The Key of Jeopardy | The Lone Ranger (02-12-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: The Key of Jeopardy | The Lone Ranger (02-12-51)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored classic from the golden age of radio—"The Key of Jeopardy" featuring the iconic Lone Ranger. This episode masterfully blends suspense, action, and classic Western themes, bringing to life the eternal struggle between lawmen and outlaws in the untamed frontier.

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Setting the Scene

The narrative kicks off with the Lone Ranger and his trusty horse, Silver, heroically maintaining law and order in the early western United States. The storytelling is enriched by meticulously restored audio effects, immersing listeners in the bustling saloons, perilous trails, and dramatic showdowns characteristic of the Wild West.

Notable Quote:

[00:46] Narrator: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty neigh. Silver, the Lone Ranger."

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Introduction of Conflict

The central conflict arises with Dodge McAllister, the unscrupulous leader of the Alibi Boys, a gang notorious for their ability to fabricate alibis and outsmart the law. Sheriff Matt Harvey persistently pursues McAllister, who cunningly evades capture by leveraging false testimonies in court.

Notable Quotes:

[03:31] Sheriff Matt Harvey: "Dodger McAllister, I want you for the murder of two miners on Poker Creek."

[07:33] Narrator: "Dodge McAllister conferred with Sid Hale, the gang's attorney."

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Enter Cannonball McKay

Cannonball McKay, a formidable stagecoach driver, becomes pivotal to the unfolding drama. Equipped with a sawed-off shotgun and a cunning mind, she anticipates the gang's attempt to rob her stage. Her interaction with her husband, Clem, reveals the gang's nefarious plans to seize her stagecoach and its contents, including a strongbox secured with a hidden key.

Notable Quotes:

[05:44] Cannonball McKay: "Clem, your dear. What did you do while I was away on my two-day run?"

[06:12] Clem: "Dodge McAllister knows that. He also knows that your strong box is built into the stage under the back seat."

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The Lone Ranger's Involvement

The Lone Ranger, disguised as a Mexican ranchero named Tono, boards Cannonball's stagecoach, concealing himself and plotting to thwart the impending robbery. His strategic intervention aims to expose the gang's deceit and bring Dodge McAllister to justice.

Notable Quotes:

[09:21] Cannonball McKay: "Skin me alive if it isn't Tono."

[10:03] Lone Ranger: "Perhaps I should talk to Dave Harrison."

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Climactic Showdown

As the stagecoach progresses toward Hairpin Bend, tensions escalate. The gang attempts to execute their robbery, but their plans unravel due to the Lone Ranger's quick thinking and Cannonball's resourcefulness. A pivotal moment occurs when Lawyer Sid Hale betrays the Lone Ranger by shooting him, leading to a chaotic confrontation.

Notable Quotes:

[14:15] Lone Ranger: "Let me have your key in the scatter gun."

[18:18] Narrator: "At that instant, one of Tottle's bullets glanced off a rock and grazed the flank of one of the stage horses."

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Resolution and Justice Served

Despite the gang's initial success, their downfall is imminent. The Lone Ranger regains consciousness and, alongside Cannonball and Sheriff Harvey, dismantles the Alibi Boys' plans. The key to the strongbox serves as irrefutable evidence against McAllister, ensuring that justice prevails. The episode concludes with the capture of Dodge McAllister and his cohorts, reaffirming the Lone Ranger's role as the steadfast guardian of the frontier.

Notable Quotes:

[25:08] Dodge McAllister: "I'll talk. Gooseneck Slim. Lucky and I pulled every job we've been arrested for."

[27:00] Dodge McAllister: "All right, Sheriff."

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Character Dynamics and Themes

This episode delves deep into themes of justice, deception, and redemption. The interplay between Cannonball McKay's resilience and the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to law exemplifies the classic Western archetypes. The villainous Sid Hale's betrayal underscores the pervasive corruption that the protagonists must overcome.

Insights:

• Cannonball McKay represents the empowered frontierswoman, defying societal norms with her toughness and ingenuity.
• Lawyer Sid Hale embodies the corruption within the legal system, manipulating justice for personal gain.
• Dodge McAllister's reliance on fabricated alibis highlights the challenges lawmen faced in maintaining order.

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Conclusion

The Key of Jeopardy is a quintessential example of Old Time Radio Westerns, skillfully blending action, drama, and moral lessons. Through impeccable voice acting and enhanced audio restoration, Andrew Rines ensures that classic tales like the Lone Ranger's adventures remain vivid and engaging for modern audiences. This episode not only entertains but also preserves the rich heritage of Western radio dramas, celebrating the timeless battle between good and evil in the rugged landscapes of the frontier.

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Closing Remarks

Andrew Rines invites listeners to immerse themselves in over 80 meticulously restored episodes available monthly. To support and enjoy more classic Western tales, followers are encouraged to like, rate, and subscribe through various platforms, ensuring the legacy of these iconic stories continues to thrive.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio. Silver, the Lone Ranger.

[Cannonball McKay]

Ram.

[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tottle, 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 hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Lone Silver. Go, big fellow. Are you still there?

[Narrator]

Dodge McAllister headed a gang of outlaws known as the Alibi Boys. Operating out of Circle City. He and his henchmen had laughed at the law as they robbed and killed at will. Sheriff Matt Harvey knew McAllister was a criminal and had often arrested him.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Dodger McAllister, I want you for the murder of two miners on poker Creek.

[Dodge McAllister]

Sheriff, a half dozen good citizens will testify that my friends and I were right here in Circle City when the miners were killed.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

They'll have to swear to that in court. In view of the substantial alibi offered.

[Dodge McAllister]

By the defendant in this case, the.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Court feels compelled to direct a verdict of not guilty.

[Narrator]

A few weeks later, the bank at Round Top had been robbed.

[Lone Ranger]

Help. Bank robbers.

[Narrator]

Help.

[Dodge McAllister]

They're cutting away. Sheriff, I hear you've been looking for me and my boys.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Well, here we are, McAllister, you're all under arrest. For the bank holder. This time, I'll put you where you belong. I have two witnesses who identify you.

[Dodge McAllister]

Yeah, and we have 10 who will swear we went within 50 miles around.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Sheriff Harvey, it appears to the court that you have been persecuting Dodge McAllister. Case dismissed.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

McAllister, I know you and your gang held up the casino in Red Ledge last night. You have an alibi, I reckon.

[Dodge McAllister]

Right you are, Sheriff. I'm the fellow who wasn't there.

[Narrator]

It was several weeks later when Cannonball McKay, the famous woman stage driver, brought six fleet horses and a new Concorde coach to a dust raising stop outside her home stable in Circle City. Cannonball was lean and leathery. She wore men's clothing and had her hair tucked up into the crown of a battered Stetson. In her left hand, she carried a coiled black snake whip. From her right shoulder, a sawed off shotgun hung barreled down on a looped strap attached to its butt. As she nimbly descended from the driver's box, her husband, who had only one arm, emerged from the stable. She greeted him affectionately.

[Cannonball McKay]

Clem, your dear. What did you do while I was away on my two day run?

[Clem]

Little enough, darling. I've been worrying about you. Dodge McAllister and his owl hooch a fiction to hold you up.

[Cannonball McKay]

That doesn't surprise me. How'd you find out?

[Clem]

A homesteader named Dave Harrison sent word to me.

[Cannonball McKay]

I know Harrison. Last winter I hauled his wife to a hospital through a blizzard.

[Clem]

The gang aims to rob you the first to next month.

[Cannonball McKay]

First? That's when I always carry the most money betwixt here and red ledge.

[Clem]

Dodge McAllister knows that. He also knows that your strong box is built into the stage under the back seat.

[Cannonball McKay]

Aw, they can't get away with the box unless they tear the stage apart. And if they do, they'll still need my key or a lot of blasting powder to open it.

[Clem]

That makes it worse for you. They figured to steal the stage and take you with it.

[Cannonball McKay]

I wonder how the homesteader got in on the gang secrets.

[Clem]

McAllister aims to use Harrison as one of his witnesses. After the hold up, the gang always fixes alibis in advance.

[Cannonball McKay]

Is Harrison gonna purge himself?

[Dodge McAllister]

Why not?

[Clem]

The gang will kill him if he don't. He has an ailing wife and children to think about.

[Cannonball McKay]

So that's why the owl hoots always have such a bunch of honest men ready to testify for Cannon.

[Clem]

Let's go and ask the sheriff for protection.

[Cannonball McKay]

Sheriff Harvey has given up trying to catch the alibi boys anyhow. I've plugged a couple of road agents in my time and I'm raring to plug some more. I've got old Betsy here loaded with horseshoe nails.

[Clem]

Wait. Wait a minute. I just remembered that mask man and Indian who once kept me from being lynched. If you could get in touch with.

[Cannonball McKay]

Him before he left. The masked man told me I could reach him by writing to a certain cadre.

[Clem]

Then do it, Cannonball. Please do.

[Cannonball McKay]

All right, honey. I'll send him a message. Prado.

[Narrator]

Later that day, Dodge McAllister conferred with Sid Hale, the gang's attorney. A loan shark as well as a shyster, Hale had long used both laws and outlaws to rob and corrupt honest men. Rubbing his hands, he asked, well, Dodge.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Did you line up Dave Harrison?

[Dodge McAllister]

I scared him plenty, Sid. But I doubt that he'll be on hand to testify for us if we need him?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Why not?

[Dodge McAllister]

He started packing his furniture.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

So he intends to run out on his hands. That's for sure. Once a man goes into court and swears to a false alibi, he's hooked. He has committed the crime of perjury. That keeps him quiet. But Harrison hasn't implicated himself. He may tell all he knows as soon as he thinks he's safe.

[Dodge McAllister]

He knows too much. I'll have to plug him.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Leave that to me. I don't need a prearranged alibi. Now then, what about your plans for the hold up?

[Dodge McAllister]

We're all set. We stopped the stage inside of Hairpin Bend. I'll have Lucky Lou hiding in the rocks that overhang the trail. When Cannonball pulls up, he'll lasso her and jerk her from the driver's seat before she can use her scattergun. And Gooseneck Slim and I'll close in.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I see.

[Dodge McAllister]

We'll take the stage into a canyon where nobody will see it. Now, if we can't get the strongbox key away from Cannonball, we'll blow the lid off.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

There should be a lot of money in it.

[Dodge McAllister]

Yeah, I suppose there are a lot of passengers on the stage. I'll only have three fellows working with me.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I'll reserve all the seats the night before. Now go out the back way. I'm heading for Hodges homestead.

[Narrator]

On the last night of the month, Cannonball McKay sat beside a table in her home. Very carefully, she dropped horseshoe nails into the left muzzle of her 10 gauge scatter gun. Clem was saying, it doesn't look like.

[Clem]

The masked man will get here in time to help you.

[Cannonball McKay]

He may have been a thousand miles away when I wrote. Well, skin me alive if it isn't Tono.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, come in.

[Clem]

Come in, Tano. Who's the Mexican gent with you?

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Him.

[Lone Ranger]

Him friend.

[Cannonball McKay]

He's not the friend I expected.

[Lone Ranger]

Senora Cannonball, you make the big mistake. I am the emperor.

[Cannonball McKay]

You want great fires in the mountains? It's you. The Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Go on.

[Cannonball McKay]

I never would have known you in that get up. Why disguised?

[Lone Ranger]

I plan to ride your stage tomorrow as a passenger. Otto will follow along behind, keeping out of sight and bringing silver. Now, tell me all you know about the Alibi boys and their design on your stage.

[Narrator]

After Cannonball and Clem had given all the particulars about the gang, the Lone Ranger commented.

[Lone Ranger]

Perhaps I should talk to Dave Harrison.

[Clem]

Oh, it's too late for that, mister. Somebody plugged the poor fella while he was trying to move out of these parts.

[Lone Ranger]

That's too bad.

[Cannonball McKay]

Do you want me to haul anybody besides you?

[Lone Ranger]

You can't refuse to settle fares without making people wonder and talk. Talk?

[Cannonball McKay]

Oh, that's so we don't want to.

[Lone Ranger]

Scare off the gang. One chance of bringing the alibi boys to justice is to catch them in a criminal act.

[Cannonball McKay]

All right.

[Lone Ranger]

You think you can persuade the sheriff to take a posse to Red Ledge tonight? Well, you might suggest that he and his possum ride back towards Circle City in the morning following the stage trail.

[Cannonball McKay]

What for?

[Lone Ranger]

Well, the holdup can occur only at one place between here and the end of your line at red ledge, about 15 minutes from Hairpin Bend. That's the only place on the trail where there are enough large rocks and boulders to furnish concealment for the outlaws and their horses. If the posse can avoid being seen by the bandits and catch those crooks in action, there can be no trumped up alibi.

[Cannonball McKay]

It's a good idea, mister. But just the same, I'd like to hide the key to the strong box where those owl hoots will never find it in case they get the upper hand of us.

[Lone Ranger]

Let me have your key in the scatter gun.

[Cannonball McKay]

Here they are.

[Narrator]

Taking a thin, flat key from Cannonball's hand, the Lone Ranger dropped it into the right barrel of the shotgun which contained only a powder charge. Then he rammed a patch of linen into the barrel.

[Lone Ranger]

There you are, Cannonball. You have to unlock the box at some waypoint in order to receive or discharge mail and money. All you'll have to do is pull the wadding out of the barrel.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Here's somebody coming.

[Cannonball McKay]

Folks are always running in on me.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Howdy, Ketterbol. Howdy, Clem.

[Cannonball McKay]

Howdy, lawyer Hale. Don't you knock before you come into a house?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Your place is rather public. I see you have some strangers here.

[Cannonball McKay]

Now, this here gent is riding the stage tomorrow.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Oh, is he?

[Lone Ranger]

Si, Senor Hill. He's great honor to ride the senora Cannonball.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Well, Cannonball, I want to reserve all the other seats. I'm taking some clients to Red Ledge on business.

[Cannonball McKay]

I'll hold the places for you.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Yeah, Then I'll be going.

[Cannonball McKay]

I don't like that, Kyle.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, lawyer Hale let himself into a room above a saddler's shop. As he entered, Dodge, McAllister, who had been playing cards with his henchmen Gooseneck Slim and Lucky Lou, looked up in surprise.

[Dodge McAllister]

Did you get the seats?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Yes, all but one. A Mexican ranchero has it he may be dangerous.

[Dodge McAllister]

What do we do about him?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I planned to tell Cannonball at the last minute that I couldn't use any of the seeds. I'll make the trip.

[Dodge McAllister]

That's a good idea, Sid.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

If the Mexican draws his guns, I'll be right there to stop him. I'll need a horse after the holdup, so have an extra one on hand.

[Dodge McAllister]

There'll be a horse for you.

[Narrator]

Get up.

[Cannonball McKay]

Get up there.

[Narrator]

It was the following forenoon when Cannonball's big scarlet and yellow Concord coach rolled westward along the second stretch of the run from Circle City to Red Ledge. Inside the stage, the Lone Ranger in his Mexican disguise occupied the seat which covered the built in strongbox. He had no idea that lawyer Hale, who faced him from the front seat was the mastermind of the hold up gang.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Hale was saying, in about 15 minutes we'll be at Hairpin Bend.

[Lone Ranger]

He's a dangerous place, no?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Very dangerous. Trail follows a 12 foot ledge there, makes a sharp turn. One side is a high bluff, on the other a drop of 500ft. Take sure footed horses, an expert driver to handle them in that part of the trail. A lot of stage coaches have gone over trying to make that turn.

[Lone Ranger]

These good things. Seora Cannonball drive this stage, huh?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Even she has to walk their horses around the bendigos.

[Lone Ranger]

Keep down, senor.

[Narrator]

Opening one of the stage doors slightly, the Lone Ranger drew his guns and prepared to leap out. Dodge, McAllister, Gooseneck and Slim were on horseback back and had their faces covered with bandanas. Began to close in. As they came into his line of vision, the Lone Ranger shouted guns. Before he could follow up his command with action, Lawyer Hale yanked a cold peacemaker from inside his shirt and lashed out with it. The barrel of the six gun caught the Lone Ranger flush on the temple. 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.

[Cannonball McKay]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. Attacked from behind by the treacherous lawyer Sid Hale, the Lone Ranger fell senseless on the floor of Cannonball McKay's Stagecoach. Hale was shouting to his confederate. At that moment, Lucky Lou rose from his hiding place above the stage and cast the loop of a lariat down upon the woman driver. The loop was too large. It slid down from her arms and shoulders and did not tighten until it reached her ankles. Surprised and angered, Cannonball forgot the Lone Ranger's instructions about holding fire. Raising her shoulder slung scatter gun, she lined the barrels on the nearest mounted outlaw. Old Betsy thundered Before Cannonball could fire again, Lucky Lou jerked on the rope her feet shot out from under her. She plummeted from the driver's box with a yell, landing on the rocky trail. She lay stunned, jumping from the stage. Lawyer Hale examined her while Lucky Lou clambered down from his post. And the other outlaws, taking off their masks, joined them.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Lucky searching for the key to the shroud box.

[Lone Ranger]

Right.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

There'll be time enough to dispose of power in the Mexican after we find the key.

[Dodge McAllister]

All right, but look at my shoulder. Unbuttoned my shirt. Just pull it down.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

See? That's a nasty shotgun wound, huh? There'll be slugs in there. They'll have to be taken out, but I'll need pincers to get them. The best they can do now is to put them on the bandage.

[Narrator]

As Lawyer Hale finished placing a temporary bandage on Dodge McAllister's wound Lucky Lou reported the result of his search.

[Lone Ranger]

Cannonball doesn't have the key on it. And I can't find it anywhere on the stage either.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I'll make her tell where it is as soon as she comes to heaven. Into the stage with a Mexican. And let's get the outfit off the trail before someone comes along.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Cannonball. For once, you arrive inside the stage.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

All right, get in there.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, that's it. She's in with a Mexican. Now, Sid, let's get aboard the stage and get rolling.

[Dodge McAllister]

Hey, look. Coming up the trail behind us.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

That fella rides like an Indian. Why, he is an Indian.

[Dodge McAllister]

He has an extra horse.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

He's riding in fast.

[Dodge McAllister]

Shoot him.

[Lone Ranger]

He stopped out of pistol range. He's going to use a Winchester.

[Dodge McAllister]

Get to the COVID of those rocks.

[Lone Ranger]

Dog going? We just got to cover in time. Those slugs are coming mighty close.

[Dodge McAllister]

We gotta get that redskin.

[Lone Ranger]

We can't hit him with pistols. He's too far away.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

We'll wait for him to come closer, then we'll get him.

[Narrator]

At that instant, one of Totto's bullets glanced off a rock and grazed the flank of one of the stage horses. It squealed with pain and terror and began to prance. The other horses, already frightened by the gunfire, panicked and took off at a mad gallop.

[Dodge McAllister]

Look. The stage horses are running away.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

They can't make that turn at Hairpin Bend without a driver.

[Narrator]

The best whip in the world couldn't get the coach around the bend at.

[Lone Ranger]

The rate they're going.

[Dodge McAllister]

The engine's still firing. What do we do?

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

You can pick us off with that Winchester. If we show ourselves. He comes a little closer, we can drop him.

[Narrator]

Tuttle knew that if he Advanced, he'd be within range of the outlaws pistols. And as long as McAllister and his friends remained behind the shelter of rocks, he couldn't hope to wound them. The Indian had seen Cannonball's frightened team run away with a big Concord stage. He made a quick decision. He wheeled his guard and turned away from the scene of the attempted robbery. Meanwhile, the stampeding horses raced along the trail toward Hairpin Bend. The body of the big Concord coach rocked and bounced on the heavy leather straps which attached it to the running gear. Jolted back to consciousness, the Lone Ranger thought first of Cannonball McKay. Lifting her into a seat, he took down a canteen with which the coach was equipped and dashed water into her face.

[Cannonball McKay]

Mister, what's going on?

[Lone Ranger]

I haven't found out.

[Cannonball McKay]

Look out the window. We're larra along mighty fast. Who's driving?

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, the horses are running away.

[Cannonball McKay]

Hey, what are you doing?

[Lone Ranger]

Climbing outside. Gotta reach the lines and stop the horses.

[Narrator]

As Cannonball protested, the Lone Ranger caught hold of the brass railing which kept baggage from sliding off the top of the stage. Straining his muscles to the utmost, he hoisted himself up and over the metalwork. Cannonball thrust her head out of the window before low him and called, call.

[Cannonball McKay]

The need horses by name. They're gypsy ramblers.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, gypsy. Oh, rambler.

[Narrator]

Standing up on the driver's footboard, the Lone Ranger sawed on the six lines and jammed on the pedal of the brakes as the stage coach rocketed on toward destruction.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh, gypsy forever.

[Cannonball McKay]

You Creeters. Where are they?

[Narrator]

The lead and wheel teams began to yield to the Lone Ranger's powerful pull on the leather. The big vehicle slowed slightly. Then it was at the bend. Sheila Lone Ranger pulled the inside horses so close to the face of the bluff that their flanks rubbed the rocks. Then the stage coach rounded the rest of the band into a straight stretch of safe trail. The Lone Ranger gave the horses their heads.

[Lone Ranger]

Get up. Get up, Diplo.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the outlaws at the seen tle right away. They watched until the Indian was out of sight, then mounted their horses and headed toward Hairpin Bay. When they came within view of the treacherous turn, they were surprised to find that the stage was not a wreck at the bottom of the ledge.

[Dodge McAllister]

I don't savvy how those critters managed.

[Lone Ranger]

To get around the bend without a driver. Now what do we do? Dodge? Try to catch the stage?

[Dodge McAllister]

No, we'll head it off. Cut off the trail and head cross country.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on.

[Cannonball McKay]

Come on.

[Narrator]

As the outlaws came to the crest of the hill, they sighted the stage in the Valley below. It was coming to a halt as a group of horsemen approached from the opposite direction.

[Cannonball McKay]

Wait a minute, boys.

[Dodge McAllister]

Rein in your horses.

[Lone Ranger]

Boys.

[Dodge McAllister]

Notice the man meeting the stage. He looks like the sheriff to me.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Yes, it is a sheriff. He has a posse with him.

[Lone Ranger]

We don't want to be seen by that many men.

[Narrator]

They blow our alibi sky high.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Good thing we saw them before they saw us. We better cut back through the hills and get the town to establish alibis.

[Lone Ranger]

What about the case?

[Dodge McAllister]

Yeah, we'll have to let it go. We can't attack the stage with the sheriff's posse on hand. Come on, let's clear out of here.

[Narrator]

The outlaws were heading back to town. As the Lone Ranger halted the stage and climbed on. Cannonball emerged from the interior of the coach. Soon they were joined by Sheriff Harvey and his posse. And then by Tottle leading the great horse, Silver. The Indian explained how he had opened fire on MacAlister and the other outlaws.

[Lone Ranger]

Be seized. Cage and run away.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Horses be right way.

[Dodge McAllister]

Turn off trail.

[Lone Ranger]

Take shortcut.

[Dodge McAllister]

Come here.

[Lone Ranger]

You held the attention of McAllister and his pals. Taro may account for why they didn't follow the stage.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Cannon Ball, you and this Mexican gent and the Indian have had a powerful lot of trouble for nothing. Now, come, Sheriff, when we get back to town, we're likely to find the gang waiting for us. With a lot of fellas who'll swear they weren't out here.

[Cannonball McKay]

My friend and I know better, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

It'll be the word of three of you against that of maybe a dozen crooks and liars. They'll go scot free again.

[Cannonball McKay]

By thunder. If that's the case, I'll take the law into my own hands. I'll plug those varments on sight. I've already winged McAllister.

[Lone Ranger]

Cannonball, did you wound McAllister with your scatter gun?

[Cannonball McKay]

I sure did. Gave him the right barrel. I.

[Lone Ranger]

Never mind saying it now. You think you're able to drive back to Circle City?

[Cannonball McKay]

Why, sure. I'll get up on the box now.

[Lone Ranger]

All right, Silver. So the big fella.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Easy, mister. You're no Mexican.

[Lone Ranger]

No, Sheriff, I'm not.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Who in tarnation are you?

[Lone Ranger]

Cannonball will explain. I suggest we go to town and meet the Alibi boys.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

All right. Come on, fellas.

[Narrator]

In town, two of the outlaws stood with four homesteaders watching the arrival of the stagecoach. While a few yards away, Dodge McAllister complained to lawyer Sid Hale.

[Dodge McAllister]

Listen, Sid, just putting on a clean shirt to cover the bandage doesn't help my Shoulder. You've got to do something. You've got to get some pinches and get the slugs out. I can't stand this pain much longer.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

You don't have much longer to wait, Dodge. The stage is in. Sheriff will be coming here to ask questions. As soon as we're through with him, we'll take care of your wound.

[Dodge McAllister]

Here he comes now with cannonball and the fossil.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Mixing is with him, too.

[Lone Ranger]

There's the Indian.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Let's join the others. We've got to make sure those homesteaders give us an alibi.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Dodge McAllister, I'm arresting you and your pals for trying to hold up the stage this morning. I want you too, Lawyer Hale.

[Dodge McAllister]

Sheriff, you're persecuting us again. We were playing cards all day with these four honest homesteaders.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Save that for the judge. You're under arrest. Get your hands up, all of you.

[Cannonball McKay]

Liars. Cold head.

[Lone Ranger]

The sheriff said for you to raise your hand.

[Dodge McAllister]

I might. My shoulder is lame.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll help you carry out the order. I'll raise your hand.

[Dodge McAllister]

Let go. Let go.

[Lone Ranger]

Be quiet. What's the matter with a shoulder? You seem to. Yes, you have a bandage beneath the shirt.

[Dodge McAllister]

Lemme alone.

[Cannonball McKay]

I'll tell you what's wrong with that shoulder. That's where I shot the crook with my scatter gun. And I had the key to the strongbox in that garment.

[Dodge McAllister]

No. You lie. Cannibal.

[Lone Ranger]

You need attention, McAllister. Is there a doctor here?

[Dodge McAllister]

Yeah, I'm a horse doctor, but I.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Sometimes fix up humans.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll examine this man's shoulder. You may discover evidence to prove he was at the scene of the attempted robbery.

[Dodge McAllister]

My shoulder's all right. A sprain, that's all. Now let me go. I won't be worked on by a horse doctor.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

You've nothing to fear if you're telling the truth. Grab him, boys. Hold him for dark.

[Narrator]

In spite of the gang leader's howls of pain and protest, the horse doctor probed the shoulders and brought out a piece of metal.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I'll be cowlick if it isn't a key.

[Cannonball McKay]

There it is, Sheriff. The key to the strongbox in my coach. The mask man. I mean the Mexican told me to hide it in my scatter gun. Dodge wanted it and he got it shot into him.

[Lone Ranger]

That key proves McAllister took part in the attempted robbery in spite of any alibi. Better mark the key. A jury will want to see it tried on the lock later on.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Witness this, you possemon. I'm marking this key. There. Now you'll all know it again. You homesteaders, you were about to perjure yourselves with a lion alibi. You want to go to jail?

[Dodge McAllister]

Don't arrest a sheriff. They said we'd get the same as Dave Harrison unless we did as we were told.

[Lone Ranger]

That's right, Sheriff. He threatened to kill us and our families if we didn't back their word.

[Dodge McAllister]

We never saw those men until they rolled in here an hour ago.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

There goes your alibi, Dodge. Now, about Dave Harris.

[Cannonball McKay]

Dodge. You might escape a lynching bee if you talk.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't say a word, Dodge.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

I'll get you out of this.

[Dodge McAllister]

I don't want to be lynched. I'll talk. Gooseneck Slim. Lucky and I pulled every job we've been arrested for. Shed Hale fixed our alibis for us and took most of our boodle for doing it. And he killed Dave Harris and getting out of here.

[Lone Ranger]

No, you're not.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

Let go, man.

[Lone Ranger]

Not that chair. Senor Hale, you.

[Lawyer Sid Hale]

You're no Mexican.

[Lone Ranger]

No, but I owe you something for hitting me with a gun barrels. Senor. Here's an American uppercut, Boys.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Pick that law shark up. Take him and the other varmints to jail. Put them in iron.

[Dodge McAllister]

All right, Sheriff.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Come on, mister. I'm sure beholden to you and Cannonball for breaking up that gang.

[Lone Ranger]

You're not indebted to us, Sheriff. You did your best against crooks who knew how to beat the law. They might have gone on robbing, killing and corrupting. Except for the used cannonball made of her key. And that key unlocked plenty of things. Yes. Tado. Now it's time for us to go. Easy. Simple. Easy. Easy, fella. Adios, Cannonball. Adios, Sheriff.

[Cannonball McKay]

Adios.

[Sheriff Matt Harvey]

Cannonball. You said that gent was a friend of yours. Who is he?

[Cannonball McKay]

Well, Sheriff, a better stage driver than I am, but then you'd expect that as a lone rang.

[Lone Ranger]

Sa.

[Narrator]

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

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