← Old Time Radio Westerns
Old Time Radio Westerns
The Homesteaders | The Lone Ranger (05-19-50)
Original Air Date: May 19, 1950Host: 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: Roundup ...
Loading summary
Transcript5 lines
- [00:00]
Narrator
Foreign.
- [00:16]
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.
- [00:49]
Narrator
A fiery horse with a speed of white, a cloud of dust and a hearty high. O Silver, the Lone Ranger. Sa faithful Indian companion Tato, the daring and resourceful masked 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. A small wagon train had entered the town of Mayville, and the leader of the wagons, Ned Baker, went into the cafe to get some information. He approached the table where Sheriff Platt was having lunch. Howdy, Sheriff. I reckon you're the proper army to give me a bit of information. I just brought that wagon train through from St. Louis. Well, what else you want to know? Mister, I'd be thankful if you'll tell me how to get to Cedar Valley. I'm Ned Baker. Got a brother, Dave, who brought some homesteaders out here a couple of years ago. Me and the folks with me want to settle in the valley where Dave and the others are. More homesteaders, huh? That's right. I'll tell you how to get to Cedar Valley, but you'd do better to go farther into the Southwest and settle. Well, thanks for the advice, Sheriff, but Dave roasting about how fine it is around here. I reckon we'll settle in that valley where him and the others are. I see. Frankly, Baker, I've had a hard job keeping peace around this territory since your brother and these other homesteaders came here. Boy, what do you mean? Ranchers hereabouts don't take the homesteading. They claim it's plaza land for cattle raising. Well, now, I reckon the west is big enough for all those who want to come out here. Back east, in the papers, the government keeps urging folks to head west. And in these letters, my brother Dave said that he and the others are doing right well and that there's still land to spare in Cedar Valley. Yeah, seems like he overlooked mentioning they've been up against trouble from time to time. Oh, no, no, Dave did write about that, but he said the ranchers had sort of left them alone in the past few months. He's right about that. Well, if you will tell me how to get to Cedar Valley, I'll take the south trail dam to town for about three miles. Then you come to a branch field that leads you right to see the valley. Thanks, Sheriff. We'll head that way right now. Reckon I'll be seeing you around town from time to time. Come on. Later that afternoon, Gil Randall, owner of the Circle R spread, stood near the corral talking to his foreman, Mark. Gil Randall was a smooth type of man who had gained his holdings by methods that were shady and who liked the power and influence he held over the other ranchers in the territory surrounding Mayville. Gil was saying to his foreman, it rankles me, Mark, that in spite of the trouble we've caused those homesteaders in Cedar Valley, they gained a good foothold there and seemed determined to stay. Yeah, it seems to me, Gil, we didn't cause them enough trouble. It isn't like you to hold back when you have something to gain. Well, the law is on their side. For one thing, that valley land is near my spread. It'll be a valuable addition. Yeah, but if we pulled something really big and it was proved we did it, we'd wind up behind bars. You have a way of getting the other ranchers to side with? Sure. Told them if we could run those homesteaders out, it would discourage others from coming in. What's more, it might encourage other ranches in the west to rise against all homesteaders, none of the ranchers here. But it's sort of the fact that if we do drive out the people in Cedar Valley, you'll really be the one to profit by. Well, what if I am? We gotta keep the west for the cattlemen. No place out here for those no good small time farmers. They cut up and fence in the land and ruin the ranges for grazing by Sunday. You're getting to believe you're doing the West a big service. He Tim's one of the cowpokes back in town. He's riding high like me to bring him news of some sort. Well, let's see. What's the big hurry? Heard something at the cafe that might interest you, boss. Well, then start talking. Hombre heading a small wagon train coming to the cafe. He's talking to the sheriff. Asked the way to Cedar Valley. You mean they intend a homestead there? Yeah. Hombre's the brother of Dave Baker. Dave got him to come out and bring the others with him. Said they're gonna homestead there with Dave and those who already living there. Sorry, Thunder. At the last straw, the sheriff tried to warn them to go further west. Told Them they might be. There'll be trouble all right. Even if they did go farther west, I don't like it. They ought to be turned back, them and many others who come through this territory. Easy to talk about doing that, Boss. Getting them to go all the way back. Something else. If they ran into something to discourage them, they'd be glad to go back where they came from. Are you gonna make trouble for them before they start getting settled? Juice, if Dave Baker sent for them, maybe him and the others got farms laid out in cabins already built and waiting in a valley for them. Mark, I want you and Rusty to get word of the other ranchers to meet here tomorrow night. Tell them I said it's very important. Then we'll see about those homesteaders. The following night, about 10 ranchers were gathered in the main room of the Circle R ranch house. You, Randall, stood behind a table and rapped for silence. All right. Listen to what I have to say, everybody. All of you know how I feel about the homesteaders in Cedar Valley. Even though we've caused them some trouble, like ripping down their fences at night and driving stray cattle over their crops, we've been fairly patient about the whole thing. Now, yesterday, Dave Baker's brother from back east brought more homesteaders here. They're settling over in Cedar Valley with the rest. I say it's about time for us to show all of them they're not wanted in the West. Hold on, Randall. Just what have we got to gain by moving against those homesteaders in the valley? Ain't Green. Every time we have a meeting for the good of us ranchers, you start objecting. I'm for anything. That's for the good of the ranchers and you know it. Then why are you disrupting this meeting now with a local question like that? Because I still don't see how they're interfering with us. If we do run them out, you take over Cedar Valley since it's bordering on your spread. That's not true. This affects all of us. I'm a cattleman. I have big holdings here in the West. I say there's no place for those land grinding homesteaders out here. They keep on coming and ruin us. Nonsense. The west is big enough for all who might want to come out here. There's miles and miles of range, land that's never even been used. We need settlers out here. All we can get. We ever hope to make something out of the West. Wait a minute, wait a minute. If Hank Green is going to be satisfied with that two bit ranch he Owes, that's his business. But the rest of us have the right to grow, spread out our holdings. And I say it's up to us to keep the west open for raising capital's right. Homesteaders are ruining the West. I'm not afraid, but I am thinking of other people's rights, which is more than Gil Randall is doing. I'm just one armbre against the 10 of you, so I can't hope to keep you from doing what you might plan to do. By thunder, I don't have to go along with you. You better get out of here then. Cream. Let me warn you. You go spouting off your mouth to the sheriff or to Dave Baker, I won't be responsible for what might happen. I leave right now. And what's more, Randall, I don't give a hang about any of your threats. What I do and say is my own business. I'm getting out of here. Well, boys, I pay you. Rusty, let us see that he does leave. Find a way to make sure he doesn't do any talking. I did. Go on. Fire, Boss. See you later, man. The time has come to act. Now listen to me, and I'll tell you how we're going to get rid of those homesteaders once and for all. Later that night, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe who had pitched camp in the hills outside Mayville were sitting near the campfire, which had burned to a mass of growing embers. The Lone Ranger looked up at the moon, then spoke. The full moon makes it bright enough to see for some distance. Todo. Ah, moon plenty bright. Kimasabi. One more day of travel should get us to the mission. Yeah. Long time since we see Padre. Hello. That was a shot. Seemed to come from up trails. Hurry. Let's saddle the horses. We'll go up the trail. Investig old ranger and Tottle had ridden a short way up the trail when Tottle pointed ahead and forked. Look. He must hurry. Forks coming along. Trail riders crouched over the powell of the saddle. Tuttle. Ah, look like he. Maybe Paul. Yes. Let's go meet him. Come on. Pull him. I've got him. We'll put him on the ground. He's been shot. Yes. Hurry and we'll take him to our camp. After attending to the wounded man, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe took him to their camp and made him comfortable. Within a short time, their patient opened his eyes, then tried to rise. As he spoke weakly, the masked army. You. You were the one who. Take it easy. Don't try to rise now. I thought maybe they Were making sure I wouldn't talk. But now, now that I see you an outlaw, I guess I'm wrong in thinking we're not outlaws. Believe me. We were here in camp when we heard a shot. We met you coming along the trail, crouched over in the saddle. We bandaged your wound and brought you here. That's right. The bandage. You put that on me? Yes. You'll be all right after a few days. If you shot me, you wouldn't try to save me. That means it must have been someone Randall said. Randall? Yes, Gil Randall. He owns the Circle Ostrad. Why should he want to have you killed? Randall is a troublemaker. He's turned a lot of the ranches against the homesteaders in Cedar Valley. I see more settlers came there day before yesterday. Randall called a meeting tonight at his place. I went, but I objected to his plan to move against the homesteaders. You're one of the ranchers? That's right. Randall warned me to keep my mouth shut. I didn't stay to hear what they planned to do. There are about nine ranchers who follow him like sheep. If Randall would resort to murder, he must be planning something drastic against those people in the valley. I'm sure that he stands to gain. He makes the others think it's for the good of the West. The west needs the homesteaders. If men like Randall continue to make trouble, it means many of the strong. Not only that, but they'll spread the word. It will keep others from coming out to help settle the West. That's right, mister. That's the way I feel about it. Of course, if you aren't sure Randall is behind the attempt to kill you, Mr. Green. Aunt Green is a barge. He wrenched. Hank, are you sure Randall can persuade the others to move against those homesteaders? Yes. Yes, he sure can. He got them to cut fences and ruin crops during the past year. This time I know he's planning something big. They ought to be warned. But of course, I don't know what Randall plans to do or when he'll do it. That's not good, Totto. It's up to us to find out what's being planned and to do what we can to prevent it. Men like Randall are a danger to the West. We'll do all we can to see that he's stopped. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure. Before the next exciting scenes. Please permit us to pause for just a few moments. Now to continue. Early the following morning, the Lone Ranger and Tuttle left Hank in camp and rode up the trail. Backtracking on the hoof marks made by Hank's horse, they found marks on the trail indicating that the horse had broken his pace and veered to one side. They decided this was the spot where Hank had been shot. So they searched behind the boulders and bushes in an effort to find the trail of the gunman. Here. Here came a complete bookmark. Footprint IR this is where the killer waited. An ambush for Hank Green that Price. So pick up his trail now and see where it leads. All right, let's go. The lone ranger and Toddle followed the trail left by Rusty to the circle Arch. Bread. They threw rein in a hollow a short distance from the ranch house. Man who shot his Hank came into the circle. R T. Ah, Hank saved this ranch owned by Randall. Yes, I know. Hank was right in thinking Randall sent someone to kill him. That means Randall and his men are planning something big to drive out the homesteaders. Yeah. And what we do, how we find out, I. I don't know. We go back to camp and try to think of something. All right, let's go. Mont. Get him up. Ranger and tle rode away from the hollow near the circular. The masked man changed his mind about going directly to the camp saying uhoh. Before we go to camp, decided they head for the homesteaders valley. They should be warned. That's good idea. Look the situation over out there. And while I wait nearby, you can go to one of the houses and tell them what we've learned. All right, let's hurry. Come on. In the valley, Ned Baker was at the home of his brother Dave. The two men were having coffee as they talked, while Dave's wife Selena hovered nearby, ready to refill their cups. Ned was speaking. Sure was nice of you, Dave, to get a place all ready for me like you did. The others are mighty grateful too, for the places all of you fixed up for them. As soon as you wrote that you were going to come out here, I passed a word around and everybody chipped in to help. More copy? No, thanks. Selena. Sit down. Join us. All right. My, it's sure nice to have more folks here in Cedar Valley. So we'll have quite a settlement. We'll be all right if we're let alone Selena. Why shouldn't we be? Dave, I admit the few ranchers who've been against us did cause us some trouble, but lately we've had little to worry about. Yes, we haven't had much to worry about, but you know, we never could place the blame for the things that did happen, like cut fences and ruined crops and such. Those things always happened at night. But I've often suspected Gil Randall was behind all of it. Well, who's he? Randall is a big ranch owner and he hates homesteaders. Many of the other ranchers are influenced by what he says. But what about the law? Homesteaders? We have rights, don't we? Sure we have. But sometimes out here, Ned, men like Randall figure that might makes right. They managed to hoodwink a law, Dave. I didn't wait tonight. Why? What's up, friend? I saw a man of Tom Brain, an Indian, acting like they're snooping in the valley. I followed them up the east side, then they come back along the west side. So I hightail it here to tell you I made sure they didn't see me. Dave, they're over by Ned's new cabin right now. I'll bet Randall hired them to cause trouble. What are we gonna do, Dave? Dave, please be careful. Get a couple more men, Fred, and meet us out in front. We'll go to Ned's place and see if we can surprise those two army. All right. Hurry. We'll be waiting. Meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tahoe had observed the homes in the valley. When they came to the new cabin which had been built for Ned Baker, they pulled rain in a grove of trees nearby. Wait here. Toto, you go to that cabin. Warn whoever answers the door that the cattlemen are planning trouble. Pass the word around me. Do that now. Don't wait to answer questions. Be sure to stress the fact that there's real danger. Let me go now. He'll not be gone long. Get him up. Scout Ton left the grove of trees and headed for the cabin. While he was gone, the Lone Ranger busied himself tightening the cinch on silver saddle. Suddenly, the Great Stallion whinnied a warning. The Home Ranger turned around at the same time reaching for his guns. A voice spoke from the edge of the grove. Freeze, mister. We got you covered. I kind of thought we'd find them here in this. Drove, Davy. Yeah, but you said there were two. Maybe the inland went to report and left this masked army to spy on there must be it. Sure. We don't like people snooping around our homes, mister. Especially masked owlhoots like you. I'm not an outlaw. We came here to give you homesteaders a warning. You came to give us a warning, huh? A warning to get out of the valley or be driven out, is that it? No. You wait until I explain. We don't listen. Out lo sit. Why don't you keep him covered. I'll take his guns and grab off his man. The Lone Ranger, standing beside Silver with his hands raised realized he was in immediate danger. Just as he was about to act in spite of the guns pointed at him he heard Tahoe's voice. From behind, the men saw the Indian standing a short distance away with drawn guns. Someone's got the drop on us from behind. You better do as he says or take the consequences. It must be the Indian. He came back. All right. There's my gun. Now, T move in and gather up their gun. Me do that? In a way, I'm glad, mister. But now that you have the upper hand, we'll kill him yet. Just wait and see. No, I don't think so. He has guns. Kill it, Bobby. Toss him into the bushes. Fellow, now that you're unarmed, we'll be on our way. The ranchers are planning to move against you here in the valley. I don't know how or when. Take the warning for what it's worth. What do you not know? He stand on forger cabin. Seamen ride to grow the trees. We leave Scout edge to grove. You came just in time, fellow. All right, call Scout. I'm scout. Let's get going. Easy. After the masked man and the Indian left, Dave Baker sent one of the homesteaders to town to tell the sheriff what had happened and to tell about the warning the masked man had given. Meantime, the Lone Ranger and Tottle returned to their camp. They found Hank Green feeling much better and gave an account of their meeting with the five homesteaders. Hank was saying, I think I can ride all right. The homesteaders know how I feel. Why not let me ride to the valley this afternoon and tell them to be on guard? I can tell them about you and Todo too, so they'll be friendly if you come there to give warning and help them. All right, Hank. That's a good idea. I'm sure nothing will happen before dark. Now, take your time riding to the valley. Tahoe will go along to see that you get there safely. Me do that? Let me come back and watch with Lone Ranger. Tahoe left with Hank Green. Later that afternoon, about dusk, he returned to the camp and after supper he and the Lone Ranger rode to a hiding place along the branch trail to the valley. They dismounted in an arroyo near the trail and waited patiently. Two hours had passed when finally Toto, who was peering over the edge of the arroyo down the trail gave voice to a warning bright enough to see far. Long trail. It looks like many horses. Come. All right. We'll Keep out of sight until they pass. You think it ramble and Manchus? Yes. After they pass, we'll take the shortcuts and get to the valley first. That's Randall and his crowd all right. Ride back along the arroyo a short way and get to the shortcut hard. He needs to be the masked man and the Indian rode at a gallop into the valley. Suddenly their way was blocked by several horsemen who came from hiding and faced them on the trail. Baker, we've come to war and help you. About 10 of the ranchers, probably led by Randall, are on their way to burn you out. If you'll listen, I think I can tell you how to catch them in the act and avoid gunplay. All right, mister. After what Hank told us, we will listen. The sheriff and his deputy are waiting at my place. Good. I'll tell you my plan and you can send for the sheriff and other homesteaders. Here's what we'll do to catch some red handed. Randall and his followers swung eastward. When they reached the entrance to the valley, they followed a narrow trail along the east slope. Yeah, there's no one in sights in their cabin to show they don't expect trouble. Yeah, it'll take them a while to realize what's going on. After we spread out and set fire to the dry brush and tall grass. Yeah, we'll follow along behind the fire and throw l. Anyone? All right. Now each one of you has an oil soap torch in your saddlebag. Get it out and we'll spread out and light them up and set things going. Here's mine. Give me time to spread along the line and when you see me light my torch, you to the. I reckon if a green hadn't talked out a turn at the meeting and had come along, he start kicking about this, huh, boss? Since that accident he had, he won't do any more yapping. Shut up, Rusty, and get going with the rest covered from all men coming out of the tall grass like pry dogs. Yeah. Now there's that horse that back in them trees. He'll. He'll have the sheriff's voice back down on his horse. I use your gun, man. Yeah, you won't for a few minutes. Some of the rangers sports a bit of gun by trying to shoot their way out. But they soon gave up and the sheriff with the homesteaders forced them to dismount and disarm. The Lone Ranger and Tahoe sat in their saddles watching as the sheriff and his deputies prepared to take over. Sheriff, I demand the arrest for that mask. You Shot me in the arm. You have no proof of wrongdoing. We came here to talk the situation over with the homesteaders. Stop lying, Randall. We know you plan to move against us, and here's someone who can prove it. That's right. They did plan it. At Kill Randall's ranch. Green. Holy mackerel. I thought I heard you admit a while ago you caused Hank to have an accident. I didn't admit any such thing. Anyway, Gil told nephew, I'm taking all of you to jail for the time being. I'm sure some of you were influenced by Randall, didn't understand what you were up to. Sheriff, Cattlemen must realize the west doesn't belong to them alone. The west is big enough for everyone who wants to come here. Men like Randall are a menace to the growth of the west, to the success of its people. You and the others can manage now, I'm sure. Come, Toto. Adios here. Randall, you and Rusty will be charged with attempted murder against Hank Green. Other charges against you and these followers of yours will be made leader. Now get your horses, Prado. Come on. Come on, let's go. Hurry. Five Thunder that mask man sure saves the day for us homesteaders. Hey, Hank, he's a friend of yours. Just who is he, anyway? Well, I reckon the sheriff has already guessed who he is. The Indian told me. You see, he's the Lone Ranger. It this is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Enterprises, directed by Charles D. Livingston and edited by Fran Striker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer. Foreign.
- [29:45]
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
- [30:57]
Narrator
SA.