The Lawless Lawmen | The Lone Ranger (02-18-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "The Lawless Lawmen" | The Lone Ranger (02-18-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 18, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns brings to life the classic Lone Ranger episode "The Lawless Lawmen," originally aired on February 18, 1952. With crisp, restored audio, the episode immerses listeners in a suspenseful tale of inheritance, deception, and true justice in the Old West. The town of Coal Creek is thrown into turmoil as a courtroom drama unfolds regarding the rightful ownership of a gold mine after both its owners die under mysterious circumstances. The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and their allies must untangle a web of forged evidence and dangerous plots to bring the real villains to justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: A Town Divided by Inheritance

• [05:44] Judge Yates, respected but unconventional, presides over an improvised court in his general store. Zeb Peters and Nick Wilson, two prospectors and co-owners of a gold mine, have died in a mining accident—each having willed their share to the other.
• The burning legal question: Who is the rightful heir to the mine, since each man's will depends on the order of their deaths.

Memorable Quote

"The judge believed less in procedure than he did in getting to the point when some question came before him for settlement."
Narrator/Storyteller [05:49]

2. Testimonies and Suspicion

• [06:20] Testimony from Red Herlock and Doc Stillmore confirms that both prospectors died after a blasting powder accident. Their closest kin, widow Slater (for Zeb) and Elvira Wilson (for Nick), both claim the inheritance.
• Courtroom Argument: Tom Wellman (for the widow) and Stu Cleaves (for Elvira) debate whether a note, supposedly from Doc Stillmore (the attending physician), should decide the case.

Notable Exchange

"If Zeb died first, then the mine went to Nick according to Zeb's will. Then Nick died, so his estate, the entire mine, goes to his nearest kin, Ms. Elvira Wilson."
Judge Yates [09:35]

"I object to accepting that note as final. We ought to hear Doc Stillmore's testimony from him in person."
Tom Wellman [09:56]

• Judge Yates postpones the verdict, demanding Doc Stillmore appear in person or the note will stand.

3. Intrigue Builds: The Crime Beneath the Surface

• [12:31] Stu Cleaves privately assures Elvira Wilson that the case is in hand, hinting at underhanded intentions: "But if the doctor eventually shows up...Leave that to me, Ms. Wilson."
• [13:38] Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's teenage companion, unwittingly stumbles upon clues—a doctor's buggy covered in an unusual white clay, absent the day before, raising suspicions for the Lone Ranger.

Key Clue

"It looks like white clay. I never seen anything like that around this territory."
The Lone Ranger [13:59]

4. The Lone Ranger Investigates

• [16:02] The Lone Ranger and Tonto suspect nefarious activity after discovering the buggy's clay stains. They reason that Dr. Stillmore never left town as alleged and may be in danger.
• [16:53] "I think if we find that place [with unusual clay], we'll find the answer to many things. Including the whereabouts of Dr. Stillmore."

The Lone Ranger

5. Tracks to Trouble: The Trail of the White Clay

• [21:13–24:16] The Lone Ranger and Tonto methodically track the source of the white clay east of town after Dan and Tonto observe a prairie schooner's wheels also stained with it. They learn it comes from a valley nine or ten miles outside town.
• Backtracking the wagon's route, they discover tracks diverting off the trail—evidence that leads them to a suspicious shack.

6. Showdown and Rescue

• [25:48–28:28] The pair encounter hostile gunmen guarding the shack. After a short gunfight and lariat-tossing action, the Lone Ranger and Tonto subdue the criminals.
• Inside the shack, they rescue Dr. Stillmore, who confirms he was kidnapped and forced to write the note used in court. The plot is revealed: Stu Cleaves and Elvira Wilson, cousins, conspired to claim the mine.

Crucial Testimony

"Two men came to my house at night and took me right from my own living room at gunpoint. They tied me to a horse and brought me here, where I've been tied up ever since."
Dr. Stillmore [28:47]

"Cleves and my housekeeper Elvira came out there and forced me to write that note. They're cousins. They want to get the entire mine for themselves."
Dr. Stillmore [29:02]

7. Justice Delivered in the Courtroom

• [29:38–32:53] At the reconvened court session, just as Judge Yates is about to settle the case with the forged note, Dr. Stillmore bursts in and exposes the conspiracy.
• Stu Cleaves attempts to object but is overruled; both he and Elvira are arrested.

Iconic Moment

"The man I'm talking about is everybody's friend. Except of course anyone who fights the law. You see, he's known as the Lone Ranger."
Dr. Stillmore [32:33]

"The Lone Ranger? Well, what do you know."
Judge Yates [32:47]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judge Yates: “The law’s the law, and everything’s going to be done legal as long as I’m the judge here.” [09:15]
• Dr. Stillmore (revealing the conspiracy): “Stu Cleaves hired two gunmen to take me from my house at gunpoint. Later, in a shack in the hills, Cleves and my housekeeper Elvira came out there and forced me to write that note.” [29:02]
• Narrator (on the Lone Ranger’s legacy): “The man I’m talking about is everybody’s friend. Except of course anyone who fights the law. You see, he’s known as the Lone Ranger.” [32:33]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:44] Judge Yates opens court and frames the dispute
• [09:15] Debate over the significance of the order of deaths
• [13:59] Lone Ranger and Dan analyze the white clay clue
• [16:53] Lone Ranger resolves to find the place with the white clay
• [21:13–24:16] Trail leads to discovery of the clay’s origin
• [25:48–28:28] Showdown at the shack; rescue of Dr. Stillmore
• [29:43–32:47] Courtroom reveal; justice served; Lone Ranger recognized

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Summary & Tone

The episode combines wry humor, sharp wit (especially from Judge Yates), and suspenseful twists, wrapped in the vibrant soundscape of classic radio drama. The Lone Ranger’s sense of justice, Tonto’s loyalty, and the small-town quirks underscore timeless Western themes: law vs. lawlessness, community, and moral clarity. The rescued doctor’s testimony and the exposure of the true villains reinforce the narrative’s faith in honesty and heroism—delivered in the sincere, straight-talking Americana style of the era.

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Conclusion

This fast-moving courtroom mystery, with its dusty trails and shrewd detection, is a textbook Lone Ranger adventure: clues masterfully unraveled, villainy unmasked, and justice restored with flair. The enhanced audio makes every hoofbeat and gunshot vivid, while the heartfelt performances remind listeners why these stories have endured. As the judge himself admits in the end, sometimes the law needs a friend like the Lone Ranger.

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For more classic radio adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Did I put the clothes in the dryer? I hope they don't think I was. I need to be awake. I just sleep already.

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[Narrator]

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[Judge Yates]

Paid for by Electronic Payments Coalition welcome.

[Andrew Rines]

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/Storyteller]

A fiery force with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi O Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

Did I put the clothes in the dryer? I hope they don't think I was. I need to be awake asleep already.

[Better Sleep App Advertiser]

When your racing thoughts keep you up at night, it's tough to let go and get the rest you need. Better sleep can help. You might have heard of white or brown noise. There's a whole rainbow of color noises and they can help you calm your mind, reduce stress and sleep better. Like the green noise you're listening to now. With the Better Sleep app you can discover more color noises and over 200 soothing sounds, guided meditations and bedtime stories. High quality rest is vital to your mental well being and physical health. Calm your restless mind, conquer your day and sleep better at night. Download Better Sleep from the App Store or Google Play and start a seven day trial today. Because when you sleep better, you feel better.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, 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.

[Judge Yates]

Horse Silver. Let go. Recall IO Silver. Hooray.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Old Judge Yates, word was law to the people of the town of Coal Creek. He took his legal authority very seriously. For a livelihood, he depended upon his general store, which, in time of need, served as the courtroom. The judge believed less in procedure than he did in getting to the point when some question came before him for settlement. One day, a curious crowd gathered in the barn like general store to hear Judge Yates decide what to them was the most unusual case in the town's history. The judge, sitting behind his old battered desk at one end of the store, started things off without bothering about formalities.

[Judge Yates]

All right now, everybody, let's have some quiet in here so the body can get a word in edgeways. That's better. Now, as I see it, we have a peculiar sort of case here to design. We all know that Zeb Peters and Nick Wilson owned a mining claim together. And we all know that each one of them willed his share to the other. So as if one of them died first, the other owned the whole mine. That right? All right, then, about a week ago, those two old prospectors, Zeb and Nick, were both hurt bad trying to use blasting powder when they didn't know nothing about using it and they both died. Now, before we go any further, I want to have Red Herlock tell what happened that day that they was found. Red, come up here and tell what you know about it. I told you all about that once, Judge. Tarnation. Take it, Red. You have to tell it here where we're holding court so's the folks will get to hear all about the case. Now get on with your story. Well, it's this way, Judge. I was hitting the trail of town that day. I overtook Doc Stillmore's rig coming along the hill. Hi there, Doc. Seem to be in a hurry to get back to town. Oh, boy. Hold. Hold it. Look, Randy, you're heading for town. Will you do me a favor? Sure. What do you want me to do, Doc? Get to the sheriff and coroner. Tell him Zeb Peters and Nick Wilson are both dead. Both dead? Yes. I have a case back out on the trail. If you give him the news, it'll save me a trip back to down. I'll take them news all right. But tell me, what happened to Zeb and Nick? Well, a while ago, I was driving along in my rig when I heard an explosion over in the direction of their claim. They got over there in a hurry and found both of them hurt bad. They tried to use blasting powder. They were still alive when I got there, but they both died soon. Nothing I could do. Golly Moses, that's sure bad. I'll get right to town, spread the news, Doc. Thanks a lot, Red. It'll save me a trip. Now I'll turn around and make that call. I started on there. Up there, boy. Sit down there. Get up there. Come on, now. Get in. Get up there. So I came into town, and everybody here knows the rest. Quiet down, all of you. Stop that infernal racket so as I can get on with the case here. Now, Tom Wellman is here representing the widow Slater, who is Zeb Peters closest kin. And Stu Cleaves is here to represent Elvira Wilson, Nick's closest kin. Is that right? That's right, Judge. As Zeb's heir, the widow has a claim to that mine. Your Honor, in behalf of my client, Ms. Elvira Wilson, I propose to present a brief in this case which will show. Hold on, hold on, Stu. Cleves, just because you did a bit of your law reading in St. Louis, you don't have to put on with big terms that'll confuse the folks here. Ms. Elvira's putting in the claim of that mine, too. As I said, give me half the gold mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sure, that's fair.

[Judge Yates]

Quiet. Who's running, this court or me? The law's the law, and everything's going to be done legal as long as I'm the judge here. Now, as I see it, if Zeb died first, even if it was only a few minutes ahead of Nick, then Nick legally inherited that mine. And then with him dying, it would legally go to his closest kin in this case, Ms. Elvira, if it was the other way around, then the mine legally goes to the widow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yeah, but who knows which died first?

[Judge Yates]

How you gonna tell Judge? Judge Yates, I have. Oh, keep quiet, everybody. Let Tom Wellman have his say. If there wasn't any way to prove which died first, I reckon the widow would agree to divide the mine with Ms. Elvira. But, Doc, still more ought to be able to tell us which one really died first. He was there when they passed on. That's right. He told me so that day. Judge, my client, Ms. Elvira Wilson, would never agree to divide the mine because we know it's rightly Heard. What makes you so sure we should have had Doc Stillmore here to testify? Doc Stillmore is away from town on a critical case. Now, you all know Ms. Wilson is housekeeper for the doctor. Before he left last night, he gave Ms. Wilson this note signed by him saying Zeb Peters died first. Here, let me see that note. Let's see here. This is in Doc's handwriting. All right. If Zeb died first, then the mine went to Nick according to Zeb's will. That's right. Then Nick died. So his estate, the entire mine, goes to his nearest kin, Ms. Alvara Wilson. Wait a minute, Judge. I object to accepting that note as final. We ought to hear Doc Stillmore's testimony from him in person. Well, I reckon you have a good objection there, Wellman. We'll put off this court till day after tomorrow. Get Doc still more into court then. But if he doesn't show up, I'll accept the note as proof. I object, Judge. It isn't legal to accept that note as proof. Listen to me, Tom Wellen. I don't need you or anyone else to tell me what's legal and what ain't. But if you're so anxious to have things done right, then find Doc Stillmore and have him here to testify when the court reopens day after tomorrow. I don't know where to find Dr. Skilmore. Ms. Elvira, his housekeeper, told me he was called away on a critical case when she wasn't at home. She doesn't know where he went. Now, just the same, you are the one who's raising the objection, Wellman. So it's up to you to get the doc here testifying. Judge, I have witnesses who will testify, if necessary, that the note is in the doctor's handwriting. I know Doc Stillmore's handwriting, Stu, please. But that's not the question before the court. I say Wellman has no right to question your authority to accept that note as proof. If Dr. Stillmore fails to appear in person at the next court session. Oh, quiet. Quiet, all of you. I'll clear the courtroom. Judge, I still say it isn't legal. Hold on, Wellman. Like I said, get Doc Stillmore in the court day after tomorrow, or I'll accept that note as proof. If you want to protest my ruling after that, it's up to you. Court dismissed.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

A short time later, Stu Cleaves visited his client, Elvira Wilson, and told her of the court proceedings. As she opened the door for him to leave, Elvira asked, Mr. Cleves, you.

[Judge Yates]

Think Judge Yates will accept that notice. Proof. Knowing the judge as I do, I'm sure he will. Noah Wellman's objections aren't going to have any effect. But if the doctor eventually shows up. Leave that to me, Ms. Wilson. I doubt if Dr. Stillmore will ever show up. I left his buggy at the blacksmith shop to be fixed and cleaned. Good. You just leave things to me. After the next court session, you'll be sole owner of that mine. Zeb and Nick, you still.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

That same afternoon, Dan, teenage nephew of the Lone Ranger, went to the blacksmith shop while Toto rode back to their camp in the hills. Toto told the Lone Ranger what had taken place in court. Almost an hour later, Dan Reed rained to a halt of the camp.

[Judge Yates]

Victor, go I. Steady, fellow.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you have Victor's shoe fixed, Dan?

[Judge Yates]

Yes, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

Took you longer than I expected.

[Judge Yates]

Well, I had to wait my turn at the blacksmith's.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see.

[Judge Yates]

Blacksmith didn't charge me anything because I did something for him while I waited.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been noticing your clothes. Must have been a dirty job.

[Judge Yates]

I tried to brush that off, but it's some kind of white dust.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's see. Looks like white clay. I never seen anything like that around this territory. Oh. What did you do for the blacksmith?

[Judge Yates]

Well, Ms. Wilson, you know, Dr. Stillmore's housekeeper, left the doctor's rig to have a spoke fixed and to have it washed. I washed it while the blacksmith repaired Victor's shoe.

[The Lone Ranger]

But you told me you washed the doctor's buggy for him yesterday. Isn't that right?

[Judge Yates]

Yes, sir. It was dusty yesterday, and the doctor asked me if I'd do him the favor of washing it. He offered me money, but I didn't take it. He must have made a long trip last night to get that white clay all over. It wasn't any of that on it yesterday.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. Well, now that Dr. Stillmore is back in town, the question of the gold mine will be settled. Hello. Was telling me about it.

[Judge Yates]

I heard about that, too. But the doctor's still away.

[The Lone Ranger]

Still away? How do you know that?

[Judge Yates]

Well, after he finished with Victor, the blacksmith asked me to drive the rig to Dr. Stillmore's house. I tied Victor behind and drove it over. Ho, ho, ho, there. Ho. Just leave it there. I'll have someone attend to the horse. All right, ma'. Am. Doctor had a long trip last night. The rig was mighty dirty. Dr. Stillmore hasn't used it since yesterday. Young man like the doctor went away on a call some distance from here. He left the rig and rode horseback. But he must have used this rig since yesterday. It was so dirty. I know what I'm talking about, boy. Now go along and just leave it where it is. I have no time to argue with you.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's funny.

[Judge Yates]

Steady, boys. Come on, Victor. So I left the doctor's rig standing in front of his house and came on out here. That woman sure seemed angry. Because I started to tell her I didn't see how the rig got so dirty if it wasn't used.

[The Lone Ranger]

Attitude was strange, Dan. Me hear what Dan say. Kimasabe men say Dr. Leave town last night. If he not use buggy, he not savvy how it get dirty again. That's what I don't understand.

[Judge Yates]

Maybe Ms. Wilson used it last night. I'm sure somebody did.

[The Lone Ranger]

I don't know of any white clay such as you found on the rig anywhere near here, Dan. Ms. Wilson certainly wouldn't go driving that buggy at night. It'd be too dangerous. Isn't that right? If Dr. Not get back soon, me hear her get gold mine.

[Judge Yates]

I heard that, too. They say a man named Stu Cleaves gave Judge Yates a note from the Doctor. If the doctor isn't back day after tomorrow, Ms. Wilson gets the gold mine.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know that fellow, Cleves. He's mighty clever. Otto. We leave at dawn to search for a place where there might be white clay. Not savvy. Things don't quite tie in, Toto. Dan washed the doctor's buggy yesterday after the doctor came in from his rounds. That housekeeper, Elvira Wilson, says it hasn't been used yet. Dan found it covered with white clay today.

[Judge Yates]

That's right. Sure was hard to wash off, too.

[The Lone Ranger]

I know why you hunt for place where there's strange clay came about. I think if we find that place, we'll find the answer to many things. Including the whereabouts of Dr. Stillmore.

[Judge Yates]

But if the doctor didn't go in that rig, then how do you explain then?

[The Lone Ranger]

A lot depends upon Dr. Stillmore's absence. It's occurred to me that perhaps he didn't go away on a case at all. I think Dr. Stillmore may be in danger, Toto. That's why we must find out where there's white clay such as that found on the doctor's buggy.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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.

[Narrator]

Did I put the clothes in the dryer? I hope they don't think I was just sleep already.

[Better Sleep App Advertiser]

When your racing thoughts keep you up at night, it's tough to let go and get the rest you need. Better sleep can help you might have heard of white or brown noise. There's a whole rainbow of color noises and they can help you calm your mind, reduce stress and sleep better. Like the green noise you're listening to now. With the Better Sleep app, you can discover more color noises and over 200 soothing sounds, guided meditations and bedtime stories. High quality rest is vital to your mental well being and physical health. Calm your restless mind, conquer your day and sleep better at night. Download Better Sleep from the App Store or Google Play and start a seven day trial today. Because when you sleep better, you feel better.

[Narrator]

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[Better Sleep App Advertiser]

When your racing thoughts keep you up at night, it's tough to let go and get the rest you need. Better sleep can help. You might have heard of white or brown noises. There's a whole rainbow of color noises and they can help you calm your mind, reduce stress and sleep better. Like the green noise you're listening to now. With the Better Sleep app, you can discover more color noises and over 200 soothing sounds, guided meditations and bedtime stories. High quality rest is vital to your mental well being and physical health. Calm your restless mind, conquer your day and sleep better at night. Download Better Sleep from the App Store or Google Play and start a seven day trial today. Because when you sleep better, you feel better.

[The Lone Ranger]

It.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now to continue the following morning at dawn, the Lone Ranger and Tottle left camp and started a methodical search for a location showing signs of the unusual white clay. The search was extended throughout the day without success. Finally, they returned to camp for the night. Early the next morning, Dan and Toto went to town to hear the latest news. They stopped in front of the general store and dismounted.

[Judge Yates]

See, the judge has the sign on the door saying there's a court session this afternoon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ah, this day them tell who get gold mine. Come we walk down the street.

[Judge Yates]

Seems to be a lot of people about this morning.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Maybe.

[Judge Yates]

Oh yes, I hadn't thought of that. Look, coming out of Mr. Cleves office. That's Ms. Wilson.

[The Lone Ranger]

Not right.

[Judge Yates]

Morning, Ms. Wilson. Good morning, young man. Has Dr. Stillmore come back yet? No, he has not. And I don't know when he will be back. Why do you ask? Why? I was just wondering, that's all. Seems to me you ask a lot of questions for a boy. What the doctor does is his own business. Good morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

Please, woman not like answer questions. Dan.

[Judge Yates]

Yes, I know. She glared at me mighty high too. Look, there's a single prairie schooner going through town.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm gonna stop with the flies.

[Judge Yates]

Mary.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why you stand watch wagon, Dan.

[Judge Yates]

Tunnel. I was thinking the wagon so won't be dirty. It's. It's covered with white dust.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sort of that right? Come we go look close.

[Judge Yates]

To. It's white clay. Just like what was on the doctor's rig.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right. What are you staring at, boy?

[Judge Yates]

Oh, I. I was noticing that funny looking dirt on your wagon wheels. It looks like clay.

[The Lone Ranger]

It is clay. Because of that blasted stuff we got mired and lost the rest of the wagon train last evening.

[Judge Yates]

Funny, I never saw any clay like that around. Where did you get Meyer very far from here?

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, about nine or ten miles east of here where a creek runs through a little valley. Lots of lime dust around there that gets into the soil. Makes that clay a good place to stay away from. Especially with a wagon. Which way's the cafe, son?

[Judge Yates]

Oh, back that way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, thanks.

[Judge Yates]

Be seeing you again, Mattie.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come Dan. We get Lone Ranger.

[Judge Yates]

Steady boy. He'll backtrack that wagon and find the place where the white clay is. Tom, hurry. Get him up. Scout. Come on, Victor.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Soon Dan and Toto hurriedly drew rain at the camp.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, how did you find out?

[Judge Yates]

A prairie schooner came into town. It was covered with that same kind of clay.

[The Lone Ranger]

Matright. Which way did it come from? A man say him come From East Bout 9, 10 miles.

[Judge Yates]

Get Meyer and Clay and Pally here. Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan, you stay here in camp until we come back. We might run into trouble. Easy said to be full of.

[Judge Yates]

Yes, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have some hard riding to do, Toto. We hurry now.

[Judge Yates]

Come on, Silver.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

After skirting the town, the Lone Ranger and Toto picked up the trail of the heavy wagon and backtracked its trail eastward. They rode in silence for a long time. Then the Lone Ranger spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

Look, Tato. Those ruts show the white clay. They're coming to the place at last. Man Caldan wagon come through small valley near creek. We're riding into a small valley now. We see creek ahead. Kim Sabe, keep your eyes open for any sign of habitation todo such as a shack or cabin. Me do it. Wagon tracks plain plenty deep here. If the doctor's buggy were driven along here, those wagon tracks would cover up the marks made by it. That's right.

[Judge Yates]

Me think maybe the wakey must have a horse guard.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hoseguard cracks. The narrow wheels go off from trail to hill. This must be where the doctor turned off. Now we're getting someplace. We'll follow those tracks. Come on, Silver. Come on up, Scout.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Keeping on the alert, the Lone Ranger and Tottle rode slowly along the trail left by the wheels of the doctor's rig. After a short distance, they came to a turn in the trail where it rounded the side of a small hill. Then Toto pointed ahead.

[The Lone Ranger]

There. Small shack in clump of trees yonder. That's what we're looking for, Toto. We'll have to approach cautiously. There's no telling what shot come from behind. Someone failed us. From town. They shoot again. Right on. No matter what you might think has happened, don't hesitate. But don't you think.

[Judge Yates]

Get him up, Scout.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. D was right. This Mask homre was out snooping. He isn't going to snoop any longer. That redskin was scared to death the way he rode off. Hey, I could use that stallion.

[Judge Yates]

I.

[The Lone Ranger]

You better see if that hombre's really done for. Look at those guns. I hoped you'd come close enough. Hey, I thought you were just not wrong. This time I'll make sure you get a bit.

[Judge Yates]

Try it. Whoa. Scott. Hope fella. Oh. You all right, Kim? Sabi?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Toto. My trick worked. We'll tie that dirty pulled cat and leave him here for a moment. And we'll investigate that shack back there.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

After tying the gunman, the Lone Ranger and Toto mounted Silver and Scout and started toward the shack.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll separate and approach the shack from two sides, Toto. Whoever is there must have heard the shots a few minutes ago. So they'd be watching right in fast and keep firing at the windows. Me go this way.

[Judge Yates]

In amongst Count.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

As the masked man and Indian closed in on the shack, they each realized from the return fire, which came from behind the shack, that there must be only one gunman. They both withheld their fire as a figure suddenly darted from the back doorway and headed into a grove of trees. The masked man swerved and headed toward the grove, from which A moment later, the man rode at breakneck speed. The Lone Ranger glanced back and saw Tato stop and dismount at the shack with ready gun. Then the masked man turned his attention to catching the fleeing gunman.

[Judge Yates]

Faster, Silver, faster.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The gunman had turned and fired, but the movement of his galloping horse spoiled his aim. Once more, he turned and pointed his gun. But nothing happened.

[The Lone Ranger]

Gun must be empty.

[Judge Yates]

More, Silver.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Quickly, the great Stallion moved closer to the rider ahead. Then, as he closed in, the Lone Ranger swung his lariat, which snaked out and settled over the gunman's body.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy.

[Judge Yates]

That did it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger quickly used his lariat to tie the crook, who had been stunned by the fall. Then the masked man mounted Silver, leaving the bound gunman where he was for the time being, rode back to the shack to meet Toto.

[The Lone Ranger]

Ho, Silver, ho. He's just headed out.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

As he entered the shack, the masked man found Totto standing beside Dr. Stillmore, who sat on a cot, rubbing his wrist.

[Judge Yates]

First an Indian, now a maskman. What's this all about?

[The Lone Ranger]

We're friends, Doctor. We came to find you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Briefly, the Lone Ranger told the doctor all that had happened. When he finished, the doctor spoke.

[Judge Yates]

Oh, so that's it. Two men came to my house at night and took me right from my own living room at gunpoint. They tied me to a horse and brought me here, where I've been tied up ever since.

[The Lone Ranger]

You're lucky to be alive. They would have killed you later. Oh, what about the note that appeared in court?

[Judge Yates]

Doctor, my housekeeper and that man Cleves drove out here in my buggy. They made me sign that note. They're cousins. They want to get the entire mine for themselves.

[The Lone Ranger]

I see. As soon as we bring Cleves Tooth Gunman here to the shack and leave them tied for the sheriff, take you back to town as quickly as possible to clear up that note.

[Judge Yates]

I'll be mighty glad of the chance to do it, Mr. Good.

[The Lone Ranger]

Come, Toto. Let's bring those two crooks here to the shack. Then we'll start for town.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Early that afternoon, Judge Yates again set up his court in the general store.

[Judge Yates]

Quiet, all of you. Now, we'll get right to the point on this case and get it settled once and for all. Judge, if you'll give me a little more time. I'm sure when Dr. Stillmore returns. Ms. Wilson tells me the doctor may not return for some time. Judge, I again offer the Note signed by Dr. Stillmore as evidence of my client, Elvira Wilson. He's a legal heir to the gold mine. Now. Now, look in here, folks. If you can't keep quiet, you'll have to get out. Is. Is Dr. Stillmore in the courtroom?

[The Lone Ranger]

No.

[Judge Yates]

Darn well, he isn't, Judge. Why ask foolish questions? I'm going about this legal, that's what. Now, since Dr. Stillmore isn't in the courtroom to give testimony, I hereby allow that the note he wrote is good enough evidence to show. Judge, I object. I still say it's illegal to accept that note as final proof. Quiet. Quiet. Objection overruled. Tom Wellman, what I do in this court is legal to my way of thinking. And it's my ruling that the note Doc Stillmore wrote will be accepted as final proof that Zeb Peters died first. And Nick Wilson, who inherited the mine from Zeb, died right after that. Therefore, this court hereby finds that. Well, what do you know, Doc? Still more, I happen to hear part of what you was just saying. I'm here to tell you that note doesn't mean a thing. Wait. Now, hold on, Doc. You swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth? Raise your right hand. I do. Go on. About the note. Stu Cleaves hired two gunmen to take me from my house at gunpoint. Later, in a shack in the hills, Cleaves and my housekeeper Elvira came out there and forced me to write that note. I object, Judge. This witness is lying under oath. Shut up, Stu. Go ahead, Doc. Seb Peters actually died last, and the mind goes to the widow by right of inheritance. You mean to tell this court Stu Cleaves and Elvira forced you to write that note? He and my housekeeper are in cahoots. They're cousins. Hey, you old fool. Oh. Someone shot through the open window. We've cleaved right in the eye, Sheriff. Better come up here and put Stu Cleaves where he belongs and take this. Elvira Tool. I hereby declare the widow Slater as the legal heir to the gold mines. I hear it all the time. Well, Doc, looks like you had a friend or two on your side. That shot saved your life just now. The one who fired that shot sure proved to be a real friend in need, Judge. He found me and brought me here. And he risked his own life to do it. Two of Stu Cleave's gunmen are tied up tight in the shack about nine miles from here. Good, good, Doc. The sheriff will send men to bring him in. Where'd you ever find a friend like the one you spoke about, Doc? Oh, well, the man I'm talking about is everybody's friend. Except of course anyone who fights the law. You see, he's known as the Lone Ranger. What? The Lone Ranger? Well, what do you know.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

Did I put the clothes in the dryer? I hope they don't think I was.

[The Lone Ranger]

Shut.

[Narrator]

Just Sleep already.

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[Judge Yates]

It.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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 Stryker. 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 and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com.

[The Lone Ranger]

Have.

[Andrew Rines]

A great day and thanks for listening.