The Fugitive | The Lone Ranger (09-08-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – The Fugitive | The Lone Ranger (09-08-52)

Host: Andrew Rynes
Original Air Date: September 8, 1952
Podcast Release: November 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Lone Ranger, titled "The Fugitive," transports listeners to the lawless island of Risco—a no man’s land claimed by both the United States and Mexico. Clay Trowbridge, an innocent blacksmith accused of murder, finds himself in a desperate situation, sought by both lawmen and outlaws. The Lone Ranger, with his companion Tonto, rides to clear Trowbridge’s name. The drama unfolds with intrigue, double-crosses, and a tense stagecoach robbery that draws together heroes, fugitives, and bandits on the Western frontier.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. The Governor’s Plea & The Lone Ranger’s Mission

(05:25 – 07:44)

• Governor’s Request: The Lone Ranger and Tonto stop a governor’s stagecoach. The governor seeks their help—Clay Trowbridge was accused of murder, but the real killer’s been caught and Trowbridge is now innocent. Unfortunately, many wanted posters remain, and Trowbridge is still at risk.
  • Governor (06:15): “A few weeks ago, Sheriff Hawks...found the real murderer, a notorious cattle rustler...Trowbridge has been cleared.”
• Mission Laid Out: The Lone Ranger is given an official letter clearing Trowbridge and pledges to find and help the fugitive.

2. Life in Risco – Clay Trowbridge’s Desperation

(07:59 – 13:28)

• Risco’s Lawlessness: On Risco Island, outlaws reign and Trowbridge, unable to find honest work, is cornered by Stack and Blaze, two dangerous criminals who recognize him from bounty notices.
  • Stack/Blaze (08:53): “Here it is, Trowbridge. There's no mistaking that description.”
• Coerced Into Crime: The villains demand Trowbridge use his blacksmith skills to help them rob a stagecoach strongbox, threatening to turn him in if he refuses.
• Rosita’s Counsel: Rosita, a singer and fellow fugitive, pleads with Clay not to help the outlaws and shares her own tale of exile from Mexico.
  • Rosita (11:31): “Clay, you are the only honest man in Risco.”
  • Stack/Blaze (11:29): “If I refuse, they'll turn me over to the law.”
• Secret Plan: Trowbridge and Rosita devise a plan—he’ll pretend to join the outlaws and she’ll warn the authorities via a coded message.
  • Rosita (12:50): “My scarf. It is bright red and yellow. Put it around your neck.”
  • Stack/Blaze (13:03): “He knows I'm the only one who could make keys for those boxes. Don’t lose that note, Rosita.”

3. The Lone Ranger and Tonto’s Pursuit

(13:39 – 16:15)

• Strategy: Unsure about entering Risco, the Lone Ranger and Tonto lie in wait for a border runner.
• Rosita’s Escape & Ambush: Rosita attempts to deliver Trowbridge’s message but is pursued and ambushed by Stack and Blaze, who suspect betrayal.
  • Stack/Blaze (14:46): “Maybe she and Trowbridge are trying to…pull a double cross.”

4. Rosita’s Plight and the Lone Ranger’s Intervention

(17:58 – 22:54)

• Gunfight & Injury: Rosita is wounded while the Lone Ranger protects her. Tonto chases the outlaws away, but she is left badly hurt.
  • Rosita (19:19): “Senora. I think I die.”
• Critical Message: While tending her wound, Rosita desperately tries to warn the Lone Ranger about the impending robbery.
• To the Doctor: The masked man and Tonto race Rosita to Dr. Herman in Puente, where her life hangs in the balance.
  • The Lone Ranger (21:18): “She was shot by Risco outlaws...she was trying to tell me something those crooks planned to do today.”

5. The Outlaws’ Betrayal and Robbery Plans

(21:32 – 22:39)

• Double-cross Unfolding: Stack and Blaze decide they’ll kill Trowbridge after he helps, not bothering to split the loot:
  • Stack/Blaze (21:58): “But there’ll be one less around tomorrow, huh?...Clay Trowbridge...he’s worth a thousand dollars dead or alive.”
• Preparations for Ambush: The villains set out to rob the westbound stage at Pear Thicket, coercing Trowbridge to ride with them.

6. Discovery of the Note and Mobilization

(22:54 – 24:07)

• Rosita’s Message Found: While tending Rosita, the Lone Ranger finds her hidden note, uncovering the gang’s exact plot.
  • The Lone Ranger (23:20): “This is a message, doctor. It's addressed to the station agent...five Risco outlaws led by two men named Stack and Blaze plan to rob the stage today.”
• Organizing Defense: Realizing the urgency, the Lone Ranger and Tonto rush to intercept the stage, while Dr. Herman alerts the marshal.

7. The Stagecoach Robbery Showdown

(24:18 – 28:01)

• Robbery in Progress: As the outlaws stop the stage and force Trowbridge to open the strongbox, he stalls, claiming the lock has changed.
  • Stack/Blaze (25:42): “It's no use, Stack. They must have changed the lock.”
• Violent Confrontation: Stack assaults Trowbridge, but the brawl is interrupted:
  • The Lone Ranger (26:03): “Drop your gun.”
• Gunfight Ensues: The Lone Ranger and Tonto outmaneuver the outlaws, capturing them in a dramatic shootout.

8. Redemption and Resolution

(28:01 – 30:00)

• Clay’s Freedom: The Lone Ranger reveals to Trowbridge he’s been cleared of all charges and hands over the governor’s letter.

  • The Lone Ranger (27:37): “Trowbridge, Tonto and I have been looking for you to tell you you've been cleared of the murder charge against you.”
  • Trowbridge (28:01): “I can't believe it. If what you've said is true...”

• Rosita’s Safety: Reassured that Rosita will recover, Clay is finally free.

• Justice for Risco: The marshal notes that Risco is now under Mexican army control; lawlessness is ending.

  • Marshal (29:12): “The United States waived claim to that sandbar this morning. The Mexican army moved in. They'll clean the place up in a hurry.”

• Final Praise & Reward: The Lone Ranger credits Clay for the tip that stopped the robbery, suggesting he deserves the reward—and a new life with Rosita.

  • The Lone Ranger (29:39): “If it hadn’t been for Clay’s note, we wouldn’t have captured those crooks. He's really entitled to the reward, Clay. You'll find good use for the money when you and Rosita are married. Easy, fella.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice and Mercy:
  • The Lone Ranger (07:44): “Good luck to you, sir.”
  • Governor (06:58): “The prospect of ruining an innocent man’s life...Well, I hate to think of it.”
• Frontier Wit:
  • Stack to Trowbridge (09:54): “Why didn’t you take stage and all?”
  • Jake’s reply: “Don’t try to be funny.”
• Loyalty and Friendship:
  • Rosita (11:31): “Clay, you are the only honest man in Risco.”
  • Trowbridge (13:05): “He knows I’m the only one who could make keys for those boxes. Don’t lose that note, Rosita.”
• Heroic Closure:
  • Trowbridge (28:01): “I can’t believe it. If what you’ve said is true…”
  • The Lone Ranger (29:53): “Adios, amigos. Montuli.”
• Character Assessment:
  • Doctor (30:00): “There goes a man who’d make a great doctor, Doc. He'd make a better federal marshal…”
  • Final Reflection: “To be better than either, he has only to be himself.”

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Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------|-------------| | Governor requests Lone Ranger’s help | 05:25–07:44 | | Outlaws coerce Trowbridge | 07:59–11:07 | | Clay and Rosita’s plan | 11:07–13:28 | | Lone Ranger and Tonto’s border stakeout | 13:39–14:20 | | Rosita injured, brought to doctor | 17:58–22:54 | | Stack & Blaze plot double-cross | 21:32–22:39 | | Lone Ranger discovers warning note | 22:54–24:07 | | Showdown at the Pear Thicket | 24:18–28:01 | | Trowbridge cleared; Risco cleaned up | 28:01–30:00 |

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode blends tense action with poignant moments of hope and redemption. Dialogue is brisk and direct, with flashes of dry humor, highlighting the stoic code of the Western hero. The digital restoration emphasizes every sound—the rush of hooves, the crack of gunfire, the tension in voice performances—bringing this classic story vividly to life for a new generation.

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For listeners new and old, “The Fugitive” is a dramatic tale of justice, mercy, and the courage to do what’s right—even in the heart of outlaw country.

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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 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 a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty high silver The Lone Ranger.

[Rosita]

It'S Sam.

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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 hoop beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again Come on, Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go. Big fellow, are you Silver?

[Rosita]

Away.

[Narrator]

It was nearly sunset. The Lone Ranger and Tonto were traveling west at a leisurely pace when looking back over his shoulder, the Indian sighted a cloud of dust rising in the distance. The two men watched while a handsome stagecoach and six magnificent horses approached. Suddenly, the Lone Ranger recognized the vehicle.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tado, that's a governor stagecoach. We'll stop the stage and speak to him. Come on, Silver.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Come on. Scout.

[Narrator]

Scout and Silver raced from the cottonwood grove and approached the stagecoach traveling alongside. The Lone Ranger waved to the governor. Recognizing the masked man, the official quickly ordered the driver to halt. Then, leaning out the window in the side of the stage, the governor exclaimed.

[Governor]

My friend, you're just a man I wanted to see. I need your help.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's yours for the asking, sir. How may we serve you?

[Governor]

Really, it's a matter of conscience.

[The Lone Ranger]

I beg your pardon.

[Governor]

Some time ago, a young blacksmith named Clay Trowbridge was accused of murdering a rancher in Buckland County.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've seen reward notices describing Trowbridge.

[Governor]

After his capture, Trowbridge was afraid the friends of the dead rancher would lynch him, so he fled.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Governor]

A few weeks ago, Sheriff Hawks of Buckland county found the real murderer, a notorious cattle rustler who was tried and convicted of the crime for which Trowbridge was accused of.

[The Lone Ranger]

Does Clay Trowbridge know he's been cleared? No.

[Governor]

The sheriff tried to recall the wanted circulars, but many are still up.

[The Lone Ranger]

In that case, the fugitive may be.

[Governor]

Killed for the reward, or he may be forced to become a real outlaw by the bitterness of his luck. Before I left the capital, I wrote this letter clearing him. I. I planned to leave it at the mission where I knew would eventually reach you. I. I hoped you might be able to locate Trowbridge. Here is the letter for him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thanks. I'll try to deliver it, sir.

[Governor]

If you could find him, I'd be eternally grateful to him. The prospect of ruining an innocent man's life. Well, I hate to think of it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Does anyone know where he might be found?

[Governor]

It's known that he headed for the border.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're also heading for the border, Excellency?

[Governor]

Yes. I'm on my way to Mexico and to join the federal man there. We hope to be able to reach an agreement with the Mexican government about the island of Risco. Henri, are you familiar with the place?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, sir. Decent people call the island no man's land.

[Governor]

Perhaps before long, Risco will be Mexican or American land. Now I must continue my journey and.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'Ll begin ours, sir.

[Governor]

Good luck to you, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

Thank you. And we'll let you know if we find Trowbridge. Adios.

[Governor]

Adios. Start the siege, baby.

[Rosita]

Yes. Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come on, Tilby.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Get him up.

[Rosita]

Tower.

[Narrator]

At that moment, Clay Trowbridge sat at a table in a cafe in the infamous town of Risco. Occupying an island in the Rio Grande River, Briscoe was claimed by both the United States and Mexico. Controlled by neither, it was an outlaw's paradise where lawmen never were seen. Unable to find honest work in a community of thieves and murderers, Clay had managed to remain there by selling his horse, saddle and guns. Now he was down to the dollar he held in his powerful fingers as he toyed with the coin. Two hard faced men took chairs beside him.

[Jake]

One said, I reckon you know who I am.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You've been pointed out to me as Stack Hartwell.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Jake]

My partner's named Blaze Brown.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I suppose you want to know who I am.

[Jake]

We know who you are, Blaze. Just came back from the States with a reward notice for you.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Here it is, Trowbridge.

[Jake]

There's no mistaking that description.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

What if I am Clay Trowbridge? Nearly everyone in Risco is wanted by the law.

[Jake]

Maybe so, but I'm not on handbuilds.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You must be lucky, Clay.

[Jake]

I use my head.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Right now I'm thinking how easy it'd.

[Jake]

Be to take you to Texas. I could turn you over to a marshal and cut myself in on that reward.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Why you.

[Jake]

Take it easy, Trowbridge. You're not armed. We are. I was only talking about what I could do.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

What do you mean?

[Jake]

This hand Bill says Trowbridge is a skilled iron worker. At the time of the murder he worked as a blacksmith.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

He was employed by the Southwest stage line. He may seek similar employment. I've read that hand, Crowbridge.

[Jake]

Last year the Southwest lines did away with the old strong boxes they carried on top of the stages. They had new boxes built under the inside seats.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

There's no secret about that.

[Jake]

We tried to rob one of those boxes.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

We couldn't break it open or carry it away. We couldn't unlock it because the keys.

[Jake]

Are kept at the stations.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Why didn't you take stage and all?

[Jake]

Don't try to be funny.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

We've heard that you made those new boxes, Trowbridge. You must know about the locks and keys. What about it? We want keys to those boxes and you're gonna make them for us. I couldn't make keys from memory.

[Jake]

We don't expect you to make keys That'll fit perfectly. But you can come so close, it'll only take a little while to cut them to the proper size and shape.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

They'd still have to be filed by an expert after being trial. And you're an expert.

[Jake]

That's why you're joining our gang. Trowbridge, you ride with us, carrying the key you make and some files. After we stop the stage, you do a quick job of unlocking the box.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Oh, no. Count me out. Want me to sell you to the law, Trowbridge?

[Jake]

Or would you rather starve? What about Rosita?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Your girlfriend?

[Jake]

Yeah, that little singer's taking a shine to you, Clay.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Want to lose her? Wait a minute. Let me think fast.

[Jake]

Blaze got a tip. There'll be a lot of cash on the stage going west from Puendi on Tuesday of next week. And we'll be waiting with the iron and tools you'll need, partner. And we'll be watching too, so don't try to leave. Risco. Come on, please.

[Narrator]

A short time later, the fugitive was with Rosita, the only friend he had in the tawdry town. In the privacy of her dressing room, Clay explained how matters stood. Rosita's eyes gleamed like the spangles on her skirt as she exclaimed, no.

[Rosita]

No, Clay, you must not help them.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

What else can I do? Rosita?

[Rosita]

It is no good to help bandidos after they have no more use for you. They will sell you out.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

If I refuse, they'll turn me over to the law.

[Jake]

Now.

[Rosita]

Clay, you are the only honest man in Risco.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You believe I'm innocent of murder, don't you?

[Rosita]

In my heart I know it.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Thanks, Rosita. Why are you in Risco?

[Rosita]

In Mexico I am in big trouble. I shot a soldier who insult me.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Wait. You killed him? Not.

[Rosita]

I only wound him. But I dare not go back to Mexico.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

It would be safe for you to go to the States.

[Rosita]

It is true in your country no one knows Rosita.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

And I'd be safe in Mexico. But I can't leave you here. I couldn't leave anyway, as long as Stack and Blaze are watching me.

[Rosita]

You must not help them rob the.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Stage, Clay, if only there was some way. Rosita, I have an idea.

[Rosita]

You have thought of how to get rid of those altars?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I've thought of a way to prevent the robbery.

[Rosita]

But how do you do that?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'll pretend to throw in with them. But you'll take a message to Tom Driscoll and Puente.

[Rosita]

Who is this Tom Driscoll?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

The express Agent I used to know. Do you have a pencil and paper?

[Rosita]

Si, si. Here.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Thanks. Now I'll tell Driscoll what they plan. I'll say I'm being forced to take part in the hold up. He'll set a trap.

[Rosita]

But you may be killed or captured.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Tom Driscoll wouldn't turn me over to the law.

[Rosita]

But if the gang is masked, he will not know you.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'll wear something that'll identify me.

[Rosita]

My scarf. It is bright red and yellow. Yeah. Put it around your neck.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

That's a good idea, Rosita. If I know Driscoll, he'll appreciate this tip enough to let me get away. Here's the note you sign.

[Rosita]

Your name Tweet.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

It's signed a friend. But Driscoll will know who that is.

[Rosita]

I do not understand.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

He knows I'm the only one who could make keys for those boxes. Don't lose that note, Rosita.

[Rosita]

No, I would put it under my hair. There it is, pinned with my comb. When shall I take the. Not 20.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You'd better wait a couple of days. If you leave Risco too soon after seeing me, Stack and Blaze may get suspicious.

[Rosita]

Today is Saturday. Tuesday is the day for the robbery.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

A day's notice is all Tom Driscoll will need.

[Rosita]

He shall have the notice. Now you must go, Clay. It is time for me to.

[Narrator]

It was the following Monday when the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode through the willows that fringed the Rio Grande opposite the no man's land of Risco. At other border towns, they'd been able to make cautious inquiries about the man they sought. But the problem of entering a town populated by fugitives without being questioned gave them pause. The masked man said, we may not.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have to go to Risco for information, Taro. Oh, what?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You mean Kimasabe?

[The Lone Ranger]

There are a few people on that island that law doesn't want. The outlaws implore them as runners to go back and forth on errands. We'll wait here and question the next runner who passes this way. He's heavy. If we can't get any information from a runner, we'll have to go to the island.

[Governor]

This good place to watch for anyone.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Who come from island to state.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. There's cover here and a Ford below. I will stop here. Hose. It will come.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Tonto watched on the American side of the town that had neither nationality nor law, Blaze reported to Stack in Risco.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Rosita just got a horse.

[Jake]

She's heading for the States. I never knew her to Leave town before.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Maybe she and Trowbridge are trying to.

[Jake]

Pull a double cross. Might have told her our plans. Maybe so. We'll get our horses and go after her. If she takes the trail to Puente, we'll shoot her.

[Narrator]

A short time later, Rosita reached the American end of the ford and turned her horse into the trail that led through the willows toward Puente. The little ranger and Toto had seen her maneuvering their horses through the screening brush. They stationed themselves beyond a bend in the trail and waited.

[The Lone Ranger]

Who's cowboy fella?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Toto said he must hobby her, not.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look like outlaw girl. She may be able to help us here. Come off the trail.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Come, come, come. Not get past.

[The Lone Ranger]

Senorita, one moment, please.

[Rosita]

A man in a mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't let my mask frighten you. We not hurt you.

[Rosita]

Then why do you stop me?

[The Lone Ranger]

We saw you cross from Risco. There may be a man there you know. A man for whom we have important news.

[Rosita]

It is nothing to me. Let me pass.

[The Lone Ranger]

Senorita, this man is not an outlaw. It is a mistake for him to hide.

[Rosita]

How do you mean mistake?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, he was accused of murder, but the law knows now that he's innocent. He's no longer wanted for the crime.

[Rosita]

By what name is he called?

[The Lone Ranger]

He may have changed his name, but he is really Clay Trowbridge.

[Rosita]

It is true, senors. He is Clay free to go home.

[The Lone Ranger]

You know him?

[Rosita]

How do I know this is not a trick to catch him in the United States?

[The Lone Ranger]

I have a letter for him from the governor of his state. It will tell. Someone's coming this way from Risco.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You see him at bend. A trail Them draw guns.

[The Lone Ranger]

Senorita, I didn't brush. And hurry.

[Rosita]

Si. Handle, handle.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger drew his colts, but Rosita's terror prevented him from using them. The frightened girl had recognized the two outlaws. He grabbed at the masked man.

[Rosita]

He's stuck and blazed there. Follow me.

[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.

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[Rosita]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Stack and blaze opened fire on Rosita as the frightened girl grabbed at the Lone Ranger in an effort to protect herself. Unable to shoot for fear of hitting her, the masked man shouted, get them, fellow. The Indian's guns were already in action.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Get out of here, stag. Get up.

[Jake]

Come on, get up.

[Narrator]

Tahoe's bullets forced the two men to race for cover. They spurred their horses into the brush beside the trail and disappeared.

[Rosita]

Amy.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

They shoot me girl hurt you, Tommy?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Toto. I'll take care of her. You go after those men.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Get them off. Scum.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll have you down from your saddle in a moment. Senorita. Easy, Flip.

[Rosita]

Senora. I think I die.

[The Lone Ranger]

Eddie, There you are. Lie still while I examine your wound.

[Rosita]

Those robbers. They forced Clay to help them. Maybe kill him tomorrow. They will. Tomorrow?

[The Lone Ranger]

What about tomorrow? Tell me, Senorita. Unconscious. But you're not going to die if I can help it.

[Narrator]

Making use of his first aid kit, the Lone Ranger put a compress on the girl's wound. He had finished the bandage when Tonto returned.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you get those gunmen?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

No, Kimasabe. Them go back, cross forward. Other crooks hear gunshots come out of town. Them shoot cross river at me with rifles. Me not able to reach island.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. How girl badly wounded. We'll have to get her to a doctor. Where we go to Puente. It's the nearest town on this side of the river.

[Narrator]

It was nearly daybreak the following morning when the Lone Ranger and Tonto reached Poente with a wounded girl. Tato went ahead to learn the location of the doctor's home. Then he returned and led the masked man to the small cottage at the edge of town. Leading the Indian to stand guard at the rear door, the Lone Ranger carried Rosita to the doorway. He tapped insistently with the toe of his boot until Dr. Herman opened the door. When he saw the Lone Ranger, the doctor gasped.

[Governor]

A mask, man.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't let my mask disturb you. This girl is wounded.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Come in, come in.

[Jake]

Put her on that couch.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'll examine the wound. I'll need help. I'll wake at my wife.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps I'll Be able to help you, sir. You? I've had experience with gunshot wounds.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You did a good first aid job. Well, draw the curtains and lock the door.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right. What next, Doctor?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Take off those guns and sterilize your hands in that basin.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well. I want to be here when and if she regains consciousness.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Is that important, mister?

[The Lone Ranger]

She was shot by Risco outlaws. Perhaps because she'd become too dangerous when she lost consciousness. She was trying to tell me something those crooks planned to do today.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

We'll do our best to save her.

[Narrator]

As the grim fight against death began in Dr. Herman's office, Stack and Blaze met with three of their closest confederates in the adobe hut in Risco.

[Jake]

Jake, where's our locksmith now?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

He's hanging around the cafe, waiting for Rosita.

[Jake]

He'll wait a long time.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

She's dead.

[Governor]

Huh?

[Jake]

One of my bullets hit her.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You had just as good a chance.

[Jake]

To get the masked man with her, Stack. Not with that redskin traitlet with us. I noticed you were in a mighty big hurry to get out of there. Yeah.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Maybe the masked man and that Indian will show up here in Risco. Yeah, too many outlaws here as it is. But there'll be one less around tomorrow, huh? Meaning what, Jake? Clay Trowbridge. We'd be jugheads to split the loot in the stage with him. You're right. Especially when he's worth a thousand dollars dead or alive.

[Jake]

Not so loud. I think he's coming his way.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Come on in, amigo.

[Jake]

You look worried, Clay. Well, if you're thinking of double crossing us, forget it.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

We'll get a.45 in the back if you try to run out on us. Blaze. When's the stage due to pass the Pear ticket? Shortly afternoon.

[Jake]

It's early yet, but we're all here and ready to ride, so let's go.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

All right.

[Governor]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, in Poente, Dr. Herman had removed the bullet from Rosita's wound. After the bandages were in place, he nodded to the Lone Ranger standing beside him.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Well, she'll have missed him. I never had a better assistant or a more beautiful patient. I wonder what she was doing.

[The Lone Ranger]

In Risco, there are fugitives from injustice as well as from justice.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Well, there's no clue to her identity on a person. The Spanish comb doesn't mean anything.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's this twisted piece of paper caught in the teeth of the comb?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Probably one of those papers women curl their hair on.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait. There's writing on this paper, Doctor.

[Narrator]

Unrolling the paper. The Lone Ranger saw the note, Clay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Had written. This is a message, doctor. It's addressed to the station agent. It identifies a girl as Rosita Valdez.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

So that's who she is. What's the message?

[The Lone Ranger]

It says that five Risco outlaws led by two men named Stack and Blaze plan to rob the stage today.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Who wrote that note?

[The Lone Ranger]

It signed a friend. But it may have been written by the man I've been looking for. A man named Clay Trowbridge. Doctor, when does the stage leave town?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Which stage?

[The Lone Ranger]

The westbound. The one that passes the Pear Thicket between here and Risco. That's where the writer says the hold up will take place.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

If my watch is right and the stage is on schedule. It left town an hour ago.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then I'll go after it at once.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'll get the marshal. Mister, we'll organize a posse and head for that Pear Thicket.

[The Lone Ranger]

My Indian friend and I'll start for the thicket now. Come on, Toto. We've work to do.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You ready? Kim Sabi.

[Narrator]

It was noon when the stagecoach from Buente reached the fringe of the Pear Thicket. The big blue Concord carried no one except the driver and shotgun guard. Both men were seated on the box. A thin mistake obscured the vast growth of cacti through which the trail twisted. Peering into the haze, the guard shouted, sam.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Some on the trail.

[Jake]

Looks like a pile of cactus.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Trail's blocked. That means a hole up.

[Jake]

I'll have to stop the stage.

[Narrator]

Ho.

[Rosita]

Ho. Ho.

[Shopify Announcer]

Ho.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

All right, reach you fellas. You're covered. Hold on that shotgun. Watch out. God, he's going to shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right.

[Governor]

You killed him.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

And you'll get the same unless you do as you told.

[Rosita]

No. No. Don't shoot.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

All right, get out from that seat.

[Jake]

I'm getting down.

[Narrator]

As the driver climbed down from the box, Blaze jerked open one of the stagecoach doors.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Yeah. The stage is empty, boys.

[Jake]

Jake, watch the driver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Throw.

[Jake]

Bridge, get inside.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

All right.

[Jake]

All right.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

But you kill the guard, you'll hang for that stack.

[Jake]

Hurry up, Clay. I'm coming in after you. Strip off those seat cushions and get out your key and files.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I can only do one thing at a time. There's the box.

[Jake]

Try your key.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

That's what I'm doing. It's too big, see?

[Jake]

File it to fit.

[Narrator]

Sweat streaked the red and yellow scarf with which Clay had covered his face when the others put on their masks. His fingers were clumsy, his eyes desperate. At length, he threw down the key.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

It's no use, Stack. They must have changed the lock.

[Jake]

You're lying.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

It's the truth.

[Jake]

We mean business, Clay. You're gonna open that box.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I can't open it, I tell you.

[Jake]

Maybe this will change your mind.

[Governor]

Nope.

[Narrator]

Stack's blow knocked Clay to his knees. Though dazed, the former blacksmith grabbed the outlaw's legs, bringing him down on the floor of the Concord. Then they grappled for the gun Stack clutched but could not use.

[Jake]

He's got me down. Shoot him, Blaze.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'll kill him with lead.

[The Lone Ranger]

Drop your gun.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Hey, look there.

[Jake]

Now thank the masked man.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Let him have it.

[Jake]

Ow, my arm.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Hey, Blaze is shut. Get your cover.

[The Lone Ranger]

Send where you are.

[Narrator]

Ignoring the Lone Ranger's warning, Jake and the two outlaws who had been standing near him dashed for the other side of the stage. Jake fell with a silver bullet in his leg, but his companions kept running for the cactus growth on the far side of the Concord. They stopped abruptly as Toto stepped into view with his guns drawn.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You stop. It's a redskin. Get hands up. Masked man's behind us and this Indians cut us off. We better give up. You plenty smart. Now we go to other side of stage.

[Jake]

All right, all right.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Don't shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

We're going.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

To.

[The Lone Ranger]

Work. Toto, you too. Keep your hands up and stand beside your friend.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Mister, I don't know you who you and the redskin are, but I'm downright obliged to you. These poltets shot the guard. Now I'll help you cover the varmints. Me look at guard.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good idea, Toto. Where's the man who wrote the note? Rosita carried a big feller come out of state.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Him wear red. Yellow scarf. Old gun another color. Keep your hands up, Stack.

[Jake]

You'll pay for this. Trowbridge.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you Clay Trowbridge?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Yes, but who are you? You and the Indian don't look like lawmen.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, we're not. But we represent the governor of your state.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

So they send a mask man to take me back. Well, I'll give up nothing to live for another. Rosita's dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

He isn't dead.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Stack told me he and Blaze killed her.

[The Lone Ranger]

They wounded her badly. But she's in Puente and she'll recover from the wound.

[Governor]

Are you sure of that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Trowbridge Tottenham and I have been looking for you to tell you you've been cleared of the murder charge against you.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Cleared? You mean the law believes I'm innocent?

[The Lone Ranger]

The man who committed that murder has already paid for it. I have a letter for you from the governor of your state. The letter will explain the situation.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Let me see that letter, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

In a moment. Trowbridge dead. Kimasabi and these outlaws will hang for his murder. Keep them covered, Toto, while I give Trowbridge his letter.

[Jake]

Ah, me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cover him. There you are, Clay.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I can't believe it. If what you've said is true.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's in the letter, in the governor's handwriting. Hey, riders are heading this way. It's posse, Doctor. Herman's with him. Hello, Doctor.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Steady, Jeff. Howdy, mister. I brought the marshal and the posse with me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Doc, is this the masked man you told me about? That's right, Marshal. I see you stopped the stage, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. These men are your prisoners, Marshal, you.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

And the Indian didn't leave much for me to do. But it looks like there's work for Doc here. And I'm wounded. I'm hurt bad. And so am I. I'll take care of both of you. Who's the man who wrote that note? I wrote it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Clay, this is Dr. Herman Rodriguez. Is his house in Puente?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

How is she, Doc? Resting comfortably, son. My wife is taking care of her. I want to see her. We'll all go back to Puente directly. Boys, put handcuffs on these prisoners. Trowbridge, I've had handbills about you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Clay has a letter from the governor clearing him of that murder charge. Marshal, the law no longer wants him.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

I'd like to see that letter. Here it is, Marshal. Well, it's official.

[The Lone Ranger]

All right, Marshall, can something be done to clean up the island of Risco?

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Something's being done right now, mister. The United States waived claim to that sandbar this morning. The Mexican army moved in. They'll clean the place up in a hurry.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, that's good news. Well, Toto, we've accomplished our mission. We'll head for a telegraph office to send word to the governor that we've found Clay Trowbridge.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

Hold on, mister. Aren't you going to claim the reward for these outlaws? The stage line will pay anyone who prevents a robbery.

[The Lone Ranger]

If it hadn't been for Clay's note, we wouldn't have captured those crooks. He's really entitled to the reward, Clay. You'll find good use for the money when you and Rosita are married. Easy, fella. Thanks, mister.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

You and the Indian have done a lot for me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Adios, amigos. Montuli.

[Stack/Blaze (Outlaws)]

There goes a man who'd make a great doctor, Doc. He'd make a better federal marshal. To be better than either, he has only to be himself. Look at this envelope. It's addressed to me in care of the Lone Ranger.

[Rosita]

Sam.

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[Rosita]

Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[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.

[Jake]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Shopify Announcer]

We all know those GLP1 injections work wonders, but that price tag almost gave me a heart attack. When my insurance denied coverage, I was staring at a choice between paying my mortgage or paying for weight loss. Talk about a rock and a hard place. Then I found Elevate Health Compounded semaglutide at just $58 with payment plans that don't require a second mortgage. Same medication, same results, but a price that real folks can actually afford. Visit joinelevate.com today. That's J-O-I-N-E-L-E-V-A-T E.com. your wallet will be as happy as your waistline. This medication is not FDA approved.