The Haunted Bunkhouse | The Lone Ranger (01-15-41)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns: "The Haunted Bunkhouse"

The Lone Ranger (01-15-41) | Released November 16, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Episode Overview

This episode features the classic Lone Ranger radio drama, "The Haunted Bunkhouse," digitally restored for the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast. Host Andrew Rhynes brings listeners into a suspenseful tale of mystery and justice on the untamed frontier, where ghostly rumors and real danger haunt a once-thriving ranch. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto arrive to investigate the source of the strange happenings, uncovering greed, betrayal, and a cunning crime hidden beneath the ranch’s dilapidated exterior.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Arrival at the Abandoned Collins Ranch

[06:01–09:08]

• Lone Ranger and Tonto notice signs of neglect at the Collins sisters’ ranch (broken fences, overgrown trails, and broken windows), yet chimney smoke signals someone is still home.
• Sidney Fairchild, a chatty traveling salesman (pots, pans, hardware, and more), arrives and introduces himself, explaining he knows the Collins sisters well and has lodged there before.
• Agatha Collins welcomes the visitors, but the mood is tense as she alludes to "the haunt" that has driven ranch hands away and left her and her sister, Bess, in distress.

"It's only a couple of years since this was one of the best ranches in the state, Tonto. I can't imagine what's happened to it."
— The Lone Ranger [06:30]

2. Tales of Curses, Hauntings, and Old Crimes

[09:08–13:07]

• The sisters describe mysterious happenings at the ranch, especially at the bunkhouse—noises, deaths, and an overwhelming sense of dread.
• The origin: their former foreman, Lyman Durek, was caught stealing family jewelry but escaped, allegedly cursing the ranch as he fled.
• Sidney Fairchild recounts that he was the one who apprehended Durek, leading to the old man's curse and subsequent decline of the property.

"He swore he'd been framed and he didn't have any part in stealing them jewels. The man was crazy. I caught him with the goods and..."
— Sidney Fairchild [12:46]

3. The Death in the Bunkhouse

[13:08–17:00]

• The sisters' fears are realized when a ranch guest, John Barton, is found dead in the bunkhouse after spending the night investigating the noises.
• Fairchild, shaken and panicked, becomes convinced that supernatural forces are to blame and prepares to flee.

"It's the ghost that done it. John Barton is dead."
— Sidney Fairchild [17:02]

4. The Lone Ranger Investigates

[19:20–23:17]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto investigate the bunkhouse, discovering physical evidence—a blow to the head and signs outside the window—indicating a real, tangible killer rather than a ghost.
• The Lone Ranger sends the frightened sisters into town with Tonto and requests the sheriff join them for the evening.

"This ranch has been run down because of something very definite and real. Something that can and will be corrected. I hope it'll be corrected tonight."
— The Lone Ranger [22:43]

5. The Trap Is Set

[23:30–25:59]

• With the sheriff, Fairchild, and Tonto, the Lone Ranger prepares the bunkhouse for a stakeout, altering doors and windows to observe any nighttime visitors.
• Tensions run high as night falls and everyone anxiously awaits the return of the "ghost."

6. Truth Revealed: The “Ghost” and the Hidden Crime

[26:02–30:18]

• They soon discover the haunting is caused by a loyal gray horse, Durek's old steed, which tries desperately to re-enter the bunkhouse.
• The Lone Ranger connects the dots: Durek was not the real thief, but was murdered and hidden beneath the bunkhouse floor by Sidney Fairchild—who had framed Durek to cover his crime and return for the loot when suspicion died down.
• Fairchild, panicked, pulls a gun only to discover the Lone Ranger had slyly returned it to him unloaded, forcing him to confess.

"When Derek left here, he left this horse his own faithful animal."
— The Lone Ranger [27:50]

"Derek didn’t escape at all. When you and he were in this bunkhouse after you’d captured him, you killed him. You hid his body with the jewelry."
— The Lone Ranger [29:18]

• Fairchild’s confession and the recovery of the jewels bring the story to a conclusion, with the sheriff arresting Fairchild for murder.

7. Resolution

[30:18–31:28]

• The Lone Ranger promises to inform Agatha and Bess that their ordeal is over and the ranch can recover.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the ranch’s decline due to fear:
  "Poorly, Mr. Fairchild. Trouble?" — Agatha Collins [08:16]

• On the nature of haunting:
  "You can hear almost every night around the bunkhouse." — Agatha Collins [10:06]

• On supernatural explanations:
  "There ain’t never yet been a ghost that couldn’t be stopped by a bullet." — Sidney Fairchild [09:36]

• On suspicion and accusation:
  "Maybe you’re Lyman Durek." — Sidney Fairchild to the Lone Ranger [11:07]

• The Lone Ranger’s logical approach:
  "There might be something strange going around here, but it certainly isn’t anything supernatural. We’ll wait till daylight and then have a look. Probably find some perfectly logical explanation for the sounds."
  — The Lone Ranger [14:02]

• Confrontation and confession:
  "You forget one thing...That gun is unloaded."
  — The Lone Ranger to Fairchild [30:08]

• Sheriff’s arrest:
  "You're under arrest, Fairchild. The charge is murder."
  — Sheriff [30:18]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [06:01] – Arrival at the Collins ranch; meeting Fairchild and Agatha.
• [09:08] – Discussion of hauntings and the curse.
• [13:08] – Mysterious death of John Barton discovered.
• [19:20] – Lone Ranger and Tonto’s investigation; Tonto sent to bring sheriff.
• [23:30] – Tonto and sheriff return; preparations for the nighttime stakeout.
• [25:11] – Modifying the bunkhouse in anticipation of the “ghost.”
• [26:30] – The ghostly horse appears; Lone Ranger captures the animal.
• [27:39] – Lone Ranger reconstructs the crime.
• [28:45] – Discovery of body and jewels under the floor.
• [29:18] – Fairchild confesses; sheriff arrests Fairchild.

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Tone and Style of the Episode

True to the golden age of radio drama, the episode is atmospheric, blending suspenseful music, evocative sound effects, and linguistic flourishes characteristic of 1940s Western storytelling ("my sakes," "poorly," "don't be alarmed by my mask"). The Lone Ranger is steadfast, rational, and sympathetic, in contrast to Fairchild’s duplicity and Agatha’s jittery fear. The narrative unfolds like a classic mystery, balancing ghostly atmosphere with logical deduction and ultimate justice.

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Summary

This classic Lone Ranger episode delivers a tightly woven Western mystery with ghostly overtones, ultimately grounded in human greed and the search for truth. Through immersive dialogue, period characterizations, and a twist ending, “The Haunted Bunkhouse” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-time radio and the Lone Ranger’s unwavering commitment to justice.

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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hilber, Hawaii.

[Narrator]

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

[The Lone Ranger]

It.

[Agatha Collins]

Sam.

[Commercial Narrator]

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. His strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were always on the side of right against might. And in time, High O Silver became the battle cry of justice on the frontier. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Come on, Silver. We've got to hurry. Paul is waiting in the trail ahead. Hail, Silver. Hawaii.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Tonto rode toward the main house of the Collins ranch, they noticed signs of neglect on every side. Fences were broken down, there were broken windows in the buildings, and the trail was overgrown with grass and weeds. But the smoke that rose from the chimney gave evidence that someone still lived in the ranch house. The masked man and the Indian dismounted and knocked on the door.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's only a couple of years since this was one of the best rises in the state, Tanta. I can't imagine what's happened to it. Nobody home. There must be someone here. Smell food. Hell rap again. Maybe people pray to mass. That might be someone else coming. Looks like a traveler. Insulting. It's quite a wagon load of supplies.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hello there, mister. Anyone home?

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Oh, Jimmy. Oh, there. I suppose you rapped on the door. Must be someone there. Smoke comes in the chimney, by the way.

[Agatha Collins]

My sakes.

[The Lone Ranger]

Don't be alarmed by my mask, huh?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Live and let live is my motto. You wear a mask if you want. Roll me. Mr. Fairchild's my name. Sidney Fairchild. I'm salesman. Pots, pans, hardware, calico. Well, you name it and I've got it. Glad to know you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, how do you do, Fairchild?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Come now, the sisters must be home. Never known them not to be the sisters. Yes, the Collins sisters. Couple of fine old ladies. Very fine. Yes siree. Both well past 60. Aggie and Bess is their names. Know them well.

[The Lone Ranger]

You've been here before, then?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Oh, sure, sure. Stop here for a nice lodging when I'm past this way. Pay them for it. Helps them out some. They can use the cash better than the hotel in town Spend where it'll do the most good, I always say. Here, let me try hanging that door. Aggie. Bessie. Come on now. Your old friend Sid Fairchild back again. That got him. Open the door now. Strange old ladies. Strange no end history.

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, Mr. Fairchild, it is good to see you again. My sick's been a long time.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hello, Aggie. How are things, Corny?

[Agatha Collins]

Poorly, Mr. Fairchild. Trouble?

[The Lone Ranger]

No way.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Where's Bess?

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, she's stuck to her armchair, plum wore out with worry. It's the haunt.

[Sidney Fairchild]

These are a couple friends of mine.

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, my.

[The Lone Ranger]

Please, Ms. Collins, my mask doesn't mean that I'm an outlaw.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Nice spoken, Jackie.

[Agatha Collins]

You better come inside. Getting dark was staying a good place after dark.

[The Lone Ranger]

And what did you say about haunts?

[Agatha Collins]

I didn't say that, stranger. He would do well to forget I spoke. Oh, here. What am I thinking of? You better put the horses where they'll be safe. Take them around the rear and lock them up in the woodshed.

[The Lone Ranger]

The woodshed?

[Agatha Collins]

It's better so. I wouldn't want man nor beast to be on this land outside this house after dark.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Oh, nonsense, Aggie. It's. It's living alone this way that's got you all nervous about things.

[Agatha Collins]

No turkey, Mr. Fairchild. I know what I know.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, me fix horse. Very well, Santa.

[Agatha Collins]

Step this way and I'll fix up some vittles for you.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Now that'll be right fine.

[Agatha Collins]

Bess is in the kitchen talking to another Trevor that wanted to stay the night here. He's like you, Mr. Fairchild. He don't take no stock in the thing that's been going on around here. But he'll find out. He sure enough will find out. Just wait here a moment. I want to get a teenager. Then we'll join him.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Bess Collins, that's a downright fool story you're telling me. Sounds of spooks in the bunk house. Whoever heard such things?

[Agatha Collins]

Laugh. Laugh. John Boston. Go on, laugh.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Now look at here, Bess. There ain't never yet been a ghost that couldn't be stopped by a bullet. Why, you and Aggie are just a bit.

[Agatha Collins]

To think the cowhands all left for nothing.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why did they leave? Didn't you pay enough?

[Agatha Collins]

Paid top prices. Get the best food, good beds in the bunk house, not too much work. This was the best ranch around here two years ago. Now look at it.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I did. I noticed it when I rode in. But you can't tell me the spooks and ghosts chased them in.

[Agatha Collins]

They did. You can hear almost every night around the bunk house.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You gotta show me.

[Agatha Collins]

You can see for yourself, John Barton. At least hear for yourself.

[Sidney Fairchild]

When did all this spook business begin?

[Agatha Collins]

Well, it started soon after the curse. The Lyman Durek was put on us. I hardly dare to talk about that frightful night.

[Sidney Fairchild]

The cursed Lyman Dirk. I've heard of him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you say that?

[Sidney Fairchild]

It's all right, Bess. This man's a friend of mine. Mass, eh?

[Narrator]

Well, I bet.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You bet.

[Agatha Collins]

And this is Mr. Fairchild, a salesman that comes through here from time to time.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Howdy. Glad to know you, Barton. Mighty glad to know you. Friend of the Collins girls is a friend of mine. Yes, sir. He.

[Agatha Collins]

Mr. Barton is an old friend of ours, but we ain't seen him much these past few years.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I was downright set back when I saw the shape this ranch was in.

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't you mention Lyman Dirk?

[Agatha Collins]

Don't tell me. You'll know him, sir.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Changer.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've heard the name. He's wanted for a robbery, isn't he?

[Agatha Collins]

Yes, but on the other hand, we. Blood is we. What Bess is trying to say is that we'd sooner let the polecat have the jewels he stole or to see him brought back here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are you the ones he stole from?

[Agatha Collins]

Sorry.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hold on, stranger. Just stand still.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's the matter, Barton?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Maybe your Lyman Derek.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hardly.

[Narrator]

Or a friend of his come here.

[The Lone Ranger]

To see how things are. Put your gun down, Barton. You won't need that for me.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I was here the night Derek made his escape. What a time that was. Remember, Aggie?

[Agatha Collins]

I still not remember it, Mr. Fairchild.

[Sidney Fairchild]

My. My excitement no end.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd like to hear more about it.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I'll tell it. This man Durek was a foreman here. One night, when all their hands were in town on a spree. He stole some fine old jewelry worth a fortune.

[Agatha Collins]

Things we'd had in the family since the Revolution. Jewels. It belonged to our mother and grandmother.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yep.

[Sidney Fairchild]

And this Lyman Dirich pod he was. Stole it all.

[Agatha Collins]

It was Mr. Fairchild that caught him at it. Never as long as I live will I forget that awful night. It was raining. The wind. Look, Aggie, look. Oh, sacrifice. It's an inch.

[The Lone Ranger]

And that's my friend's hatter. And nothing to be alarmed about. Poor soul. Fixed now.

[Agatha Collins]

Saw the door moving, opening slow, like. Like a ghost was doing it.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Doggone abyss. Your nerves are in bad shape. You gotta get control of yourself. Forget this talk of ghosts.

[Agatha Collins]

I wished her mercy. I could, John, but we hear em. Take no imagination.

[The Lone Ranger]

You were telling about the night of the robbery, Fairchild?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yes, it was. I said it was a fearsome night. I was sleeping in the bunkhouse and I heard Aggie scream. And I come in here on the run, gun in hand.

[Agatha Collins]

That's what he did. And he caught Durek with all our jewelry. Oh, my. But Lyman Dirk was mad at being caught.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I roped him and took him to the bunk house as a prisoner till the morning when the law could get to him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Didn't the law get him?

[Agatha Collins]

He escaped in the night, sneaked away and took the jewelry with him.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Sidney Fairchild]

He got the ropes loose somehow. I fought with him. Oh, fierce battle. He knocked me out, though, and went out.

[The Lone Ranger]

But the curse you mentioned.

[Agatha Collins]

That was when he was captured.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Yes. He swore he'd been framed and he didn't have any part in stealing them jewels. The man was crazy. I caught him with the goods and.

[The Lone Ranger]

What did he say?

[Agatha Collins]

He said that this range would suffer if he was turned away. He said that he'd break us.

[Narrator]

He'd.

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, I can't kill all the fearful things he said. It chills my blood to think of that man. That awful look in his eyes.

[The Lone Ranger]

And since then?

[Agatha Collins]

Well, after that, cowpunchers acted mighty strange. One of them was killed mysteriously in a bunkhouse. Found dead there. Best lit out.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Awful, awful thing. Well, it's a lot of doggone superstitious nonsense.

[Agatha Collins]

We've heard the sounds, John. Yes, we've heard them near the bunkhouse.

[The Lone Ranger]

What sort of sounds?

[Agatha Collins]

A sort of pawing and scratching and heavy moaning sounds. Comes mostly on clear nights.

[The Lone Ranger]

Has anything else happened at the bunk house since that time?

[Agatha Collins]

We never give anything a chance to happen. We never put anyone else in there. I thought some are having the place burned down. That's what we should do now.

[Sidney Fairchild]

All the same, Barton, I figure it's best to take no chances.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's that? Well, that's my horse. I'll go and see what's the matter.

[Agatha Collins]

See? Even the horse knows. There's something odd about this place. Something mysterious.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's pawing the floor of the woodshed. Now go quiet him sometimes. I'll go, too. Very well, Ted. There's Teddy there. Steady. Silver, old boy. What's the matter with you?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Look at Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver is frightened. What is it, fellow? Stop trembling that way. Steady now. You can't cause any more alarm for those poor old ladies. There might be something strange going around around here, but it certainly isn't anything supernatural. We'll wait till daylight and then have a look. Probably find some perfectly logical explanation for the sounds. If there are Sounds maybe we look at bunk house. Now open that door. We'll look over that way, huh, Silver? Quiet, boy, quiet. That's it. Stop your trembling now. It's plenty dark. Yes, you barely make out the bunk house. Hear anything? Me not hear nothing.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Anything wrong with your horses?

[The Lone Ranger]

Not that I know of. Shut that outside door a minute.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I don't know who you are, stranger. Well, I'm hoping you're on the level. If you're not, you're going to be on the level while you're in this house.

[The Lone Ranger]

You can be sure of that, Barton.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I haven't seen much of those two fine old ladies in the past few years, but that's not because I ain't interested in them. They're in trouble here, a lot of trouble. So it seems, and I'm going to get to the bottom of it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well, Barton. If there's any way that we can help.

[Sidney Fairchild]

There isn't, except to behave yourselves here.

[The Lone Ranger]

And what are your plans?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hand me that lantern, will you, Indian?

[The Lone Ranger]

Here, lantern.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Light it up. I'm going to that bunk house and I'm going to spend the night there.

[The Lone Ranger]

I thought of doing that myself, Barton.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I'll do it. I'll find out once and for all what the noises are and put an end to all this fool talk about ghosts and things. Your arms, gun and knife, and I can use both. A good horse you got, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

One of the best.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I don't know as I'd say one of the best. I never saw better and I've seen lots of horses.

[The Lone Ranger]

He's mighty nervous about something. I think Tado and I'll stay here in the woodshed overnight.

[Sidney Fairchild]

It might be a good idea.

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm off to the bunk house.

[Sidney Fairchild]

See you at breakfast.

[Agatha Collins]

Now here's the coffee, ground in the pot in no time. Just set yourself down.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you hear any sounds during the night, Ms. Aggie?

[Agatha Collins]

Same as always. I do wish John Barton had come in.

[The Lone Ranger]

And Tada's going to get him. They'll be in in a moment.

[Agatha Collins]

What about you? Did you hear the noises?

[The Lone Ranger]

The wind was pretty strong.

[Agatha Collins]

They don't answer my question. Did you hear sounds?

[The Lone Ranger]

There are always sounds in the night.

[Agatha Collins]

Not like these sounds.

[The Lone Ranger]

Where's your sister?

[Agatha Collins]

She'll be in a minute. Poor bitch. Even worse than I about the sounds of the bunk house. That's a perfect rationale, Agatha, and you know it. All right, Bess, all right. Where's John Barton?

[The Lone Ranger]

He's coming T. Where? To get him.

[Agatha Collins]

Where's Fairchild?

[The Lone Ranger]

He went with T. They'll Begin.

[Sidney Fairchild]

How you best stranger?

[Agatha Collins]

Mr. Pitch happened. Oh, my sex alive. What's the matter?

[The Lone Ranger]

You were right.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You were right. It's. It's nothing human.

[The Lone Ranger]

Stop that, Fairchild. Tell what you have to say.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You better come. Come and see for yourself. It's Barton.

[Agatha Collins]

What's the matter with John Barton?

[Sidney Fairchild]

The ghost, the spirits. Oh, I believe you now. It's all like you said.

[Narrator]

Stop it.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Stop nothing. You see what I saw? Then try and stop telling the same as me. I'm hitting out of here. I'm traveling fast. Where's T? He's still at the boathouse. He's there looking around. Oh, he's got more nerve than I have. I'm getting out and I ain't waiting for no breakfast.

[Agatha Collins]

What's happened? Where is John?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why ain't he here?

[Sidney Fairchild]

It's the ghost that done it. John Barton is dead.

[The Lone Ranger]

The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When the Lone Ranger learned of John Barton's death, he hurried to the bunk house where Tada was waiting for him.

[The Lone Ranger]

Road tracks around the place, huh? Tata Ground hard nutshell track. What do you suppose struck John Barton? Nothing. O, it's plenty hard to figure. He must have been struck a furious blow on the head. That's right. This window was open when you got here. He fell just inside the window? That's right. Heard something, stuck his head out the window and that was all. That's right, Tado. The less the ladies know of this, the better. I think we'd better get them to town and have them stay there for a while. That's good. You hitch up a team to the wagon back of the house and tie scout behind. Then go to town with the ladies and get the sheriff and come back here with him. What law do I don't know. But we'll need the law before we're through with this mystery. Tell to go get flagged. Here comes Silver. Oh, there, Silver. What's the matter, old boy? Why didn't you stay where you were left? Silver plenty nervous looking through the woods over there. He knows something. He wants to tell. Maybe. Killer in wood. I wonder. How do I ride in there? I'll wait here. Yes, wait till I come back. There'll be time enough for you to take the Collins sisters into town. All right, Silver, old boy, you want to show me something? Come on. Then.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I Silver away.

[Narrator]

The mighty stallion raced toward the distant woods. Tanto waited at the house with Fairchild and two old ladies. One hour, two hours. The morning wore on. Their nervous tension increased with every passing moment.

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, why don't he come? What happened to him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Him come soon.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You keep saying that engine. But there's some reason why he don't come back.

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I just keep quiet.

[Sidney Fairchild]

But there must keep quiet. All right, all right. If that's the way you feel about it.

[Narrator]

Fairchild was worse than either of the Collins sisters. Several times he tried to leave, but Tonto made him stay inside the house. Then finally, the Lone Ranger returned.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now, Master friend come back.

[Agatha Collins]

Thank goodness he ain't been killed.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Now, now we'll know what he found in the woods, if anything.

[The Lone Ranger]

Maybe him tell, maybe not. All right.

[Agatha Collins]

Tada. What's happened? Did you find anything? Merciful goodness. Stranger. Where you being? Look at your clothes. You're a sight for mud and brambles.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's the dense woods east of here.

[Agatha Collins]

I've heard say that it is, but what'd you find there?

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps nothing of importance. We'll find out by tonight. And Todd, you can hitch up the team now.

[Agatha Collins]

Team? What team?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yours. I want you two ladies to go to town until tomorrow.

[Agatha Collins]

For what? What's the matter with here?

[The Lone Ranger]

There might be things going on here tonight and it'd be just as well if you were not around.

[Agatha Collins]

Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

Now please, Miss Agatha, don't ask questions.

[Agatha Collins]

Drive out in our house and home. I never heard the like of it. I'd like to know who you think you are, mister. That you can tell us where to go.

[The Lone Ranger]

You may stay here if you want to, but it wouldn't make it much easier for everyone if you were in town. Natalie will take you there and he'll need you to help him persuade the sheriff to come back here with him.

[Agatha Collins]

The sheriff? What good's the sheriff? He was here a couple of times before. Yes, he's been here and didn't learn a thing.

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps the sheriff didn't ride the right kind of horse, huh?

[Agatha Collins]

What's a horse to do with it?

[The Lone Ranger]

I can tell you more tomorrow after I'm more certain of the things that I suspect.

[Agatha Collins]

Maybe Mr. Fairchild will go to town with us. He has a rig of his own.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'd rather have him stay here.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Well, I'd sooner not stay here.

[The Lone Ranger]

I can understand that, Fairchild. But you'll stay.

[Sidney Fairchild]

It might be me that gets it tonight. I tell you, this ranch.

[The Lone Ranger]

This ranch has been run down because of something very definite and real. Something that can and will be corrected. I hope it'll be corrected tonight.

[Sidney Fairchild]

But why wait? If you know what's the answer to the mystery, why wait till night?

[The Lone Ranger]

Because we can't act until after dark. Now a few ladies will go.

[Agatha Collins]

Oh, I expect we may as well, Bessie. I reckon so. Sure be a powerful heavy load off my mind if we could find some reason for the things that have happened.

[The Lone Ranger]

He might tell this here of everything he doesn't know. Including the death of John Barton.

[Sidney Fairchild]

We will.

[Agatha Collins]

We sure will.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tanto. Come back soon, pet. Sheriff. Very well, Satter. Fairchild and I'll be right here waiting for you and the sheriff.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Against my better judgment, we'll be here.

[Narrator]

Late afternoon brought Tonto back to the run down ranch with the sheriff. Fairchild complained to the lawman of the treatment he'd received.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Held against my will, practically prisoner. I demand that I be let go now, take it easy, Fairchild. Why should I have to stay here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Well, I reckon you don't have to.

[Sidney Fairchild]

But it wouldn't do you much good in your business if word went out that you was so yellow you run out when you was needed to help our friends, the column sisters.

[The Lone Ranger]

Fairchild will stay with us tonight, Sheriff.

[Sidney Fairchild]

But what are you going to do?

[The Lone Ranger]

You and Tato and the sheriff and I are going to wait in the bunk house.

[Sidney Fairchild]

No, no, no, no.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's the place to be. That's where things happen.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I don't want to. I can't stand staying there. Fairchild, there's nothing to be afraid of. You don't know what there is. I do. I saw John Barton this morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

I promise you that what happened to him won't happen to us.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You won't be able to stop it. It's the curse of Derek, that's what it is.

[The Lone Ranger]

I was going to ask you, Fairchild.

[Sidney Fairchild]

What?

[The Lone Ranger]

When you were here the night Durek escaped, was there anyone else here?

[Sidney Fairchild]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

None of the cowhens?

[Sidney Fairchild]

No.

[The Lone Ranger]

No overnight guests.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why, only me.

[The Lone Ranger]

Very well.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why?

[The Lone Ranger]

I just wanted to make sure of that, that's all. You came in the morning, didn't you, Sheriff?

[Narrator]

Yep.

[The Lone Ranger]

Bright and early. You searched, of course, for the stolen jewelry?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Sure.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's how to be. The tools I mentioned. Tools already. We might as well move to the bunkhouse. There are a few things we'll have to do before dark.

[Sidney Fairchild]

What's to be done?

[The Lone Ranger]

For one thing, I want to take the door off one end of the bunkhouse.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Take the door off.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then we'll cut one of the windows down to the floor and make a second door.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why, I don't understand that.

[The Lone Ranger]

You will, Fairchild, in good time. Now, let's get started.

[Narrator]

The window on one side of the bunk house was cut down to the ground to make a new entrance. Darkness fell, and with it, a wind rose. It was a night fully as dark as the preceding one, and the four men inside the bunk house could barely see each other as they crouched in one corner.

[The Lone Ranger]

You got Silver untied, didn't you? That's right. Didn't come on the run. If I called her Silver come, you call.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I don't like this.

[The Lone Ranger]

I tell you, none of us are too well pleased with it, Fairchild. I ain't having a particular good time myself.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I hope we finish this tonight. I don't know if I'll get my nerve up to putting in another night here.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll see. Sheriff, we better stop talking. We might frighten away the visitor. I'm expecting what about the lanterns? Tunder got them here all right. I'll tell you when to light them.

[Sidney Fairchild]

How long we we stay here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Until something happens.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver? You send something. Coming.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Steady now. And quiet. I. I wish this was over.

[The Lone Ranger]

Quiet.

[Agatha Collins]

There.

[The Lone Ranger]

You hear that? That's my horse.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Be quiet. The dirty curse.

[The Lone Ranger]

Shut up.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Fairchild.

[The Lone Ranger]

Fairchild.

[Sidney Fairchild]

You have a gun? Yeah.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let me have it. But I. I hand it over. Your state. You're not safe to be trusted with a gun. You'll be shooting one of us with it.

[Sidney Fairchild]

He's right, Fairchild. I'll do what he says. Here it is. Thanks.

[The Lone Ranger]

Wait. Did you hear it? T you come now. Quiet. Let us sound.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I. I hear it. It's come.

[The Lone Ranger]

Be quiet.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Keep your trap shut, fair child, or I'll gag you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Look where you cut the door. Big white. White looking.

[Agatha Collins]

It's.

[Sidney Fairchild]

It's big as a horse. It is a horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

The lantern's lighted. Look.

[Sidney Fairchild]

It's going now. Here's over here, Silver boy.

[The Lone Ranger]

Keep fair child here. I'm going after that horse. Planted Silver after him.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I'll Silver hell away.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger in Silver raced across the plains after the gray horse. As they drew close, the masked man loosened his rope.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's it, Silver.

[Narrator]

A little faster, old boy.

[Sidney Fairchild]

We'll bring in the outlaw.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger's right arm whirled above his head. The rope snaked out in the night and dropped over the shoulders of the grave. The outlaw fought desperately against the restraint.

[The Lone Ranger]

Of the masked man's lariat.

[Narrator]

But finally he seemed to realize it was useless to struggle. Fired it down. Then, leading the captured horse, the Lone Ranger returned to the bunk house where Tondo had lighted the lantern.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sheriff is the killer of John Barton. The horse. The horse? Yes. The same horse that I found in the woods this afternoon. Barton heard the animal and stuck his head out of the window. The horse struck him with his hoofs.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Are you sure of that?

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm certain of it, Fairchild. This horse has been here every night, pawing outside the building, trying to get inside. But why in the woods I found the saddle. If the horse had rubbed off after many weeks of effort. When Derek left here, he left this horse his own faithful animal.

[Agatha Collins]

That's right.

[Sidney Fairchild]

I remember the animal now. It is Derek's critter, seen now to plenty.

[The Lone Ranger]

Though the horse has been living in the woods ever since.

[Agatha Collins]

But hold on.

[Sidney Fairchild]

If Derek left here with all them jewels, why didn't he take the horse along with him?

[The Lone Ranger]

Perhaps he didn't leave here, Sheriff.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Not not leave here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Doesn't any reason occur to you for the constant efforts on the part of this horse to get into this bunkhouse?

[Sidney Fairchild]

He sure can't take a none.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're not thinking very hard. It's ought to bring the ladders over here to the center of the floor. Oh, Fairchild. Here's the gun you gave me when you were so badly frightened. Oh, thanks, Sheriff. Examine the floor here. If you look closely, you can see where the boards have been taken up and then put down again.

[Sidney Fairchild]

How do you know that?

[The Lone Ranger]

The Tada has eyes that miss very little. Shall we take up those floorboards and see what's underneath?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why not?

[The Lone Ranger]

We might find out why the horse was so eager to get here. You have the tools, Tada pick up floor plenty. Quick now. Board come up easy. Give me that crowbar. Thanks.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Get it under the edge.

[Agatha Collins]

More, mister.

[Sidney Fairchild]

That's it. Here, I'll give you a hand. That's getting it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now hold the light closer.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Hey, there's something down under the floor. All right, all of you, hoist your hands. Fairchild. Put him up, I said.

[Agatha Collins]

Have you gone?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Roko? Put that gun down. That masked man's guess the truth. I ain't being taken, see?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Fairchild, the truth is plain enough. Derek didn't escape at all. When you and he were in this bunkhouse after you'd captured him, you killed him. You hid his body with the jewelry, intending someday to return and get the jewelry.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Smart, ain't ya? Mighty smart.

[The Lone Ranger]

When you came back, you found that there were stories of ghosts. You were afraid. You didn't know whether to believe in the supernatural or not. Last night, poor Barton came here and the horse turned out low and wild, struck him. The horse wanted to be with its master.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Now reach in there. Bring out that bag of jewelry, mister.

[The Lone Ranger]

What did you do, sneak back to the house and sealed it a second time after you'd handed it to the old ladies?

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why shouldn't I tell you? You're all a die. Sure I did. I stole it in the first place. Derek fouled me, but I was too slick for him. I charged him with being a thief. And those old fools believe me the same as they'll believe the ghost killed all of you.

[The Lone Ranger]

You forget one thing.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Nothing. I got it all worked out.

[The Lone Ranger]

But I knew you were the crook. When I asked you for your gun, you think I'd have returned it to you so you could shoot us. I gave it back to make you show your hand. But that gun is unloaded.

[Sidney Fairchild]

Why, you. Why, it is unloaded. Well, this one ain't. You're under arrest. Fairchild the charge is murder.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll head for town and tell Agatha and Bess that things are now the way they should be. The rats will be all right again.

[Agatha Collins]

Sam.

[The Lone Ranger]

Life tests homes, certainteed roofing and siding. Make sure they're ready so you're built for stormy seasons. Built for what's next. Built for this. Certainteed built for this.

[Andrew Rines]

Tired of juggling sales tools or spending hours on prospecting just to book a few meetings? Meet Apollo, the go to market platform for finding leads, connecting with buyers and closing deals all in one place. Apollo gives you access to over 210 million contacts and AI that handles all your busy work, finding leads, drafting emails and even prioritizing your day. So stop paying for five different sales tools when one does it all. Visit Apollo I.O. and sign up free today.

[Agatha Collins]

Sam.

[Narrator]

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

[Agatha Collins]

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 OTR westerns.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 podcast trwesterns.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. Tired of juggling sales tools or spending hours on prospecting just to book a few meetings? Meet Apollo, the go to market platform for finding leads, connecting with buyers and closing deals all in one place. Apollo gives you access to over 210 million contacts and AI that handles all your busy work finding leads, drafting emails and even prioritizing your day. So stop paying for five different sales tools when one does it all. Visit Apollo I.O. and sign up free today.