The Law’s Delay | The Lone Ranger (02-19-41)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "The Law’s Delay" | The Lone Ranger (02-19-41)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: January 4, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this episode, "The Law’s Delay," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of western radio with a digitally restored Lone Ranger episode first aired in 1941. The story centers on a mining claim dispute during the gold rush, featuring themes of justice, hardship, and clever legal maneuvering. Central to the plot are Dale and Madge Walton, a struggling young couple, and the morally ambiguous Abe Forley. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto step in to ensure that decency and fairness prevail, using wit, resourcefulness, and knowledge of the law to triumph over trickery and delay.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Dale and Madge: Hardship on the Frontier

• Background:
  • Dale Walton and his wife Madge moved west hope to find fortune in a mining claim. (03:31)
  • The couple struggles financially, living on meager food, and Madge grows weary of hardship.
  • Abe Forley, a “friend,” offers to swap his apparently richer claim with Dale's poor one.
• Conflict:
  • Abe’s motives are questioned, with Dale distrusting his intentions despite Madge’s hope.
  • Madge: “I’m tired of sleeping on that straw tick and eating beans and beef three times a day... If you love me, you’ll start to think about me.” (05:20)

2. The Claim Swap and Its Fallout

• The Deal:

  • Abe proposes a swap, accompanied by a written guarantee to pay Dale $10,000 if the claim is worthless. (07:05)
  • Abe: “I’ll sign an agreement to pay Dale $10,000 for his claim... and if he don’t get the $10,000, then I’ll pay him the $10,000.” (07:29)
  • The contract is formalized by Judge Withers.

• The Swindle:

  • Upon working the new claim, Dale finds it worthless. Judge Withers uncovers that Abe “salted” the claim with a shotgun shell of gold dust to rig the assay results. (09:09)
  • Judge Withers: “He just took and filled a buck shot cartridge with gold and fired it into the ground... ain’t no real gold in that ground at all. Just what Abe fired into it.” (09:31)

• Financial Ruin and Kindness:

  • The Waltons are left destitute, but Judge Withers offers to live with and financially support them in exchange for companionship. (10:27)
  • Withers: “I get lonesome for folks to talk to. Now I got a hankering to live here with you and pay for my keep.” (10:31)

• Abe’s Evasion:

  • Abe avoids working his new claim more than minimally, delaying the debt’s activation while Dale and Madge struggle.

3. Enter the Lone Ranger & Tonto

• Lone Ranger’s Investigation:

  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto, disguised as ordinary townsfolk, arrive to investigate after hearing of the situation. (12:17)
  • Lone Ranger: “Perhaps we can find out something that Judge Carter hasn’t been able to find.” (17:25)

• Aid and Altruism:

  • Tonto brings food to the starving couple, saying, “You help Tonto. Tonto help you.” (20:46)
  • Madge and Dale are overwhelmed by this unexpected kindness.

4. Community Tensions & Legal Maneuvers

• Town's Reaction:

  • With Judge Withers' passing, hope for legal recourse grows dim for the Waltons.
  • New judge Sam advocates for a legal resolution, pushing Abe to pay the debt when he strikes gold.
    • Sam: “That contract is plenty legal. You owe Dale and Madge $10,000.” (14:30)

• Abe’s Tactics:

  • Abe continues to exploit legal loopholes, refusing to work the mine and thus avoiding the contract’s payment trigger.

5. The Turning Point: The Law’s Delay

• Lone Ranger's Plan:

  • The Lone Ranger orchestrates a scenario where Abe buys Dale a drink, treating the value of the drink as a partial payment on the debt—a crucial legal maneuver. (22:56, 24:03)
  • Dale (sarcastically): “If you can deduct what my drink cost you from that $10,000 you owe me...” (23:00)
  • Several townsfolk witness the exchange.

• Abe Strikes Gold:

  • Shortly after, Abe hits pay dirt, prompting Dale, Madge, and the judge to demand repayment. (24:09)

6. The Courtroom Showdown

• Abe’s Gambit:

  • Abe attempts to escape the debt, citing a state law that debts not acknowledged or partially paid within two years are unenforceable. (25:54)
  • Abe: “A debt that stands for two years without a payment... is outlawed and can’t be collected.” (25:54)

• Lone Ranger’s Triumph:

  • The Lone Ranger calls forward witnesses who confirm the drink served as a partial payment during the two-year window, thus renewing the debt. (27:08)
  • Lone Ranger: “The debt is renewed by the fact that Abe Forley made a payment on the account when he bought the drink. Dale can collect every penny.” (27:18)
  • Abe is forced by law to pay the $10,000 or face jail.

7. Resolution and Departure

• The townspeople thank the Lone Ranger, but he departs quietly as always, leaving justice restored.
• Dale: “If it hadn’t been for the Lone Ranger, we’d be starving today.” (27:48)

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Timestamps & Notable Quotes

| Segment | Timestamp | Quote/Speaker | |------------------------------------------|-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Madge’s plea for comfort | 05:20 | "If you love me, you’ll start to think about me." – Madge | | Abe’s $10,000 agreement | 07:29 | "I'll sign an agreement to pay Dale $10,000 for his claim." – Abe Forley | | Judge Withers exposes the swindle | 09:31 | "He just filled a buck shot cartridge with gold..." - Withers| | Judge Withers’ generosity | 10:31 | "I get lonesome for folks to talk to. Now I got a hankering to live here with you and pay for my keep." – Withers | | Tonto’s kindness to Madge and Dale | 20:46 | "You help Tonto. Tonto help you." – Tonto | | Dale’s sarcastic demand for a drink | 23:00 | "If you can deduct what my drink cost you from that $10,000 you owe me..." – Dale Walton | | Abe’s legal maneuver | 25:54 | "A debt that stands for two years without a payment being made... can't be collected." – Abe Forley | | Lone Ranger’s legal counterstrike | 27:18 | "The debt is renewed by the fact that Abe poorly made a payment on the account when he bought the drink..." – Lone Ranger | | Dale acknowledges the Lone Ranger | 27:48 | "If it hadn’t been for the Lone Ranger, we’d be starving today." – Dale Walton |

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Memorable Moments

• Character Voicework:
  The dynamic between Dale, Madge, and Abe is brought to life through expressive performances, highlighting authentic emotions of fear, hope, and frustration.

• Western Atmosphere:
  From the “thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver” (02:58) to the tension in the saloon and courtroom, the immersive audio design modernizes the classic show’s spirit.

• Classic Western Justice:
  The Lone Ranger’s combination of legal knowledge and practical cunning embodies the show’s belief that true justice blends law with heart and ingenuity.

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Conclusion

This episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of Western radio drama, blending suspense, emotional depth, and clever plotting. Through classic archetypes and a satisfying legal twist, "The Law’s Delay" reaffirms the Lone Ranger’s legendary status as a "champion of justice"—proving once again that some debts, if pursued with integrity and grit, can’t be denied.

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Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. You can find more Western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early days of the Western United States. Whenever men gathered around the campfire, stories were told of his strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness. And these stories have come down to us through the generations. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days when the west was young. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Dale Walton]

Hello, Silver.

[Abe Forley]

We're heading for the hills.

[Narrator]

Come waiting for us. Hello, Silver. Young Dale Walton and his pretty wife Madge came to the west during the gold rush, hoping to make their fortune. Dave staked a claim and worked hard day after day in the blistering sun. The days lengthened into months. Then one afternoon, Madge hurried toward him.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, hello, honey. What's up?

[Dale Walton]

Gayla, I wanted to speak to you.

[Abe Forley]

Sure thing. What is it? Anything happen up to the house?

[Dale Walton]

No, but Abe Foley stopped by. He wanted to see you.

[Abe Forley]

Abe? For you. Why didn't he come over here? He knows what my claim is. He knows I'll be working this time of day.

[Dale Walton]

Oh, don't be so touchy about Abe. He's all right, Dale.

[Abe Forley]

I don't like the way he calls on you at the house all the time. Sandy wants to see me, but Dale.

[Dale Walton]

Only wants is to help us. You don't understand Abe.

[Abe Forley]

That's all pack of help he'd be to anyone. Anytime he thinks of anyone else, he thinks 10 times of himself at the same time. What do you want?

[Dale Walton]

He really wants to be our friend.

[Abe Forley]

Is that all?

[Dale Walton]

No, wait.

[Abe Forley]

He.

[Dale Walton]

He has a claim, Dale. A good one. It's right on top of the ground, and the oars proved to be all right.

[Abe Forley]

Why doesn't he work it then?

[Dale Walton]

He is working it. He showed me the estate in the office, and it's a hundred times as good as yours.

[Abe Forley]

Well, it's all right. That's just on the surface. This here claim will be worth thousands when I get down to where the mother load is.

[Dale Walton]

Maybe so, but we'll starve first.

[Abe Forley]

What's Abe's scheme? He.

[Dale Walton]

He wants to swap his claim for yours.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, he does, does he?

[Dale Walton]

My deal. He admits that maybe when your claim is worked down a long way, it'll be better in his. But his has the gold or where it can be mined right now. And he's willing to take the chance on yours for the sure thing there is in here.

[Abe Forley]

Madge, I wouldn't trust that scheming coyote any prettier than I could throw off Shags.

[Dale Walton]

Well, I'm not going to starve to death if there's no call for it. I'm tired of sleeping on that straw tick and eating beans and beef three times a day because we can't afford nothing else. I'm tired of it, I tell you. And if you love me, you'll start to think about me.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, now, ma', am, I Don't care.

[Dale Walton]

I've been waiting three months now for you to.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, I know, hon, but it takes time. If I had a lot of cash to hire men and machinery, it'd be different. But doing it by myself this way takes time. I'll be getting to the pay dirt soon, huh?

[Dale Walton]

Well, you're going on like you've been doing. You'll get to it without me.

[Abe Forley]

What do you mean?

[Dale Walton]

If there wasn't anything else you could do, Dale, I'd make the best of it. But here, when you can get the things we need right off and get a good claim for this.

[Abe Forley]

Well, Madge, this claim is good.

[Dale Walton]

It ain't showed nothing yet in the sea.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, not yet. But right over there is the Rainbow Mine. And down here on the other side is the Veneransen. And they're both good paying minds. The load that's in them runs through my claim. I can't help but hit it soon.

[Dale Walton]

Abe Foley will be at the Gold Pot Cafe this evening, Dale. He said he'd have Judge Withers there with him so you could make the deal if you wanted to. You can do just what you please. Oh, but, Ma, it's either me or this Minedale. You can decide which it to be before this evening.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Let me get this all straightened out.

[Abe Forley]

In my own mind. Now, Dale.

[Judge Jim Carter]

You mean you just want to swap with Abe Foley?

[Abe Forley]

That's what Abe says.

[Judge Jim Carter]

I thought it Twas.

[Abe Forley]

You see, Judge, this claim of mine has good croppings, and Dale needs a cash right now.

[Judge Jim Carter]

And you're willing to take his claim now for what there may be in it in the future?

[Abe Forley]

Yep. Got the agreement all drawed up here, Judge. And it's legal and in the right form.

[Judge Jim Carter]

You seem to know something of the law.

[Abe Forley]

I know enough. Now, this paper's all ready to be signed. How about it?

[Judge Jim Carter]

You thought it over a mighty careful, Dale?

[Abe Forley]

Well, I reckon so. I hate to let go of my claim, but it's that or her marriage. I guess I gotta sign it.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Well, it's up to you, Dale.

[Abe Forley]

Doggone it all. I don't know, though. There might be nothing at all of that claim of Abe's. That's crazy.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Now, see here.

[Abe Forley]

I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll put another paragraph in this agreement, just so's the two of you know.

[Narrator]

I'm on the level.

[Judge Jim Carter]

What kind of paragraph?

[Abe Forley]

All right, here's what I'll do. I'll sign an agreement to pay Dale $10,000 for his claim. And then what he gets from my claim can apply on that debt. And if he don't get the 10,000, then I'll pay him the 10,000.

[Judge Jim Carter]

My golly, Abe, you're mighty generous.

[Abe Forley]

Will you do that, Abe? Yes, I will. But I don't see why you're so good to me all of a sudden. I ain't good to you. What do you mean? If I told you, you'd lick me, chances are I wouldn't. But the thing is, Dave, I think Madge is the finest girl I've ever known. Why, you. No, no, no. Listen here. I like her, and I want her to have the best of everything. But don't get me wrong, Dale. I know she's head over heels in love with you and, well, that's all right with me. But I want you to be able to do the right things for her and support her. Good.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Gail, I reckon maybe you and me was wrong in thinking Abe was trying a skin game on you.

[Abe Forley]

I never thought you was anything but a crook, Abe. I guess maybe I owe you an apology. Get a witness and I'll sign this paper.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Just write in the new Paragra stove to make sure you don't lose nothing. Dale.

[Narrator]

For two weeks, Dale Walton worked tirelessly at his new claim. Then one evening.

[Dale Walton]

Dale. Dale, what's the matter?

[Abe Forley]

Done up, Mag? Finished.

[Dale Walton]

But what for? It isn't such a hard trip to town, is it? To get the things I wanted.

[Abe Forley]

No, I didn't get none of them.

[Dale Walton]

Why not?

[Abe Forley]

We're broke.

[Dale Walton]

Broke?

[Abe Forley]

That's that mine I got from Abe. It's no good. Ain't even a d in a ton.

[Dale Walton]

Of ore. What do you mean?

[Abe Forley]

As you say, it's no good. Worthless. Not even good for planting green stuff, you hear? We're finished.

[Dale Walton]

You mean there's no gold in it?

[Abe Forley]

Gold? That's a laugh. Come in.

[Judge Jim Carter]

I thought you'd be at a home.

[Dale Walton]

Oh, it's just Withers. Come in, Judge.

[Judge Jim Carter]

I was aiming to. Howdy.

[Narrator]

Deal.

[Abe Forley]

Hello, Judge.

[Judge Jim Carter]

I heard what you learned over at the say office, Dan. I'm downright sorry to hear it.

[Abe Forley]

Eh, Paulie? Swindle me, Judge. That claim of his is worthless.

[Dale Walton]

Yeah, but they say he showed us that it.

[Judge Jim Carter]

I figured out what he done as far as that goes. He just took and filled a buck shot cartridge with gold and fired it into ground. Then he took that dirt and had it assay. The assay showed that a ton of that would be worth plenty if all the dirt in the ton shows the same percentage of gold that the sample does. But the Fact of it is, there ain't no real gold in that ground at all. Just what Abe fired into it.

[Dale Walton]

But he said he'd pay us $10,000.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Maybe he can say all he wants and the paper's there to back it. But I'm afeard he ain't going to get that money.

[Dale Walton]

Why not?

[Judge Jim Carter]

The point is, a man can't pay what he ain't got.

[Dale Walton]

He hasn't got any money?

[Abe Forley]

Nope.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Just enough to get along on for himself. He can't pay you nothing. You might as well face the fact.

[Abe Forley]

I was afraid all along he was a crook.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Well, I got a little cash saved up and I'd like to see you folks get your money back.

[Dale Walton]

We can't borrow money from anyone. We. We might never be able to pay it back.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Tain't that, Madge. I live all alone. I get lonesome for folks to talk to. Now I got a hankering to live here with you and pay for my keep. That'll help you hang on.

[Abe Forley]

That'll be right fine of you, Judge.

[Dale Walton]

I don't know how we'll ever thank you. You've been so good to us already, Judge.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Now, as far as Abe goes, he ain't started working that claim you traded him, has he?

[Abe Forley]

Not as anyone could see.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Well, we'll just set tight till he does. Then we'll take the first $10,000 he gets with this here paper deal. You got the winning hand.

[Dale Walton]

You. You're sure that agreement's binding?

[Judge Jim Carter]

Sure is. Abe maybe knows law, but that's one time he didn't know enough to leave himself any loopholes so as he can get out of paying what he's agreed. As soon as he hits pay dirt. You can start collecting that debt. Now, I reckon I'd best get my things. Move in for an old man. I got a heap of stuff collected.

[Dale Walton]

There'll be room for anything you want, Jack.

[Narrator]

For nearly two years, the old judge lived with Dale and Madge. While Abe Forley seemed to make no further progress towards striking the mother lode. He spent most of his time in a small garden where he grew enough to keep him. And he did no more work on the mine than was necessary to hold it in accordance with the law. Then one day, two strangers arrived in the small mining town. An Indian and a tall, broad shouldered man whose appearance would lead one to believe he was a miner. We'll go to the cafe first, Hunter. I'd like to find out more about Dale and Mads Walton. Is my disguise all right? It's Plenty good. Them not know you good. What matter in town?

[Abe Forley]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

Plenty horses. Plenty people in street. Yes, that is unusual. Maybe new mine, huh? I don't think so. Most people seem too quiet. I mean, it isn't a crowd gathered to celebrate anything. Tada.

[Abe Forley]

Something's happened.

[Narrator]

We'll soon find out what it is. Said he bought a horse. Go. Most of those people look as if they just come out of the church. It isn't the usual time for people to gather there.

[Abe Forley]

Over this way.

[Narrator]

We'll get close to the group of people and see what we can find out. Men look plenty sad. Yes.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Quiet.

[Abe Forley]

Hutter.

[Narrator]

I think that's Madge and Dale walking themselves.

[Dale Walton]

I don't realize that Jack Willis is dead.

[Abe Forley]

Nothing for me, Major. I got to take as much of him as I would my own pa. Now he.

[Dale Walton]

He's gone.

[Abe Forley]

Yeah. Now, honey, be brave till we get home again. Then you can cry your heart's content.

[Dale Walton]

I'll try.

[Abe Forley]

The judge sure had a lot of friends, didn't he?

[Dale Walton]

Some that I never saw before. What day? Here comes Abe falling.

[Abe Forley]

Why, that rotten. He's come here to crow, most likely. Well, folks, sure sorry the judge had to go sympathize with you. Fine man, Judge Withers. He helped me out a lot, too. You got a lot of nerves.

[Sam]

Howdy there, boy. This ain't no time for argument. I want you to know how I feel for you.

[Abe Forley]

How did you hear me? It's real good of you to tell us. Judge was just like one family there. Yes, thanks to him, I reckon you've been as good a friend as anyone could find.

[Sam]

You can count on that deal.

[Abe Forley]

I wish you two would get over the fear you have toward me. You know I'd help you out if I could just get the money to do it.

[Dale Walton]

You would? You're just a low down swinder aid. Paulie.

[Abe Forley]

That paper we signed was square and legal. If I ain't got the money to help you out, it ain't my fault. Madge, let's clear out of here. Come on, honey.

[Dale Walton]

All right, Dale.

[Sam]

Goodbye, dear.

[Abe Forley]

Madge right touchy about that deal I made with him, ain't there?

[Sam]

He? What do you reckon Madge and Dale will do now?

[Abe Forley]

What do you mean, Sam?

[Sam]

Well, she will have to do something to starve, I reckon. What I heard the judge didn't have nothing to leave him. They'd been living on what he could get from marrying folks and settling arguments.

[Abe Forley]

Well, maybe I'll help him out.

[Sam]

You sure ought to. It was a Pretty bad deal to give Dale, swapping claims with him. How come you don't work at Moore, Abe?

[Abe Forley]

I reckon that's my business.

[Sam]

Well, you can't stall forever. That contract is plenty legal. You owe dale and Mads $10,000. At times it seems to me, Ed, you'd rather starve yourself than paying honest debt.

[Abe Forley]

I'm going below on this thing.

[Sam]

Yep, I know it. There's a new judge around here. Abe, I'm promising you one thing. I'm gonna do everything I can to find some way to make you pay.

[Abe Forley]

You may be the new judge, but if you know your law, you'll know I'm within my rights. It's my own business to work that mind when I feel like it. And if I don't want to work it, that's my business, too.

[Narrator]

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

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[Narrator]

Now to continue our story. When old Judge Willers died, Dale and Mads Walton were left without money or friends. And as long as Abe refused to work the claim, they would be unable to collect the $10,000 he owed them. But the Lone Ranger had learned all the facts of the case and discussed it with Toto in their camp just outside of town. Tado. Something has to be done to help those young folks out. Abe Fawley works that claim for about two hours a day. I wonder why him have some scheme. He traded claims and agreed to pay Dale $10,000. It looks now as if he didn't intend to pay Dale that money at all. And why did he trade claims in the first place? We didn't want to get anything out of the claim he took from Dale. Him no plenty law. Him study law.

[Abe Forley]

Niece.

[Narrator]

And Tunder, I think we'd better study the laws, too. Perhaps we can find out something that Judge Carter hasn't been able to find. Where you go? I'm heading east, Hunter. There's a city not very far from here where I might find out what I want. I start now, I can be there in two days time.

[Abe Forley]

Here's silver.

[Narrator]

Help me put the saddle on, Silver. Tunder, while I'm going, you keep a close watch on Dale and Madge Walton. See that they're taken care of as we planned. Study over. We have a hard ride ahead of us, old boy. Be back here in a week, Hunter. And I hope I'll have something, some law with which to help those young people.

[Judge Jim Carter]

Abe.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, Holiday. What's on your mind? How's your claim coming? Oh, just so. So it ain't going so fast. I wish you'd hustle and get down to the pay dirt. Let me help you, won't you? I told you before, don't need no help, Dale. But the way you're going, you'll be years getting any pay dirt. Madges. Well, she's gone without enough food. Tough luck, Dale. Ain't got nothing you can do for us?

[Judge Jim Carter]

Yep.

[Abe Forley]

One thing. What is it? Any of them are help. You could sort of disappear. I could what? Disappear. Vamoose. And Madge can maybe marry me. And she wouldn't be hungry no more. So that's your game, is it? Trying to starve me out? Ain't no skin off of my nose what to do. Just making a suggestion there. So look here, Abe. You owe me $10,000. I said so. You've got to work this here claim harder. I've got to have some food. Ain't that too bad? But, Abe, I. Oh, I ain't fooling. We're starving, Abe. Starving. You can't let me have money. Let me have some of the stuff that you got growing in your garden. I ain't get enough of my own self.

[Narrator]

Not enough?

[Abe Forley]

Why, you're too bad, Dale. But see here, there ain't a thing I can do to earn money around here. There ain't even any land left that I can stick a claim on and dig. Well, there's the land I swapped you. You know what that sand is good for nothing. You might plant potatoes. Oh, it's too dry there. They burn right up. Sorry, dear, but I don't see what I can do for you. I made a square deal and you signed it. But you owe me $10,000. Let me have some food for part of it. Well, you might see Jim Carter, the judge. Maybe he'll sue me.

[Dale Walton]

He wants to break you so you'll go away. And then he thinks I'll marry him.

[Abe Forley]

Something like that.

[Dale Walton]

Well, I won't. And I'll tell you right now, Dale, I'd a whole lot rather starve to death with you than have anything in the world without you. So there.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, gosh, mate.

[Dale Walton]

It was my fault in the first place. You'd have stuck to your own claim if it hadn't been for me.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, no, no. And that's all the past.

[Dale Walton]

How do you suppose that is?

[Abe Forley]

Well, I'll just see. Madge, you sit still.

[Narrator]

Me come back.

[Abe Forley]

Oh, the Injun again. Madge.

[Dale Walton]

Well, I suppose you might as well come in, Injun. Shut the door.

[Abe Forley]

Me come.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Dale Walton]

I don't know what we can do for you this time, Injun. We're pretty near out of everything.

[Narrator]

Not all right.

[Abe Forley]

Maybe you don't understand. We can't give you no more food. As much as we'd like to see, we're up against it ourselves now. We ain't even got grub for tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Me bring food. What's that? You help Tonto. I'll Tonto help you.

[Abe Forley]

Here, sack the sack, you mean.

[Narrator]

You're plenty food, Madge.

[Abe Forley]

Look here. It's food. A sack full of grub, Madge. Potatoes, meat and flour.

[Dale Walton]

Heavens.

[Narrator]

Not all for you, but Injun.

[Dale Walton]

Where'd you get it? Are you sure it's honest food?

[Narrator]

You not worry how we get it, Madge?

[Abe Forley]

We're gonna eat for a while anyhow. Look at what he's brought. Where's he going to? He must have slipped out the door.

[Dale Walton]

We've got to thank him. Open the door. Catch him up. Stone Dale. There he goes on that horse.

[Abe Forley]

Well, doggone it, we didn't get to thank that engine. We can't catch him now.

[Dale Walton]

Well, come on, Dale. I'll make you some biscuits now. And we'll have one square meal if we never have another.

[Narrator]

Tonto followed the instructions of the Lone Ranger and brought food to the home of the young couple every day. Then one evening, the Lone Ranger came with him.

[Dale Walton]

Who are you wearing?

[Abe Forley]

A mess wings? And who is he? What's it all mean?

[Narrator]

This feller, my friend. You trust Tonto. You trust Lone Ranger feller, too.

[Abe Forley]

Lone Ranger.

[Dale Walton]

I've heard about him, Mister. Do you call your horse Silver?

[Narrator]

Yes, Madge and Todd.

[Abe Forley]

Or the Engine, Madge. We should have guessed before this. Listen, mister, what do you want with us?

[Narrator]

I want you to come with me, Dale.

[Abe Forley]

I'll come wherever you want me to.

[Narrator]

Then we'll go to the cafe and meet Abe Forley there. He's going to buy you a drink. Dale, I have a horse for you to ride. And while we ride, I'll tell you exactly what you're to do, Dale.

[Dale Walton]

Go on. Go with him. No one ever went wrong yet trusting the Lone Rang.

[Narrator]

While the Lone Ranger rode with Dale to the cafe, he outlined a plan. A short time later, Dale pushed through the crowd in the cafe. And he stood beside Abe Forley.

[Abe Forley]

Well, Dale, sure a long time since you was here.

[Narrator]

Yeah, sure is.

[Abe Forley]

Yes, sirs get the better of you, huh, boys? Here's Dale with his tongue hanging out. What do we do about it? Seems to me the least you can do is buy me a drink. Yeah, well, maybe I will. I can always get a few cents together selling green stuffs for a drink. Hey, barkeep, set up another for Dale here. Hey, if you can deduct what my drink cost you from that $10,000 you owe me, boys, this is a good one. Paying off a part of the $10,000 I owe Dale by buying them a drink. Even that's more than I expected from you. Oh, no, I'm not so tight, Dale. Just that I ain't had the money. Yeah, but things will be a sight different from now on. What do you mean, different? Well, Dale. Boys, right now you're looking at a Forly, and he's most broke. But wait till next week. I'm almost at the pay dirt and the claim that my pal Dale here was good enough to give me. And when I strike it, I'll buy drinks for all of you.

[Narrator]

Two weeks later, Abe Fourley struck the mother lane. Dale and Mads went to see him were Judge Jim Carter.

[Sam]

Reckon you know what this here call's about, don't you, Abe?

[Abe Forley]

Well, you owe us 10,000. We aim to collect. Seems to me I do recollect something like that. Ain't that just too bad?

[Dale Walton]

Too bad?

[Andrew Rines]

What do you mean?

[Abe Forley]

Just this day on, I still don't think I can pay you that debt.

[Sam]

But you've got to.

[Abe Forley]

We got signed papers and everything. There ain't no way you can get out of it? No. How about it, Judge?

[Sam]

This used to be afraid, Abe. Now that you struck the mother load and got the money, you've got to pay what you agreed in.

[Dale Walton]

Look, here's the agreement. It's all witness and everything.

[Abe Forley]

So tis so it is.

[Dale Walton]

In big cities they sue men and make them pay what they owe. If they've got the money.

[Sam]

Yep.

[Abe Forley]

You said yourself, Jim, that if he had any cash it could be made to pay. And now he's getting money fast. Money. Now look here, Dale. I'm willing to be fair about this. And you will pay.

[Narrator]

Nope.

[Abe Forley]

But if you think you're in the right about this, why don't you hold a trial? Touch Carter here in the side forest in front of a jury for once and for all. How about it?

[Sam]

Well, if you're going to argue about it, Abe, that's the only thing to do.

[Narrator]

On the appointed day. In the small room used for the trial, Abe Forley, well dressed and perfectly at ease, stood before the judge.

[Abe Forley]

I suppose you get this over with just as soon as you can, Judge. I'm a busy man.

[Sam]

Don't take long. Dave here has a paper that's said to be signed by you. Is that you writing?

[Abe Forley]

Oh, that. Sure, I signed it.

[Sam]

You promised to pay him $10,000 two years ago.

[Abe Forley]

Yep, two years ago. Couldn't pay it when they didn't have it, but now you've got it.

[Sam]

Hey. Reckon you've got to pay it now or go to jail.

[Abe Forley]

You better study the laws, Jim, for a judge. Ain't up on em much.

[Sam]

What are you getting that for, Liv?

[Abe Forley]

Justice in accordance with the laws of this here state. A debt that stands for two years without a payment being made on it. Without any acknowledgement of that debt in writin. It's outlawed and can't be collected. So that was your game, was it? That's why you didn't try to work the claim till recently. Here's a law book, Tim. It's all marked in case you want to check up.

[Sam]

Doggone if he ain't right, Dale.

[Abe Forley]

Then we never get our money. That's it. Only now it ain't your money. I wanted you to find out in regular trial so you wouldn't have no kickback.

[Sam]

Law sure is clean, Dale. Two years run out just a few days back.

[Narrator]

Hold on. There's more to this law.

[Sam]

What is this?

[Narrator]

This is a trial. Dale can produce his witnesses, can he?

[Sam]

Sure.

[Abe Forley]

What good are witnesses?

[Narrator]

Stand up, you men sitting there. Man.

[Abe Forley]

Look, There are about 10 fellows. What's the idea of this.

[Narrator]

You thought you'd swindle Dale by means of that new law that was passed a few years ago. All right. That law states that a payment is made on the debt in the course of the two years. The debt is renewed for another period of two years. You men, I want all of you that will bear witness to the fact that this man bought Dale a drink the other evening to say I.

[Abe Forley]

All.

[Narrator]

Of you that will come to this stand and swear that Dale told Abe to apply what the drink cost and what he owed him. And swear that Abe agreed to that.

[Abe Forley]

Say I.

[Sam]

Hear that myself.

[Narrator]

Then, your honor, the debt is renewed by the fact that Abe poorly made a payment on the account when he bought the drink. And Dale can collect every penny of the $10,000 as fast as the claim is worked.

[Sam]

Very curly. You're right.

[Abe Forley]

That's Max. Did you hear that?

[Dale Walton]

We can collect the money. Everything's going to be all right.

[Sam]

Got nothing more to say. You've got two doggone wise for these parts. And you got to pay for it to go to jail.

[Abe Forley]

The mess, man. Frame this.

[Sam]

Hey, where's the man going to?

[Abe Forley]

Oh, we got to catch him. We ain't thanked him proper yet. Wait, mister, wait.

[Dale Walton]

Yes. If it hadn't been for him for the Lone Ranger, we'd be starving today.

[Narrator]

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

[Abe Forley]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to 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 podcast trwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Abe Forley]

Sam.