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Old Time Radio Westerns
The Ghost Town | The Lone Ranger (08-10-51)
Original Air Date: August 10, 1951Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Round...
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I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode at Absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode. A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor. A cloud of dust, a flash of light and a hearty hi, Morita. The lone stranger eats again. Well, pronto. Ever been to a picnic before that little Bighorn? That was no picnic. Maybe not for cavalry. Why, it's the lone Stranger in Pronto. Hello, ma'. Am. Hello. Can I get you boys some areta enriched hot dog and hamburger buns? Much obliged, ma'. Am. Here you are. How come there no hot dog or hamburger in these buns? Maybe they're vegetarians. Why, goodness gracious, no. We just love the baked while you sleep. Fresh taste. So we never put anything in our Morita Hot dog and hamburger buns. Well, they're very delicious. Thank you and goodbye, ma'. Am. Oh, my. He handed me a silver bullet. Me take that, Indian giver. Tune in again for those thrilling days of yesteryear. The lone stranger eats again. I owe Morita away. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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 among Silver. Let's go Be silver away. When the morning stage from the east arrived at Stockton, the usual crowd of curious onlookers were at the stage stop to watch. One of them, a man named Bart Lackey, showed unusual interest in a youthful couple who stepped from the coach. Careful, Ruth. Hal, we're here at London. We might as well find out where Mr. Logan's office is and go there right now. Mister, if you're looking for Jeff Logan's office, it's right across the street next to the bank. Oh, thanks. Hal and Ruth Preston walked to lawyer Logan's office. They stood a moment outside, then Hal spoke. Well, honey, this is it. We'll soon find out how rich we are. Let's go in. I'm too excited to think. Hal, come on. Well, good morning. Good morning, Mr. Logan. We're the Crestons from Kansas City. We just arrived in town. Christians. Then you didn't receive my last letter. You mean you sent a second letter, Mr. Logan? Yes. Do sit down. You seem surprised to see us. Thank you. We left soon after your letter came. The one telling about Hal's inheritance. I see. That's why you didn't get the second letter. Is there something wrong? Didn't Hal's uncle leave him anything after all? Oh, yes, yes. He left what was thought to be a paying mine over in Stone Ridge. But what? Well, I might as well give it to you straight from the shoulder. In my first letter, I told you you had inherited the Ridge mine, that it might be worth considerable. That's right. When? That was two months ago. Since then, I learned from your uncle's former foreman, a man named Bart Lackey, that the mine is given out. Golly. I think had the Lackey take me over to Inspector Preston. It's a dead mine, of course. I expect you to go look for yourselves. Yes, we'll do that. But in your letter you said Uncle Jed left a roomy cabin and some land. Yes. And your letter spoke of other buildings. Yes, that's right. There's a large cabin in land and also a small frame hotel your uncle owned. Well, after all, Hal, even without the mine. But hold on, ma'. Am. You see, when news got out that the Ridge mine gave out others who had gone there to work claims gave up and left. The land is poor and rocky. In other words, Stone Ridge is a ghost town. Now what are we going to do? By golly, we came here to settle in Stone Ridge and that's what we'll do. We'll leave for Stone Ridge this afternoon. A short time later, at the cafe A rough looking man approached another and spoke in a low voice. Jake, I got a message for you. Yeah, what? Bart says he saw the Christians arrive in town and go to the lawyer's office. He found out they're going to Stone Ridge even though it is a ghost town. What's Bart figuring on doing about it? He says for you to wait along the trail and see that they don't go there. You mean plug them from ambush? Ah, no. That caused trouble. Just scare them enough so they'll turn back, that's all. All right. What are you and Bart's gonna do? We're heading for Stone Ridge. We'll wait there for you. Right. I'll see you later. Be sure those Crestons don't go to Stone Ridge, Jake. It'll mean trouble if they do. So long. That afternoon, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Toto stopped on a ridge overlooking a valley trail. Looked like Buckboard going along. Valley trail? Yes. Someone shoot at Buckboard from ambush. The horses are running wild. Move here. Cutting down the slope at a gallop, the masked man and Indian rode to intercept the runaways. As they approached, Totto called out, drop rain. Those horses must be stopped. Moving in a little ahead of the racing team, the Lone Ranger and Topple swung around and moved in on either side. As Silver moved in beside the frenzied team, the Moon Ranger reached out to grab one bridle, while Tahoe grabbed the bridle of the other horse. Easy there. Steady. Easy, Scout. Easy, fellow. I'll untangle the reins. There. We might have been killed. You're a mess. But you saved us. We owe you and the Indian our thanks. Mister. Someone shot at us. I think a bullet singed one of the horses. I. I lost the reins. I'm not used to driving a team. But you had a narrow escape. We heard the shots. Do you know of anyone who might try to ambush you? No. We arrived from the east only this morning. We're heading for Stone Ridge. Stone Ridge? That ghost town now? Yes, it is. But we were going there to live. I don't understand. Briefly, Hal Creston told the Lone Ranger and Toddle the details. In spite of the mask, Hal felt that they could trust the Lone Ranger, since he had saved their lives. When he'd finished his story, the Lone Ranger spoke. That's interesting. Somebody must have a reason for keeping you away from Stoneridge. Do you think the lawyer, Mr. Logan. I have heard of Jeff Logan. He has a reputation as a very honest lawyer. If he had any reason for not wanting you at Stone Ridge. He wouldn't have sent for you in the first place, of course. I never thought of that. You turn back to Stockton now maybe? No, we're going on as we plan. Thanks once more for helping us, mister. I hope we'll meet you and the Indian again. I'm sure you will. Goodbye and good luck. Goodbye. Adios. Get up. Nice young couple. Yes. I still think that ambush was planned for them. Toto, investigate the gully back there. I think that's where the shots came from. Riding into the gully, the Lone Ranger and Tonto searched until they found the tracks of one horse. They followed the trail which led away from the direction of town for some distance. Finally, after losing the trail in a shallow stream, they pulled to a halt. Man is clever, Tado. He's covered his trail well. Ah, we searched some more maybe. No, we've looked long enough. I've noticed that the trail headed in the general direction of Stone Ridge. That's right. Stone Ridge is about eight miles from Stockton. About four miles from here. We'll go on to Stone Ridge and make camp on the outskirts. Then we'll do some investigating. In the deserted hotel at Stone Ridge, a rough looking man entered one of the upper rooms. Hi, Jake. How'd you make out? Do what I told you to do. Yeah, but somebody interfered. Bart. I came right here to warn you. You mean it didn't work, Jake? Now wait, Joe. Let me talk. Didn't the horses bolt like we expected they would, Jake? Sure they did. Those two tender feet were clinging to the buckboard for dear life. But like I said, somebody interfered. You fool. Why did you let anyone interfere? A master and an engine came riding down the street slope. When they saw that they stopped the runaways, I left in a hurry and covered my trail in case they went snooping. A mas tom brain an Indian. What kind of store you trying to cook up? Shut up, Joe. Do you know what you're talking about? Otherwise you'd have heard of the mask hombre and Indian who helped the law. And if that mask man and Indian come snooping, they'll die. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. A cloud of dust, a flash of light and a hearty hi yo Morita. The lone stranger eats again. Stranger Me got riddle. If you lose, you give me Marita. Okay then I want to play Pacheesi. Why is lone stranger like Marita Old fashioned enriched white bread? I give up. Pronto. Why am I like Marita Old Fashioned enriched white bread? Because Marita Old Fashioned enriched white Bread Freshest bread in south. And Lone Stranger fastest raw in west. Eh? That's good. There. More. Why is Lone Stranger not like Marita? Old fashioned enriched white bread. I give up. Because Mary to Old fashioned enriched white bread very, very soft. And Lone Stranger very, very tough. Now give me Marita. Sorry. Pronto. I just ate the last slice. Goodbye. That bad way to treat Pronto. But good way to end commercial. Tune in again for those thrilling days of yesteryear. The Lone Stranger eats again. I owe Morita. Away. Now to continue. It was sundown when the Crestons pulled to a stop in front of the cabin to which the lawyer had directed them. Oh, ho there. Oh, well, Ruth, here's our future home. Who knows? Someday we may be the leading citizens of Stone Ridge. Let's get busy. It was about that time that the Lone Ranger and Totto pitched camp in a grove on a hill that overlooked the town. As darkness fell, they noticed the light in the cabin occupied by the Crestons. Well, Tano. The Crestons have moved into their cabin. But I just saw another light. Tano, in that building beyond the cabin. As if someone passed a window with a candle. You need not see that. Look, there it is again. See? At the end. It's high up from ground. The hotel is the only building with a second story. We ride closer and go on foot to investigate. Easy, he's his coat. Come on, Silver, get him up. Scout in the cabin. Ruth and Hal had temporarily cleaned the place. The flickering light from the single lamp on the table cast weird shadows around the large front room, and Ruth shivered whenever she glanced at the bleak, uncurtained windows. Hal, I just thought. What do we do about water? There must be a well around here. In fact, I remember Mr. Logan saying there was a well behind the cabin. I'll go get some water. Hal, do you think it's safe to go out there in the dark? Of course. Hal walked around the cabin to the back and peered through the darkness to locate the well. I think I see it right back there. As Hal slowly approached the outline of the covered well, a figure moved out from behind a tree. Then a blow crashed down upon the back of his head. He'll sure wonder what hit him when he wakes up. Now. I better get back to the others. I'll head for the main entrance of the mine. The Lone Ranger and Tonto reached the back of the hotel on foot after leaving the horses among the nearby trees. Hell, where are you? That woman at cabin car. I'll go over and find out what's happened. And me Wait here. Maybe find out something. All right. I'll come back shortly. Ruth Kreston had waited for Hal to come in with the water. When almost 10 minutes went by, she became alarmed and had gone to the door to call him. I must find him. Hal. Hal. Hal, what's happened? Speak to me, Mrs. Preston. What's wrong? Please don't be frightened. I wonder how this happened. The mask man. You didn't do it? No, of course not. Tot and I are here to help you. Hal. He came out for water. We can't stay here. We just came. He'll soon be all right. I'll get him into the cabin. You lead the way with a lamp. After the Lone Ranger left him at the hotel, Tuttle moved cautiously in the dark, peering in windows and watching for an indication that someone was there. Suddenly, as he put his face close to look inside another window, a voice spoke in a low tone and a gun touched his back. Freeze, Indiana. Be quiet. I'll take you again. Walk ahead of me to the back door. Get going, or believe me, I'll put a bullet in you. It was just a few moments later that the Lone Ranger reached the back of the hotel to meet TTO. Strange. Maybe he went inside, but I'd see some light. The Lone Ranger walked slowly along toward the back door. A moon had come over the horizon, and he could see fairly well outside. Suddenly, he stopped and reached down and picked up something from the doorstep. What's this feather? A single eagle feather. For a moment, the masked man held the feather in his hand. Looking at it, he realized that Tato must have purposely dropped it from his headband as an indication of trouble. Something's happened to Toto. Must have dropped this here to show he was taken inside. I'll find him if I have to rip the place apart. The Lone Ranger went from room to room, but without result. Systematically opening every door he found, he finally entered the cellar. That, too, was empty. He returned to the main floor and went out the back door to look for tracks. Must find him. There are no tracks leading away from here. The masked man walked across the street in the moonlight toward the Questions cabin. Suddenly, there was a flash from one of the hotel windows as a shot rang out. When the Lone Ranger opened his eyes, he realized someone had just knelt beside him. Mister, do you hear me? Are you hurt badly? Hell, Mrs. Preston, I. I'm all right. A bullet grazed my temple, I think. Yes, I remember hearing a shot. We heard it, too. Hal was feeling better, and we both ran out. Just a Few minutes ago and found you. Oh, thank heaven you're all right. Tallow's gone. I must find him. Awful. I don't understand all this. I think I do. Maybe something that affects many people here in the West. Al, are you able to get around? Yes, I'm all right now. I hope to find footprints near the well where you were struck down. I'll wait at the cabin. Let's wait with the doors locked. Let's go, Hal. In the tunnel of the mine, Bart Lackey and the other two crooks sat in the glow of a lantern, talking. Totto lay tied hand and foot on the ground nearby. Well, I reckon we aren't gonna be bothered much longer. By morning, those two tender feet will highball it out of here, never come back. Why don't we plug them too? Folks know they came up here. But no one knows about the Mascombre and the Indian being here. The Crestons go back talking about them and about mysterious doings. Folks will just think they went logo in a ghost term. Hey, what was that? Stop getting nervous, will you? You're almost as bad as a Creston's. It's an owl. Outside, Toto had heard the same sound, but he knew it was the Lone Ranger's signal to him. Though he didn't dare answer, he felt an inward relief that his mask friend was all right. The Indian realized the best chance the Lone Ranger would have against the three crooks was in the open. He spoke to Bart. Me not think you tell truth about Lone Ranger. His body's over by the cabin. You heard the shot. Ah, feller and woman here shot too. Them fine body. You not smart. Maybe them go quick to stop and tell sheriff him bring plenty men learn truth about ghost town. Hey, Bart. We didn't think of that. We'll go make sure they don't leave. In fact, we'll take the Indian with us. Then take the three of them away from town and plug outside the main mine entrance. The Lone Ranger and Hal stood on either side, out of sight. They heard what was said, and the masked man knew what was in Tonto's mind. I'll be coming soon. Be ready, Hal. I'm ready. Here they come. With Tuttle walking ahead of them, the three crooks came out the main entrance of the mine. The Lone Ranger and Hal suddenly stepped in behind them with drawn guns up. Your guns in reach. The three gunmen were startled by the unexpected voice of the Lone Ranger. Hey. The mask man the crescent. Bart Lackey determined to fight his way. Clear spoke. Use your guns I'll plug the mask, man. At the same time, Jake and Joe swung around with their guns. Hal Creston brought his gun butt down on Joe's head. The crook Jake had sprung aside and turned to fire at the Lone Ranger. I'll kill you this time, mister. Quiet. We got them all. Cover them, Hal. I'll cut ton of ropes there. I heard shooting, Hal. Are you all right? Yes, Ruth. We've caught them. Who are they? Why have they tried to? Me find out plenty. Them fine new gold vein in mine. It run through ridge. Then cover it up so no one know. People think there no gold here. Give up claims leave. I suspected something like that. That fella once my informant, him talked to lawyer fella. Him knew about Prestons. Him see him get off stage. How did they get you into the mine, fellow? Them not use main entrance here. Them think maybe someone see him take out gold and dig secret passage from summer hotel into mine. I thought there must be a secret passage from the hotel. I searched the cellar and found only several large empty packing boxes. There. One box against wall. Have handle on back their passage behind box. Then use it to get through to mine. Then plan to take over all deserted claims on ridge along with big mine. We notify the claims office in Stockton to get in touch with the former owners. Before long, this town will boom again. It's wonderful. You've done a service to all the settlers by clearing up this mystery. It's possible now for them to come back here and make a good living. It not be ghost town anymore. Now me help fix wounded men. While Hal kept them covered. The Lone Ranger and Toto attended to the wounded crooks. Joel, who had been knocked out, had finally risen to his feet. At last they stood with their hands on tied. As the Lone Ranger said. Since you own the mine, Hal, you'll be rich. Now we have you and Toto to thank for that. I'm glad everything turned out all right. I'll take these crooks to Stockton. T you stay here until I return. Ah. I'll see you both again. Adios and good luck. Goodbye. Adios. Come along, you men. Gosh, what a man he is. He's wonderful. And so is Cho. Oh, well, me just help mass friend him. He plenty fine man. Him plenty loyal to friends to country. I've never learned who he is. Please tell me. Him Lone Ranger. Ah, the good old days back when people were old fashioned and the things your grandmother used to bake were fresh and piping hot. Well, at the Morita bakeries, things haven't changed much over the years. Like Merida Old Fashioned Enriched White Bread. There's a seal on every loaf that says Marita Guarantees freshness and is sold fresh through day, shown on the twist tie. Maintain freshness by storing at room temperature and when Marita says old fashioned, it means it's made from a rich old fashioned recipe and that means it's fresh. The idea of fresh anything, especially fresh bread, has been around for a long time, but folks forget what really old fashioned freshness tastes like. That's why there's Morita Morita Enriched White Bread. It has a freshness and taste that hasn't been around for a long time. That's a fresh idea. That's very old fashioned. Listen to the Lone Ranger it was after midnight when the Lone Ranger and Toto made their way from the woods above Floyd Gilby's ranch house to the rear of that structure. They could see a light in the window of a front room, but the rooms behind were all in darkness. The Lone Ranger spoke low to Totto as he prepared to let himself in. A rear window ought to keep watch here. I'm not staying inside long. The Lone Ranger tiptoed across the floor and stood with his ear to the door through which he could hear the voice of Floyd Gilby speaking to another man inside. The other man, Eddie Heaton, listened to yes, Eddie, everything's perfect. The sheriff will be busy all morning on a personal matter somewhere and you and the gang will be able to pull off the job without interference. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special recording at this same time. The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendle Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred F. This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information, go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. Sam.