this letter I got in my hand, but.

[Barney]

Oh, it's from the governor.

[Bonnie]

Yep. Pick it up at Sandy Bend. That anything is what you and your PA have been waiting for. Open it up.

[Barney]

Hadn't I better that Pa?

[Bonnie]

Oh, he won't care. Go on, open it up. Under Asian. If I have to wait much longer to find out what it says, I'll go loco. Hurry up, honey. Hurry up.

[Barney]

All right, Bonnie. I guess Paul won't mind. And if it isn't what we've been hoping, sir, then maybe I can break it the paw easier than if he found it out.

[Bonnie]

Read it. Dog gone it and quit looking for the worst.

[Barney]

Just a second. Oh, Bonnie.

[Bonnie]

Yeah?

[Barney]

We've got it. We've got it. I can't hardly believe it.

[Bonnie]

I don't know why not.

[Barney]

But it means Pa won't have to sell.

[Bonnie]

Sure he won't. He can tell Thorpe to go jump in the river. Hey, let you and me go find your PA and tell him about this right away.

[Barney]

Wait. Someone's coming. Maybe it's him.

[Bonnie]

That you boys?

[Narrator]

Nope.

[Thorpe]

Howdy, Barney.

[Bonnie]

It's you.

[Thorpe]

Howdy, miss.

[Barney]

Hello. What do you want here?

[Thorpe]

You sound mad.

[Barney]

Do I?

[Thorpe]

I ain't welcome, huh? Well, if you don't like me, tain't My fault. Don't know anything I've ever done to cause it. Anyhow, I just thought.

[Barney]

Come here to see Paul.

[Thorpe]

Sure, he log in it.

[Barney]

What'd you want with him?

[Thorpe]

Oh, I thought maybe he might have changed his mind since the last time we talked. Say anything to him?

[Barney]

No. Then I might, but he didn't have to. Mr. Thorpe, you've done everything you could to force Paul to sell you our lying.

[Narrator]

Now, wait.

[Barney]

No, you listen to me. You've threatened them. You talked against him. You try to make people believe that we weren't given good service. Well, once, all that might have worked. You knew that if we lost any more business, we'd fail. But now it's different. Now we'll keep the line, and there's nothing you can do to get it away.

[Bonnie]

And if you think she's just bluffing, fella, it's cause you ain't seen what's in that letter there. Letter?

[Barney]

From the governor.

[Bonnie]

We're gonna get the contract to carry the United States mails from here to Sunday Bend. Just put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[Thorpe]

So that's it, huh?

[Barney]

Yeah.

[Thorpe]

And you figure with that contract to bank on, your PA won't even think of selling, huh?

[Barney]

I know he won't.

[Thorpe]

Maybe you do and maybe you don't. But as far as I'm concerned, what you say don't count. I'll have to have it straight from him.

[Barney]

Barney, don't start a quarrel. Just go get Paul. We'll let Paul tell him.

[Bonnie]

He'll kill him, all right. He'll tell him so hurt, it'll blister his head. Where'd you say your PA was?

[Barney]

In the stables. At least that's where he said he was going. You'll find him somewhere out back, though.

[Bonnie]

And I'll be back in a jiffy.

[Thorpe]

And mind if I sit down?

[Barney]

Wouldn't be worthwhile. Believe him in a second.

[Thorpe]

You sure are unsociable.

[Barney]

I don't like you, and I won't pretend I do.

[Thorpe]

Shucks, miss. Why are you so dead set again?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Barney]

I've already said.

[Thorpe]

Because I've been trying to buy your paw.

[Barney]

No, because you've been trying to force him to sell out.

[Thorpe]

But, miss, that's just business.

[Barney]

Dirty business. But we won't discuss it. I don't even want to talk to you.

[Bonnie]

Well, if that's the way you want it.

[Thorpe]

Nothing I can do. I reckon there isn't. Well, I guess I might just as well. Hey, there comes Barney back again now. What's he in Such a rush about. What if you can see him through the window there. Oh, gone. He sure looks as if something had happened. Here he comes now.

[Barney]

Barney. What is it? What's the matter? Where's Paul? Danny, Something's wrong.

[Bonnie]

Eight.

[Barney]

What is it? Tell me.

[Bonnie]

Hey, look out. To the stables. Jane, I here. I stumble across something. Oh honey, your paws been killed. Who's in? It's me, Trump. It's Hack.

[Thorpe]

Open up the door and let me in. You fool. Get in here. I thought I told you not to come near my place till after dark. I was careful, boss. Nobody seen me. What do you want? The cash you promised me. You get it. All right. But first I aim to find out what happened. How'd you manage to drill Ross without nobody hearing the shot?

[Bonnie]

You recollect them Waters the marshal chased downtown.

[Thorpe]

What they got to do with it? They had too much to drink. They was riding up and down, firing.

[Bonnie]

Up into the air.

[Thorpe]

That's when I done it. Nobody paid any attention because they figured it was just them drunks. Oh, you're slicker than I thought you was, Hack. I ain't no dummy. Sure nobody noticed you hanging around the stables. I kept back out of sight. And nobody seen you come here. Oh, what if they did?

[Bonnie]

Long as they don't know I done it.

[Thorpe]

They know I want to buy that stage line. Yes, they can guess. I'd figure it'd be a heap side easier to buy from the girl than from Ross herself. But I do they know you drill your own brother for the price of a new pair of boots. When they start putting two and two together, I don't aim for them to have anything definite to go on. They won't. You'll bet they won't. You know why you're taking this money and you're getting so doggone far out of this part of the country it'll take you a year to back trail.

[Bonnie]

Sure.

[Thorpe]

I promised I would, didn't I? Still all there?

[Bonnie]

Uh huh.

[Thorpe]

Then hit the trail. Yeah. And Hack. Don't come back till I say the word or.

[Barney]

Or?

[Thorpe]

Or what, boss? I'll fill you so full of lead 10 men couldn't carry it a boot hill. Now get. I'm going. Adios.

[Narrator]

So Ross was found murdered and the killer escaped. That it Hudda? Ah, that right. We're going to look into this what we do. Ross had only one enemy that I ever heard of. Feller named Thorpe. Right. He's had a man in his employ who's the most notorious gunman in the district. Who that Hack Burgess Here, Silver. Call scouts in the Sebi. We're riding to town.

[Thorpe]

Here, Scout.

[Narrator]

If we can find Hack, we may have the murderer. Ah, yep. But if we can find him, he's in hiding. Then I'll know he's a killer. Ready?

[Thorpe]

You ready?

[Narrator]

Then let's go. Come on, old fella. Get him up strong. Hurry, boy. Hurry.

[Bonnie]

He come to the cafe and said you wanted to see me. Jane, is something wrong?

[Barney]

Sit down, Bonnie. The chair's right beside you.

[Bonnie]

Uh huh.

[Barney]

It's been almost a week now since Paul was killed.

[Bonnie]

Yes. I was talking to the marshal. Like most everybody else, he'd like to lay his hands on that hombre Hack Burgess. But this gunk can't be located.

[Barney]

I know.

[Bonnie]

But he will be one of these days. He can't stay here forever. Don't you worry.

[Barney]

Nan, that isn't what I. I wanted to talk about.

[Bonnie]

No. What's on your mind, honey?

[Barney]

Misty John. What about Cope with him. This morning he offered to buy again. I. I told him to come back this evening.

[Bonnie]

You ain't planning to sell now, are you?

[Barney]

Barney, I don't know what to do.

[Bonnie]

The franchise for the mail.

[Barney]

Even a stage line isn't a woman.

[Bonnie]

Maybe not, but either I here to help you.

[Barney]

Of course, and I appreciate it. But you're in town. Only for a little while. Every other day between runs to Sandy Bend. It isn't enough and. And that isn't all.

[Bonnie]

What more is there if I don't tell?

[Barney]

I. I'm afraid of what Thorpe might do. If heck did murder my father, then we know Thorpe hired him to do it. He'll stop at nothing.

[Bonnie]

He fed carry your trace to her.

[Barney]

I'm not worried about my there.

[Bonnie]

Then who are you?

[Barney]

You.

[Thorpe]

Me?

[Barney]

J.

[Bonnie]

Well, I'll be it. Jean. You look here. Nobody needs to worry about me. None at all. Reckon I can take care of myself. All right.

[Barney]

D. Please.

[Bonnie]

But dog on it all, J. And you listen to me for a second. Monday's the day we get the first shipment of mail to carry the Sandy band.

[Barney]

Yeah.

[Bonnie]

All we have to do is get that one shipment through on time. And the franchises ours for good. We'll be all set. After that, your credit down to the bank will be ace high. And you can borrow enough cash to hire a dozen fellows for guards if you mind it. But if you go and sell out.

[Barney]

Of four, then if you left here with a siege. Mandy.

[Bonnie]

Yes.

[Barney]

And if Thorpe had made up his mind that the stage wouldn't get through. Oh, Bonnie, don't you understand? I can't bear to think that you might be killed just like Paul was. It isn't worth it. I won't have it.

[Bonnie]

Who is it? Genie? Who is he?

[Narrator]

A friend.

[Barney]

Barney. He's there.

[Bonnie]

What's there?

[Narrator]

Barney? When I said I was a friend, I met it.

[Barney]

What do you want?

[Narrator]

To help you.

[Bonnie]

A married man wanted to help us. Would you take us for him? Is dear.

[Narrator]

I recall once, Barney, a long time ago when you believed a masked man and an Indian were your friends.

[Bonnie]

Would you?

[Narrator]

The day you were thrown from your stage. If it hadn't been for an Indian and a masked man, you might have lost not only your sight, but your life as well.

[Bonnie]

That voice.

[Narrator]

They roped you and pulled you to safety. And you'd have dropped into that canyon.

[Bonnie]

Stab.

[Narrator]

Well?

[Barney]

What is it, Barney? What is it?

[Bonnie]

Jean? Yes? This Mashman. This Mashman's a Lone ranger.

[Narrator]

Three falls on the first deck of our Lone Ranger drama. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Campaign Representative]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Bonnie]

Trip planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel.

[Narrator]

Continue our story. When the Lone Ranger had gained the confidence of Jane and Barney, he explained the purpose of his visit. I heard a part of what you said before I came in. He told Barney you wanted to sell because you were afraid for his life if you didn't.

[Barney]

True. I am.

[Narrator]

You needn't be.

[Barney]

You think Mr. Thorpe isn't responsible for my father's murder?

[Narrator]

I think he is.

[Barney]

Then how can you say Barney wouldn't be in danger?

[Narrator]

Because if Thorpe was responsible, he didn't do the actual killing himself. The man who might have done it has left the district. I know that for sure because Tato and I found his trail. And Tato's following that trail right now.

[Barney]

Tado will capture him he'll try.

[Bonnie]

It's the best news I've heard in the coon's edge.

[Narrator]

But the point I'm making is simply this. Thorpe hasn't the personal courage for murder. He might hire another to kill for him. Yes, but he'd never try his own hand at it. I know the man.

[Barney]

Yes, it's so, Jane.

[Bonnie]

I never thought I would have. Fool, but it's so. The skunk's too yellow.

[Barney]

Then you think he won't make more trouble?

[Narrator]

I didn't say that. Perhaps he will. But I'm certain that he won't kill.

[Barney]

I could only believe.

[Bonnie]

Why can't you? Ain't the madman told you so? You doubting him?

[Narrator]

Take my advice. Don't sell.

[Bonnie]

I. I don't hurry. Promise you won't.

[Barney]

Very well.

[Bonnie]

Good for you.

[Barney]

Thorpe will be here before long. I'll. I'll tell him I've changed my mind.

[Thorpe]

That's your last word. You thought it over, have you? Are you gonna stick by that?

[Barney]

I am.

[Thorpe]

You'll be sorry, young lady.

[Barney]

Hey.

[Bonnie]

You threatened Miss Jane.

[Thorpe]

Nothing of the sort.

[Bonnie]

Then what you mean by what you just said?

[Thorpe]

Just this. When a girl that don't savvy business teams up with a stove in army that can't even see it's asking for trouble. When you ask for trouble, you usually get it. Good night.

[Bonnie]

No good side, Wendy.

[Barney]

Barney, I'm afraid he was threatening, as I know he was.

[Bonnie]

Maybe. Are you?

[Narrator]

Hush.

[Bonnie]

You don't know the mash man's on our side. Maybe that's just what'll trip him. I hope so, honey. Monday morning, bright and early, I'm picking up a couple of sacks of Uncle Sam's mail. And afore sundown, that same mail is going to be in Sandy Bend. And you're going to have yourself a brand new franchise. Yeah. Quit your friend and leave your tributes to me and the. And the mash man.

[Thorpe]

What's the stage leaving so early for today? Ain't you heard? Barney's got to be at Sandy Bend before sundown. If he ain't, Miss Jane don't get that Mayor franchise. Barney ain't taking no chance. Hi. There's Barney now.

[Bonnie]

This is it. Bears all loaded on the stage, horses all hitched. And Big Red and Dusty pulling lead rain to go. You watch us make this.

[Barney]

Oh, I wish I could go along.

[Bonnie]

You stay here and tend to the office. No need to worry about me.

[Barney]

You'll be careful?

[Bonnie]

A sure thing.

[Barney]

And. And you will meet Sandy Ben for sundown.

[Bonnie]

Jane.

[Barney]

Yes, Bonnie?

[Bonnie]

I Got my first job with your PA before you was born. I was the first fellow here in town to say hello to your ma when you. When your paw got hitched and brung her here. I worked for the both of them a good many years. If they was alive today to see you so I'd tell you I'd never let him down.

[Barney]

I'm no bunny. I'm late.

[Bonnie]

Well, I ain't gonna let you down any more than I would of them. That's something you can try to. What's this?

[Thorpe]

All set to pull out, Barney?

[Bonnie]

Any business of yours?

[Thorpe]

Oh, I was just asking. You set to hang on to this two bit stage line of yours, eh, miss?

[Barney]

You had my answer before.

[Thorpe]

Well, I thought I'd ask again anyhow. Good luck to you, Barney.

[Bonnie]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

Get up. Get up there.

[Bonnie]

Just what was making that critic good natured all of a sudden? Any idea?

[Barney]

He acted as if.

[Bonnie]

As if he had said some particular sneaking scheme up his sleeve. Yeah. Well, if he has, it ain't going to work. I'll take care of that. Well, honey, reckon it's time I was on my way. Tomorrow evening you keep watch and you'll see me coming back with banners waving goodbye.

[Barney]

Goodbye, Bob. Goodbye.

[Bonnie]

When said, folks. Get up there. Get up. Come on there, Dusty. Get up. Get up there. Get along with it. You come to rise your trees two more hours you will be to the porch. Get along with it. Get up there.

[Barney]

On.

[Bonnie]

Halfway there. Straight ahead now till we turn to the river. Get along. Get along there. Get up. Get up there.

[Thorpe]

Quiet there.

[Narrator]

Quiet.

[Thorpe]

Blast.

[Bonnie]

Here.

[Thorpe]

Steady. There's the stage. All right. Get up. Get up there.

[Bonnie]

Get up.

[Narrator]

Hey, hold on.

[Bonnie]

Hold up there. Rain up. Rain up. There's trouble ahead. Let me see. What's wrong, mister? Who are you?

[Thorpe]

Reckon you can make a mighty close guess. Yeah.

[Bonnie]

Where you. Get out of my way. Get up there.

[Thorpe]

You ain't going no place. Right in. I'll slap you off that seat.

[Bonnie]

You holding me up?

[Thorpe]

No.

[Bonnie]

Then what in turn?

[Thorpe]

Your horses is all I got a use for them.

[Bonnie]

You're gonna do what?

[Thorpe]

You heard what I said. I'm unhitching these here horses.

[Bonnie]

But if you do that, the stage can't get to town.

[Thorpe]

Yeah, you don't say.

[Bonnie]

You can be jailed for a stint like this.

[Thorpe]

So if you can prove anything same you can't but quit your Holland and follow order.

[Narrator]

Silver, old fella. The stage got this far without any trouble. Maybe there wasn't danger. Perhaps we've been wasting our time following along. We'll soon be inside of the river. Trail turns there and head straight downstream for Sandy Bend. And that. What the. Silver, the stage. Come on, old fellow.

[Barney]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Come on, Silver. Come on, boy. Party. Hello there. Party. Hurry, Silver, hurry.

[Barney]

If you want to cook this, better keep going.

[Narrator]

Oh, hold there, Silver. Hold there. Fool.

[Bonnie]

Silver. Kill the master.

[Narrator]

Right. Barney. What's happened here?

[Bonnie]

What's happened? Hey, that blow down. Sneaking coyote before took my horses, that's what happened. Held me up and stole him. Look at me. I ain't mo. Five miles away. For all the good it'll do me, it might as well be 500. Got to get there by sundown. In Kent. I'm done shunk, and worse, so is Ms. Jane.

[Narrator]

Will you throw the mail across my saddle?

[Bonnie]

It wouldn't do no good. Agreement was the mail in. The stage had to reach Sandy Bend on schedule. If we don't, we don't get no franchise.

[Narrator]

There's no ranch nearby.

[Bonnie]

Don't I know it.

[Narrator]

There were we could borrow horses.

[Bonnie]

No use wishing for what we know we can't have. We're licked, that's all.

[Narrator]

I wonder. River's about 200 yards. It's a downhill row.

[Bonnie]

J. Mag man, what in thunder? Reason you got mine.

[Narrator]

Barney, lend me a hand. It may look it, but we're not beaten yet.

[Thorpe]

Howdy. Hey. Oh, how do you do? You don't know me, mister, but my name's th. You're Swanson, ain't you? That's right. Government man. I am waiting for the stage to get here. Well, I have been. But if it doesn't reach town pretty soon, it won't matter. Can't give a franchise to a stage land that can't keep on schedule, huh? Exactly. I see. Well, you should have known better in the first place than to put any trust in an outfit run by a girl. I was just wondering about something and I figured you was a fellow to ask. Yes. Of course, if the stage don't get here in time, you can't give that Ross girl no franchise. But suppose somebody else was to buy that line? Figure you could do business with them. I'm not sure I understand. All right. I'll leave my cards out on the table. Suppose I bought that line. I'd have a chance to carry the mails for the government like they have, wouldn't I? I don't see why not. Fine. How much longer they got afore they lost out? What time is it? Just a second. Right now it's just 25 minutes past seven. The stage was due at seven. I was perfectly willing to give them a half hour's leeway, but if it isn't here in five minutes, they won't get it. Yes. So then I reckon you and me, mister, can start talking terms right now. You can lay 10 to 1 by this time tomorrow that line will be mine.

[Bonnie]

Floating down the river. What the. Can't be a boat, Kenneth.

[Thorpe]

Ain't nothing.

[Bonnie]

Well, by thunderation, it's the stage. They unhitched the horses and last log saw it. Look at it come up floating. It stops. It's pushed into the bank.

[Thorpe]

How in thunder can that be? It can't be the stage. It just can't be. Can't be. But it is.

[Narrator]

There's a masked man.

[Thorpe]

He's jumped Astro with Barney, or your trick didn't work. Let go of me. What trick? I don't know what you're talking about. Lego.

[Bonnie]

Stand still. You get the mail in the Stage bolt here, Mr. Schwarzen, you can't see. We didn't neither.

[Thorpe]

Whoever heard of a stage floating down a river? It don't count. You can't.

[Bonnie]

It don't matter how we got here, just so we did. Ain't that so, Mr. Schwarzen? Ain't it?

[Thorpe]

This is certainly unusual, but you can't.

[Narrator]

Deny what Barney said. There's a stage. The mail's there. It arrived here on time. It fulfilled the provisions of your contract.

[Bonnie]

Yes, you'd smile it did.

[Thorpe]

I'm inclined to think it did. Hey, you can't do that.

[Narrator]

You can't. I can't, I said. Watson, if it hadn't been for this man, the stage would have had no trouble at all getting here. He stopped it and stole the horses.

[Thorpe]

You can't prove that.

[Narrator]

Perhaps not.

[Thorpe]

Then you be careful what you say. You hear me?

[Narrator]

Then perhaps I can't prove you're a horse thief. But I've got an idea there's something I can prove, and that's murder.

[Bonnie]

This way.

[Narrator]

Tado.

[Thorpe]

There's a redskin. Who's that? He's got across the saddle hack.

[Narrator]

And if I'm not mistaken, Thorpe, he's going to talk.

[Thorpe]

You get down.

[Bonnie]

Leave me be, Injun. I'll talk. I promised I would.

[Thorpe]

There's a skunk that hired me to shoot Ross.

[Bonnie]

He's the one.

[Thorpe]

I ain't gonna hang alone. He's just as guilty as I am.

[Bonnie]

You scouted, squealer. Well, you won't get me.

[Thorpe]

Oh, my hand.

[Bonnie]

You're not hurt, Trudeau. You cut him. You did one swell job.

[Thorpe]

Him plenty coward.

[Narrator]

Him talk Easy Shadow has a way of making men talk who think they prefer to keep silent.

[Bonnie]

Well, he caught a killer and you saved us the franchise. Masman. Between the two of you, I reckon you've done a job to remember. Sam.

[Campaign Representative]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.

[Teen Advocate]

A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it it becomes a problem.

[Campaign Representative]

It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action.

[Bonnie]

Fund Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia Made to travel Sam.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.

[Bonnie]

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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod 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.

[Campaign Representative]

Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it.

[Teen Advocate]

A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, I tried this once. It won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem.

[Campaign Representative]

It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoreegoids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.