
Original Air Date: September 15, 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: Ro...
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Andrew Rines
Foreign 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. A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio. Silver. The Lone Ranger General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat oat cereal that gives you go power. And Wheaties, the breakfast of champions. Present by special recording, the Lone Ranger.
Liz Yancey
Cowboy Tom is a boy of six. He knows all kinds of cowboy tricks. He can rope a steer because he knows he's got go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios.
Andrew Rines
Cheerios, Cheerios, you bet. Cheerios. The oat cereal that needs no cooking. Every delicious spoonful of Cheerios and milk is real muscle building food. Each spoonful contains vitamins, minerals and proteins your body needs. Yes, the good things in a Cheerios breakfast do good things for your body. Help you have healthy nerves, good red blood, strong bones and muscles. And besides, giving you go power. Cheerios is downright wonderful tasting. That toasted oat flavor is really something. And when you add milk in your favorite fruit, say some sliced bananas, you're in for a delicious breakfast treat. Get the whole family off to a good start every morning with Cheerios. Then you'll hear people say he's feeling his Cheerios. With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful Mask rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let go, big fella. Are you sil. Woman. Sheriff of Gunstock was at her desk in the jail office. A former school teacher with an eastern education, she was young and attractive. As she attended the paperwork connected with her duties, another woman looked on. She was a frontier type, hatchet faced, lanky and seemingly as ageless as a piece of petrified wood. Rejoicing in the name of Liz Yancey. She not only protected the law lady from scandal, but served as jail cook and turnkey. Liz was saying, looky here, Claire. You are wearing yourself out a looking for them varmints that killed your husband.
Liz Yancey
Liz, I'll never rest until they're punished. When I was sworn into Office. I took another oath, a silent oath to square counts for Dick.
Andrew Rines
That's all well and good, but. Oh, Quince Rockwell.
Liz Yancey
Hello, Mr. Rockwell.
Andrew Rines
Mrs. Lee, the stage has been held up again, this time at Crossbows Gulch. The owl hoots got another Wells Fargo box.
Liz Yancey
Good heavens.
Andrew Rines
I'm reporting this because it's an express company rule and I'm its agent. Not that I think it'll do any good.
Liz Yancey
I'll put Deputy Taylor on the case as soon as he returns.
Andrew Rines
This makes the fifth hole up around here in a year. My company has lost better than $100,000. Something's got to be done about it.
Liz Yancey
Mr. Rockwell, your company has had its best special agents hunting for the stage robbers. They seem to have failed as badly as the sheriff's office.
Andrew Rines
That's no excuse. A woman isn't fit to be sheriff. Her place is at home. Fetching up a family. You sure didn't get much fetching up. Mrs. Lee, I'm going to get up petitions to oust you from office. Nearly every man in the county will sign it and so will a lot of women. Mark my word, Liz.
Liz Yancey
What shall I do? Bill, there's been another stage robbery.
Andrew Rines
I heard about it at the cafe. Rounded up a posse and I'll be heading for Crossbow Gulf soon as I get my rifle and saddle up. The back door open, Liz? Why shouldn't it be? You never bring in any prisoners. I'll get those things off it this time, Claire. I figure that sidewinder's trying to undermine you and get your badge. Several hours later, Liz Yancy retired to a side room in which she slept with a Colt.44 under her pillow and a sawed off shotgun leaning against the bed. Mrs. Lee remained at her desk. She had taken a record book from an open desk drawer. Then a door opened.
Liz Yancey
What a mask, man.
Andrew Rines
Please don't be frightened. I'm a friend.
Liz Yancey
Friends show their faces. I suppose you murdered my husband and have come back to murder me.
Andrew Rines
Mrs. Lee, I'm here to volunteer the services of an Indian friend and myself. We want to help you solve that case.
Liz Yancey
Then why are you wearing a mask?
Andrew Rines
If my face were to become known to outlaws, it would handicap me in bringing them to justice.
Liz Yancey
So you're a professional bounty hunter?
Andrew Rines
No, I. I don't work for rewards or pay. Oh. Perhaps a silver bullet will identify me. Please take it.
Liz Yancey
Yes, it is a silver bullet, but it means nothing to me. I still don't understand your motive in offering aid.
Andrew Rines
Because I believe in maintaining law and order. Does that explain My purpose.
Liz Yancey
It does indeed, mister. Did you know that the gun stock stage was robbed again today?
Andrew Rines
My friend heard about it and told me. We'd have gone to the scene but a posse was already on the way and I wanted to avoid being questioned about my mask.
Liz Yancey
I believe there's some connection between the stage robberies and my husband's murder.
Andrew Rines
What makes you think so?
Liz Yancey
Here is the last report Dick entered in his record book. It's dated August 17th and reads, first stage robbery county ever had was reported at 1pm today. Five masked men took express box containing $11,000. Went to scene, failed to pick up trail, but found heel shot from one outlaw's boot by stage passenger. That's all he wrote. Two days later he was shot from an alley here in Gunstock.
Andrew Rines
That would seem to indicate that he learned something he didn't record.
Liz Yancey
Why do you say that?
Andrew Rines
Because professional hold up men rarely kill a sheriff unless he becomes dangerous to them.
Liz Yancey
I have the boot heel in this drawer. Here it is. What do you make of it?
Andrew Rines
Well, it's an ordinary heel as far as the leather and manufacture go, but it tells a story. I'll see fellows back humor. Sabi cannot find anything. Mrs. Lee, this is my friend Toto.
Liz Yancey
How do you do?
Andrew Rines
Oh, we have had a lot of experience trailing Indians who were afoot. Whether they wore moccasins or white men's boots, their tracks were easy to identify. Mrs. Lee, do any local Indians, perhaps Indians working as cowboys wear boots?
Liz Yancey
No, of none. Oh, Phil, I didn't hear you come in.
Andrew Rines
I can't put it in the back way in her part of the bunco these fellas have been handing you. Who in blazes are they?
Liz Yancey
They're going to investigate Dick's murder and the stage robbery.
Andrew Rines
Oh, well, I like that. Here I've been doing all your work for you, then you turn around, hire a mascow hoot and a redskin. You aiming to fire me?
Liz Yancey
Perhaps I should discharge you.
Andrew Rines
You do and I'll help Quince Rockwell throw you out of office. I'll shoot you, Taylor.
Liz Yancey
You're through. Give me your badge, gun and gun belt. They're county property.
Andrew Rines
Like blazes. I will. You're the sheriff, sir. Are you? Don't draw that gun. Let go my arm. Unbuckle his gun belt, Toto. Sorry. There, we got it off. Now I'll unpin that badge. There it comes.
Liz Yancey
I'll take those things.
Andrew Rines
You'll pay for this, Taylor. You're a private citizen now. As another private citizen, I'm advising you to forget that you ever saw my friend and me. I'm not forgetting anything, mister.
Liz Yancey
Did I do the right thing?
Andrew Rines
Yes, Mrs. Lee. But Bill may make trouble for all of us. How to follow him? I'll meet you at camp. Me, sir? We came to Sunday. Like all braggarts, Bill was filled with self pity over his discharge. Making the rounds of the cafes, he talked long and loudly about the incompetence and ingratitude of the woman sheriff. Few men sympathized with him, though many already had signed petitions asking for her removal. But at the Lazy H Cafe, he found a really interested listener in Chad Harrison, who owned the place as well as a ranch with the same name. Bill, what is our lady sheriff going to do without a man? Deputy, we already got two fellas working for him. Well, you don't say. Anyone I know? I reckon not. One's an engine, the other wears a mask. Heard him talking about a boot heel that Dick Lee found after the first stage robbery. He figured it came from a boot worn by an Injun cowpoke. Well, that means he'll be out looking for that kind of an engine. Hey, Chad, come to think of it, you've got a redskin rider on your ranch. He's the only boot wearing engine in these parks. Now look, Chad, you don't want any crooks working on your spread. Suppose you and I handle a case together. I'd split the reward with you. Bill, I'm getting interested. Ride out to my ranch tomorrow. We'll talk about it some more. I'll be there. An hour later, Chad Harrison was in the bunkhouse at his ranch. With him were five ill favored men who listened intently as he repeated what the ex deputy had told him he was saying. The way I figure it, that boot heel put Dick Lee onto us. He knew about you. Comancy Joe was smart enough to put two and two together before we plugged him. Now it's put Bill onto you. I may leave that mask man out here. Yeah, you're right, boss. Yeah, on the way here, I figured out a way to get rid of Bill Taylor and the masked man at the same time. How's that? I told you, the masked man uses silver bullets and had a ruckus of Bill. Well, we'll make some silver bullets and drill Bill with him. That alone ought to be enough to convict the masked man. But to make it even stronger, we'll swear we saw him do the shooting. Boss, you always come up with good ideas. Bill is coming out here tomorrow. By tomorrow night he'll be dead. And the mask man will be in jail waiting to hang. We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. All over the country in every direction. How ya, how ya doing? Is a question. And here's what the hap happy people have to say an ok. Ok, that's the word up north. Just ask the champions. Up north we know what Wheaties mean to guys like Sluggin Harvey Keene, we love to see him belt that ball and make the fielders climb the wall. And Richie Ashburn, yes indeed. He plays baseball at Wheaties speed. Just watch him flash from base to base. This boy could win in any race. Yes, sir, Harvey Keene and Richie Ashburn are long time Wheaties fans. Both of them know there's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Wheaties breakfast of champions. Keep on eating your Wheaties and you'll be do, do, do. An okay for okay. Now to continue. Tle returned to the masked man's camp a short distance from the town of Gunstock. Nobody listened long to Taylor but one feller. Him run Lazy H Cafe. Did you learn the cafe keeper's name? Him Chad Harrison. Got ranch called Lazy Hill. Only Indian cowboy around here work there. How did you learn that? Me meet another Indian in town. Him tell me about writer called Comanche Joe who wear boots. Oh, you did well, Toto. We'll scout around Chad Harrison's ranch tomorrow. On the following day, the stage robber known as Blackie was busy in the blacksmith shop melting and molding silver coins into.45 caliber bullets. Chad Harrison appeared in the doorway. You'll have to hurry that job. Lucky Taylor may be here any time now. Yeah, I finished a dozen, boss. Yeah, that'll be plenty. Here they are. They look good enough to fool anyone. I'll load my two six shooters. Where are the other boys? Over on Horse Crick, burying that Wells Fargo box we lifted yesterday. It's what you told them to do, isn't it? Right. Didn't want it around here with all this spying going on. I'll be able to bust it open later. Here comes Taylor now. Need my help, boys? No, no, no. He doesn't suspect me. Oh. Oh. Howdy, Chad. Howdy, Bill. Light will go to the house.
Liz Yancey
Sure.
Andrew Rines
Steady one. I'd have been here sooner, but I had to take some petitions over to Red Bull. Now, where's that Comanche Joe? Well, maybe that's him over on the hill, eh? I don't see a living thing there. No, and you'll never see one anywhere again. Well, snooper, that Fixes you. What do you think? I put every one of the silver slugs from one gun into him. Yeah? What's next? I'll ride back to town and start the story going that the mask man killed Bill. The sound of the gunshots which had snuffed out the life of the ex deputy had carried far in the still afternoon air. The Lone Ranger and Tottle who had been looking for for trail sign which would link the ranch with the scene of the robbery in Crossbones Gulch heard them and raced in the direction from which they had come. May not see anybody around. Kabe, there's a man on the ground near the ranch house door. Maybe him got shot. Pull up. Cover me while I dismount and examine him. What you find? This man is Bill Taylor. He's dead. Shot in the back. Fellow who shoot him not have much start. Those hoof prints over there look very fresh. You used to the big fellow. Come on, get him up. Scout holding their horses to a walk, the masked man and Indian examined the tracks. Tato pointed. Three horses been here a little while ago. One go away without rider. Other two horses take fellas toward Horse Creek and Gunstock. Me follow that trail. Kimasabe? Yes. I'll follow the single track. The Lone Ranger, who had unconsciously picked Chad Harrison's trail followed it to the edge of gun stock without sighting the man. He rode through an alley to the rear of the jail where he dismounted and entered. His first intimation that he himself was in grave danger came when the formidable Liz Yancey stepped out of the jail kitchen and thrust the twin barrels of her sawed off shotgun against his back with a command. Reach, fella, reach. My hands are up. You're making a mistake. Don't you know me? I know you're a killer. Claire. I've got him.
Liz Yancey
Bring him here. Move along. For my trigger finger gets itchy.
Andrew Rines
Mrs. Lee, am I to consider myself a prisoner?
Liz Yancey
You certainly are.
Andrew Rines
Fakie. Shoot nines, Claire. You may have them there.
Liz Yancey
Liz. I have his guns now. I'll take his mask. Then you can lock him up with his friend.
Andrew Rines
Are you holding my friend, Taro?
Liz Yancey
I've charged him with murder, just as I shall charge you. Though it appears that you're the real killer. I have more than eyewitness evidence against you.
Andrew Rines
What is that?
Liz Yancey
The silver bullets taken from Taylor's body. There they are on my desk. In all probability, you were the only man in the west who fired such bullets.
Andrew Rines
I see the outlaws have managed to use the law against me.
Liz Yancey
How can you deny the evidence of those bullets.
Andrew Rines
May I examine them?
Liz Yancey
I see no harm in that. But watch them closely. Liz.
Andrew Rines
Yeah? These bullets never came from my guns.
Liz Yancey
Don't tell me that. I have here a silver bullet which you gave me. Your belt is filled with them.
Andrew Rines
Mrs. Lee, the silver in my bullets came from my silver mine. It's pure silver and soft as lead. You can scratch the bullet I gave you with a fingernail. But it would take a knife to mark the bullets that killed Taylor. Please compare them yourself.
Liz Yancey
Yes, I see now that there is a difference. But what does it mean?
Andrew Rines
It means that the murder bullets were made by the outlaws for the purpose of framing me. I knew about the boot heel. I believe that your husband and Taylor also knew.
Liz Yancey
I'm beginning to believe you. But I can't let you go. I can't arrest a man like Harrison.
Andrew Rines
The position is difficult.
Liz Yancey
The men here have turned against me. Not one would join a posse. Especially if he knew I wanted Harrison and his riders.
Andrew Rines
There's a way of getting them into jail without resorting to the use of a posse.
Liz Yancey
Heaven help me, I'll do as you say.
Andrew Rines
Summoned from the Lazy H Cafe by Liz Yancy Chad Harrison and his five gangsters creeped into the jail office a short time later. They were in high spirits over the outcome of their trick. Harrison was saying, Mrs. Lee, you sure did a good job when you let that masked gunslinger walk right into jail and locked him up. You know, I'm in favor of letting you hold your job. I'm going to let everybody know it.
Liz Yancey
Let's forego the pleasantry. This is a serious matter. Liz, open the cell block door.
Andrew Rines
Yeah.
Liz Yancey
Please follow me.
Andrew Rines
I don't like James. Where is Glassware?
Liz Yancey
In the next cell. Now, do you identify him as the killer?
Andrew Rines
Why? You let him keep his mask on?
Liz Yancey
Certainly. You said he was masked when he shot Taylor. So I wanted you to see him with a mask on. You wouldn't know him without it.
Andrew Rines
Oh, yes. Yes, you're right. And I identify him. Isn't he the killer, boys? Hey, where'd our lady sheriff go? Hey, she locked us in. Hey, let us out of here. Have her on the door. We want ops, fellas. This might be a trap. Look, the masked man and engine are out of their cells. They've got guns. You're covered. Put your hands straight out, then turn and lean against the wall. You try for guns, you get shot. No, no, don't shoot. We're doing as you say. Hello. Take their guns while I keep them off balance. At the same time the peephole in the cell block door slid open. Liz Yancy looked in. Seeing her, Chad Harrison shouted, look what they're doing to us.
Liz Yancey
I've got eyes.
Andrew Rines
I can see. See. Who owns that blue round holes out in front? I do. What about it? The saddle bags are full of money.
Liz Yancey
That Quince Rockwell says was in the.
Andrew Rines
Wells Fargo box stolen yesterday. Why, you double crosser. You got that box home before you buried it. No wonder it took you so long. Hey, Liz, these fellas only work for me. You can lock them up for all I care, but I want out. Who's a double crosser now? Chad was in the state drivers as deep as we were. Oh, listen to him. I'm a rancher with a good reputation. I can't help what my riders do.
Liz Yancey
I think you're all a special owl hood.
Andrew Rines
Look himself. Maybe this gun show. Who killed Taylor? Me. Take two guns from Chad Harrison. One got lead bullets in it, other got silver bullets. Lunching a tle, the outlaw leader made a desperate effort to rest the telltale gun from his hand. Do not get guns. But the Indian, heavily burdened as he was with guns and gun belts taken from the six bandits, was unable to keep his grasp on the weapon. Jerking it from his hand, Harrison whirled and fired at the Lone Ranger. The hard silver slug ricocheted from a cell bar close to the Max man's head. A split second later, one of his own guns blazed and the duel of silver bullets was over as the heavy.45 slug knocked Harrison to the floor and the gun slid away from his broken arm. Comanche Joe tried to scoop it up, but straightened when the masked man advanced on him with the order. Back to the wall. Follow you. He's gonna massacre hot dogs. I made the silver bullets that killed Taylor, but Chad did the shooting. He shot Dick Lee, too, and engineered all the stage holders. You dirty double crosser. You're sending me to the gallows and hang. I'm saving my own neck if I can. A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Tottle were in the jail office with Mrs. Lee and Liz Yancy. Liz had locked the outlaws in cells and had summoned a doctor for the leader against whom they had turned. Now that our work here is finished, we'll ride on.
Liz Yancey
I'm sorry to see you leave.
Andrew Rines
We may meet again. Here's a name and address of a padre who will know how to reach me, communicate with him. If you need our help, I certainly.
Liz Yancey
Shall do so and thank you for everything.
Andrew Rines
Come on. Adios, Mrs. Lee. Adios adios. Claire who is that masked man?
Liz Yancey
Liz it took a long while for me to put things together, but when I thought about that man's mask and his white horse and the silver bullet, I realized who he is. He's the Lone Ranger.
Andrew Rines
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Boy, Listen to the Lone Ranger. Brought to you by Special Recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time. Foreign 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.
Title: The Law Lady | The Lone Ranger (09-15-50)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: March 19, 2025
In this riveting episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rhynes immerses listeners in a classic Wild West tale featuring The Lone Ranger. Digitally restored to enhance the rich sounds and dramatic storytelling of the era, this episode titled "The Law Lady" showcases a compelling narrative of justice, betrayal, and heroism.
The episode opens with Sheriff Liz Yancey diligently managing her duties amidst a series of stage robberies disrupting the peaceful town of Gunstock. Her dedication is evident when she declares, “I'll never rest until they're punished. When I was sworn into office, I took another oath, a silent oath to square accounts for Dick” (03:35).
Andrew Rines, a disgruntled ex-deputy, confronts Sheriff Yancey, openly questioning her competence and threatening to gather petitions to remove her from office. He asserts, “A woman isn't fit to be sheriff. Her place is at home. Fetching up a family” (04:19). This confrontation highlights the gender biases and political challenges Yancey faces.
Amidst the turmoil, the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion, Tonto, arrive in town to offer their assistance. The Lone Ranger aims to clear his identity from suspicion by presenting a silver bullet as proof of his innocence: “If my face were to become known to outlaws, it would handicap me in bringing them to justice” (05:28).
Sheriff Yancey, initially skeptical, starts to believe the Lone Ranger's claims when examining a boot heel found at the first stage robbery site. The Ranger deduces, “Because professional hold up men rarely kill a sheriff unless he becomes dangerous to them” (06:04), indicating that the robberies are more sinister than they appear.
The plot thickens as Chad Harrison enlists the aid of his gang to eliminate both the Lone Ranger and Deputy Taylor. They devise a plan to fabricate evidence framing the Ranger, believing that eliminating him will secure their criminal endeavors. Harrison's scheme includes manufacturing silver bullets designed to mislead the investigation.
In a tense showdown at the Gunstock jail, Sheriff Yancey confronts the Lone Ranger, initially suspecting him of the crimes. She states, “The silver bullets taken from Taylor's body... they tell a story” (16:46), pointing to the evidence against him. However, the Lone Ranger reveals discrepancies in the bullets, proving they were tampered with to frame him.
The true villains, Chad Harrison and Comanche Joe, are exposed and face justice. In a dramatic twist, Harrison attempts to kill the Lone Ranger with his own silver bullets, but his plan backfires, leading to his demise: “You dirty double crosser. You're sending me to the gallows and hang” (19:30). The Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to justice ensures that Harrison's treachery is unveiled.
With the culprits apprehended and the town's safety restored, Sheriff Yancey expresses her gratitude: “Shall do so and thank you for everything” (21:38). The Lone Ranger and Tonto prepare to leave, leaving behind a town enlightened by their bravery and righteousness.
Liz Yancey on Her Vow:
“I'll never rest until they're punished. When I was sworn into office, I took another oath, a silent oath to square accounts for Dick.”
(03:35)
Andrew Rines on Gender Bias:
“A woman isn't fit to be sheriff. Her place is at home. Fetching up a family.”
(04:19)
The Lone Ranger on His Mask:
“If my face were to become known to outlaws, it would handicap me in bringing them to justice.”
(05:28)
Clashing Fates:
Liz Yancey: “The silver bullets taken from Taylor's body... they tell a story.”
Andrew Rines: “...I don't like James. Where is Glassware?”
(16:46 & 17:03)
Harrison’s Realization:
“You dirty double crosser. You're sending me to the gallows and hang.”
(19:30)
"The Law Lady" episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully blends classic Western motifs with intricate character development and suspenseful storytelling. Andrew Rhynes brings to life the tension-filled struggle for justice in Gunstock, celebrating the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger. For fans of the golden age of radio dramas, this episode offers a nostalgic yet exhilarating journey into the heart of the Wild West.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, and outros to focus solely on the episode's narrative and key elements.