The Long Trail | The Lone Ranger (12-01-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns: The Long Trail | The Lone Ranger (12-01-52)

Hosted by Andrew Rhynes
Episode Aired: December 30, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this crisply restored classic episode of "The Lone Ranger," listeners are transported to the wild and untamed landscapes of post–Civil War Texas, as a desperate group of ranchers – aided by the mysterious masked rider and his loyal companion Tonto – attempt a perilous cattle drive up the Chisholm Trail. The episode, “The Long Trail," vividly reconstructs a suspenseful journey threatened by sabotage, betrayal, and shifting fates, revealing deep Western themes of justice, trust, and frontier resilience.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Cattle Drive’s Stakes

[04:57–06:19]

• Silas Eaton, Texas rancher, heads a drive to Abilene, Kansas, hoping to sell cattle at prices high enough to save several ranches from bankruptcy in the post-war economy.
• Reminiscence of the hazards faced:
  • Prairie fire and stampede:
    • "That fire is moving fast... the cattle are starting to stampede. We better get out the way quick." (Silas Eaton, 05:52)
  • Native raid averted:
    • "Band of Indians coming down trail. About a dozen... The hombre who warned us is fighting them already." (Tonto & Silas Eaton, 07:20)

2. Mystery Protector

[08:14–09:27]

• Multiple unexplained interventions save the herd:
  • Tonto and others spot a rider on a white horse at critical moments.
  • “Seems like we have some sort of guiding spirit watching over us on this drive... I can’t savvy what it’s all about, but I’m not going to complain about it.” (Silas Eaton, 08:19)
• Supernatural undertone heightens suspense and the Lone Ranger's mystique.

3. The End of the Drive and the Looming Threat

[10:03–11:50]

• The drive succeeds; Silas and the others receive a hefty payment:
  • "At last we have cash. $25 a head... $87,500." (Silas Eaton, 10:17-10:39)
• Silas is entrusted with the money to repay loans, which would secure the future of several ranches.

4. Villainous Scheming: Jonas Keller’s Plot

[13:26–14:54]

• In a shadowy café discussion, three men express frustration that their attempts to sabotage the drive failed.
• Revealed: They worked for Jonas Keller, the lender, who wishes to see the ranchers fail so he can seize their land.
  • "But remember what Jonas told us? What he said the main thing was that they don't get back to Texas with the cash. He wants to foreclose on the ranches." (Crook, 13:49)
• They resolve to rob Silas and the cash on the stagecoach.

5. Lone Ranger’s Investigation and Undercover Maneuvering

[15:34–25:39]

• The Lone Ranger, disguised as a cowpoke, observes the conspirators.
• He is confronted and taken to their hideout, but cleverly proposes joining their robbery plot to gain their trust.
  • "Maybe I was looking you over because I wanted to find two or three hombres tough enough to help me grab some easy cash." (Lone Ranger, 22:48)
• He relays everything to Tonto and devises a plan to catch the gang red-handed.

6. Ambush at Dawn: The Stagecoach Hold-Up

[26:03–29:04]

• The crooks, with the Lone Ranger as an embedded ally, lie in wait for the stagecoach carrying Silas and the cash.
• The Lone Ranger seizes the right moment to subdue the outlaws, and with Tonto’s help, ensures the ranchers’ safety.
  • "The Lone Ranger brought his gun down in a smashing blow on Bushy's wrist... In the brief struggle, the masked man drove a short right to the outlaw's jaw." (Narrator, 27:38/28:07)

7. Justice and Revelations

[29:04–30:55]

• The captured crooks confess; Jonas Keller masterminded all the sabotage.
  • "Jonah sent us to make things happen to you so you couldn't reach Abilene. The prairie fire, the engine raid, the poisoned water hole – they were all his ideas." (Crook, 29:06)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto’s behind-the-scenes protection is revealed:
  • "It was you and that Injun who did so much for us that actually got the cattle through." (Silas Eaton, 29:22)
• Jonas Keller’s fate: A telegram is sent to San Antonio to have him held for charges.
• As always, the Lone Ranger disappears, restoring order and reinforcing the legend:
  • "That’s the hombre who’s so proud of being an American. And so proud of helping build up the West for law-abiding citizens. He’s the Lone Ranger.” (Sheriff, 30:49)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fateful Intervention:
  • “Seems like we have some sort of guiding spirit watching over us on this drive.”
    — Silas Eaton, 08:19
• On Newfound Prosperity:
  • "At last we have cash. $25 a head... $87,500."
    — Silas Eaton, 10:17–10:39
• Unmasking Villainy:
  • “But remember what Jonas told us? What he said the main thing was that they don't get back to Texas with the cash. He wants to foreclose on the ranches.”
    — Crook (unnamed), 13:49
• Classic Lone Ranger Wisdom:
  • “I want to have them caught red handed. Then they'll incriminate the man who sent them here.”
    — Lone Ranger, 25:00
• Restoring Justice:
  • “These three men are hired gunmen working for Jonas Keller.”
    — Tonto, 28:57
  • "That's the hombre who's so proud of being an American... He's the Lone Ranger."
    — Sheriff, 30:49

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Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Opening narrative and basics of the cattle drive | 04:57–06:19 | | Night raid, mysterious interventions | 07:16–09:27 | | Sale in Abilene and cash windfall | 10:03–10:39 | | Café plotting and revelation of Jonas Keller’s motive | 13:26–14:54 | | Lone Ranger’s undercover work | 15:34–25:39 | | Stagecoach ambush and final showdown | 26:03–29:04 | | Aftermath and Keller’s downfall | 29:04–30:55 | | Lone Ranger’s identity discussed/finds closure | 30:55 |

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Tone & Production Notes

• Language and tone: True to the original radio dramatization, dialogue is brisk, straightforward, and imbued with the moral certainty typical of mid-20th century Westerns.
• Sound design: Enhanced by digital restoration, environmental sounds (stampedes, gunshots, creaking doors) create an immersive Old West atmosphere, while dramatic musical cues build suspense, especially during showdowns.
• Nostalgic style: The performance honors radio drama traditions, balancing action, moral lessons, and a touch of intrigue.

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Summary:
This episode, a staple of Western storytelling, expertly delivers thrills, mystery, and a satisfying arc of justice served. The careful restoration by Andrew Rhynes and OTRWesterns amplifies both the excitement and clarity of the classic Lone Ranger format—making “The Long Trail” a superb example of how timeless radio adventures can live on for new generations.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

A fiery horse with a speeder light.

[Silas Eaton]

A cloud of dust and a hearty hi O. Silver the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits. Plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit report Choir.

[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.

[Silas Eaton]

The Lone Ranger rides again. One, two. Let's go big fella. And do it ay.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The second big cattle drive up the Chisholm Trail was nearing the end. Silas Eaton, owner of a large ranch near San Antonio, Texas, had promoted and taken charge of the drive. The cattle in the large herd of several thousand were from several ranches in the Southwest. It was a desperate attempt, inspired by the example of Chisholm, to recoup their Civil War losses and save their property by taking their cattle where they could be sold at a good price. Abilene, Kansas, on the newly opened railroad. As Silas rode point with a few of the men, his thoughts went back to the many difficulties they had overcome. First, the prairie fire resulting in a stampede.

[Tonto]

Ho.

[Silas Eaton]

Ho.

[Tonto]

Ho.

[Silas Eaton]

Hold on, boy.

[Tonto]

Ho.

[Silas Eaton]

Hey, boss, look ahead. I see smoke. Hey, Bearfinder, you're right. That is smoke. Off to the northeast, the wind is blowing westward.

[Tonto]

Yeah.

[Silas Eaton]

That means we might be cut off. We still might have a chance to get by. Hey, look there now. I can see flames. That fire is moving fast and moving across in front of us. Cattle are getting restless. Maybe we'd better stop until we see what's going to happen. Smoke is already drifting this way. Hey, cattle are starting to stampede. We better get out the way quick.

[Tonto]

Get him.

[Silas Eaton]

Come on. Get him, boy.

[Tonto]

Come on.

[Silas Eaton]

Get him. Time to stop him.

[Tonto]

Get him. Milling.

[Silas Eaton]

Use your guns.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Silas smiled to himself as he remembered they hadn't been successful in stopping the stampede. And he was thankful they hadn't. The Thundering Herd had run themselves out with some losses, but they had outraced the prairie fire, which closed in behind them. He wondered what strangely kind fate had started the stampede and saved the herd. Then he thought of the next almost fatal incident. Some of the cow folks were riding herd while he and the others rested around a campfire that glowed in the pitch darkness of the night.

[Tonto]

It sure is dark tonight. Yep, it sure is.

[Silas Eaton]

The herd seems quiet enough, though, in spite of those coyotes hiding. Yeah. Hey, somebody coming up ahead. Riding lickety split. Band of Indians coming down trail. About a dozen. Somebody douse the fire. Get to your horses quick. We'll meet those redskins before they reach the herd. All right, let's go. The hombre who warned us is fighting them already. Get up there.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Silas Eaton smiled to himself. He never knew who the man was who warned them. But the redskins had been driven off before they could disturb the herd. Silas remembered other incidents, too. He spoke aloud.

[Tonto]

Yep.

[Silas Eaton]

Those things sure have me wondering. What are you talking about? Si.

[Tonto]

Huh?

[Silas Eaton]

Oh, I reckon they was thinking out loud, Frank. I was thinking of all that happened on the way and how they turned out all right. Five stampede redskins. Yeah. Remember when we approached the Cimarron river, that tall Indian appeared out of nowhere and warned us to cross further upstream because of quicksand. Yep. And the Printed sand we found near that water hole telling us the water had been poisoned and direct him is to the fresh water. Warnam was right too, boss. Remember the horse that drank some of that water and died? Seems like we have some sort of guiding spirit watching over us on this drive. That guiding spirit seems to be mighty husky to me, Si. A couple of times I've caught sight of a horseman on a big white horse sort of watching us from the top of a mesa or a hilltop, then disappeared. Couldn't get a good look. He was too far away. Say, I've seen the same thing. I thought I was dreaming, though. Well, to tell the truth, just last evening as the sun was setting, I thought I saw an apparition like that appear for a minute on a ridge, and then it was gone. We can't all be loco. And that means there is such an ombre helping us. I don't savvy what it's all about, but I'm not going to complain about it. Neither am I. Soon we. Hey, look. Glory be. Look at that. A railroad train. There it is, Min. That means Abilene is just a few miles further.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

That night, after the cattle had been driven to the stockyards, the cowpokes went to the cafe to celebrate. Frank, one of the other ranchers, and Wes, Sy's foreman, were waiting in a hotel room when Cy entered with the cash they'd received for the cattle.

[Silas Eaton]

Well, the cattle are delivered and paid for. Look here. You see? At last we have cash. How much did you get, si? $25 a head.

[Tonto]

Great day.

[Silas Eaton]

And we were offered only two to five dollars a head in Texas.

[Tonto]

That's right.

[Silas Eaton]

How much does that come to? $87,500. And it's all here in big bills.

[Tonto]

Si.

[Silas Eaton]

Your idea of pulling our cattle and driving them here has paid off. All five of us ranchers can pay back our loans to Jonas Keller and save our ranchers. The other three ought to be mighty pleased. They will be, boss.

[Tonto]

Don't worry.

[Silas Eaton]

The others agreed with me, Si, that you should take care of the cash till we get back home. Well, I'm glad they trust me, but carrying so much cash is a big responsibility. Well, we figured maybe you and Wes wanted to go ahead on the stage to sa. We'll bring your horses with us. We want you to get there ahead of us so as to be in time to pay off our notes. I reckon that'll be all right. I have a note to meet myself. Knowing Jonas Kelly, you'd better be paid on time. Well, Wes and I'll sort of ease out of here on the early morning stage. I'll leave enough cash for you to pay the boys their wages. Good. We promised them a two day layover in Abilene before starting back. We owe a lot to you for talking us into making the drive. And to that mysterious rider for helping us get through. So long.

[Tonto]

Si.

[Silas Eaton]

We'll be seeing you back home. Good bet.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Meantime, in a wooded grove on the edge of Abilene, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Tonto were discussing recent events.

[Silas Eaton]

Cowpokes all have good time in town tonight.

[Tonto]

Yes, they're relieved and happy to finish the drive. Fellow, I'm sure you feel as I do. The incidents during that drive were not accidental.

[Silas Eaton]

That's right.

[Tonto]

I think someone started the prairie fire just at the right time. It good we stampede cattle so then.

[Silas Eaton]

Get past fore fire, cut off trail.

[Tonto]

That was the only way. Then when we found out those Indians were moving in on the ranches near cowhands. You know, I got the impression in the darkness there was a white man with them.

[Silas Eaton]

Me think that me see one horse have saddle.

[Tonto]

Next we found the marker Chisholm left near the Cimarron river had been changed so as to lead the cattle into quicksand. Later we discovered the poisoned water at that water hole when we found a dead deer nearby.

[Silas Eaton]

And who do you think make things happen?

[Tonto]

Well, I don't know. But someone had a reason for not wanting the drive to succeed. I have an idea the man or men responsible for those incidents might be here in Abilene now. Think them try something else.

[Silas Eaton]

Kimasabi.

[Tonto]

Perhaps the drive has succeeded, but the ranchers are still a long way from home. I'll disguise myself as a cowpoke. Then we'll go into town and try to find out who's working against those ranchers.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

At a table in the cafe, three men sat watching the joyous crowd.

[Silas Eaton]

I never thought we'd make it. Yeah, we'll get our wages in the boat.

[Tonto]

Yeah, they made it in spite of what we did to stop them.

[Silas Eaton]

Yeah, and we stand to lose the pay Jonas Keller promised us. I don't savvy why our plans always fell through.

[Tonto]

I've wondered about that myself. But remember what Jonas told us? What he said the main thing was that they don't get back to Texas with the cash. He wants a foreclose on the ranches.

[Silas Eaton]

With the dough they get for that.

[Tonto]

Herd, they'll have plenty to pay off their loans.

[Silas Eaton]

That's right.

[Tonto]

Now wait a minute. If there was Some way we could grab that cash. Don't be local. They'll all be riding back together.

[Silas Eaton]

We quit jumping for the cash. Now listen. Listen, man. Report to the lobby of the hotel first thing in the morning. Someone will be there to pay your wages and bonuses. Hey, Wes. When I came through the lobby of the hotel a short time ago, heard Silas Eaton asking for two tickets on the Morgan Stakes for San Antonio, I thought maybe he was skipping out on us with the cash. Never mind about what Silas does. The cash is safe, so forget it. That pail sure come in handyware. Yes, I'm tired of being broke. Well, it'll be there for you, so don't worry. Come on. The trick's on me.

[Tonto]

There's the answer, Silas.

[Silas Eaton]

What do you mean?

[Tonto]

Yeah, I don't get it. You heard what that cowpoke said. That he saw Silas Eaton getting two tickets on the morning stage.

[Silas Eaton]

What of it?

[Tonto]

Eaton is running things on this drive. So he's the one who take care of the cash. I figure he and someone else are going to go back on the stage with the cash to pay off Jonas. The rest of them plan on staying a while and taking it easy going back.

[Silas Eaton]

Hey, if the cash is going on the stage, I'm beginning to savvy what you're getting at.

[Tonto]

Good. Now look, we leave town tonight and be ready somewhere along the trail to stop the stage and grab that cash. Come on, let's get out of here.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger had been in the cafe disguised as a cowpoke. His keen eyes ever alert for the unusual, will notice the reaction of the three men who suddenly conversed in low tones, then hurriedly rose to leave. Their suspicious actions caused the Lone Ranger to leave behind them. The Lone Ranger watched from the shadows as Bushy and his friends crossed to the hotel. A moment later, Tato moved to the side of his friend.

[Tonto]

Why, you watchmen who come from Cafe Kimasabe. Their reaction to something that was said in the cafe caused me to become suspicious. Tato, our next move will be dangerous. We have to take a chance.

[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/Announcer]

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[Tonto]

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[Tonto]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator/Storyteller]

Now to continue the Lone Ranger told Toto what one of the cowhands said about Silas Eaton buying tickets on the morning stage and the strange effect the news had on the three men who left the cafe. Toto asked Kimasabe, why you think men.

[Silas Eaton]

Bother about Silas Eaton?

[Tonto]

Eaton lived the cattle drive Tono. It's possible he carries the profits they made on the sale of the cattle. Those men might realize that.

[Silas Eaton]

You think Eaton carry money on stage?

[Tonto]

The ranchers are in danger of losing their property in Texas. That's why they took the chance of driving their longhorns all the way up here. Logical that Eden or one of the others would go back as quickly as possible with the money. Maybe men you watch plan to Robbie. Yes, I thought of that. You wait for the horse's tunnel. Maybe I can learn something about those men. If I go to the hotel, I'll be back.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger left the shadows and walked across toward the hotel. He started up the veranda steps when.

[Silas Eaton]

Reach and don't turn around, mister.

[Tonto]

Make one false move and this gun.

[Silas Eaton]

At your back will fill you with lead. Reach, I said.

[Tonto]

Quick. All right. What's this all about anyway?

[Silas Eaton]

You're the one who's gonna answer questions.

[Tonto]

Mister, keep your hands high and head for the back door of the hotel.

[Silas Eaton]

Get moving.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger hesitated a moment. He knew of more than one way to turn the tables on the man behind him. But he quickly decided to play along and find out what it was all about.

[Silas Eaton]

Are you gonna start moving or not?

[Tonto]

Reckon I'll have to do as you say.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

With Spike holding a gun at his back, the Lone Ranger, still disguised as a cowpoke, walked to the back door of the hotel and entered.

[Tonto]

Down the hallway. Second door to the left. Go on. Sure.

[Silas Eaton]

All right.

[Tonto]

Open that door and go into the room. Well, Spike, I see you got the drop on that nosy cow, Poke.

[Silas Eaton]

Good work, Spike.

[Tonto]

Would you mind telling me what this is all about? Can't be my money you're after. An ordinary cowpoke like me never has much. I happened to glance back and saw your followers from the cafe. You stood over in the shadows talking to somebody else and watched us go to the hotel. I had Spike run out the back way and go watch you.

[Silas Eaton]

Yeah, he was heading for the hotel.

[Tonto]

When I stopped him. You see, mister, I'm interested in knowing why you're so curious about it. You must have a guilty conscience, stranger. Just because I happened to leave the cafe when you did and talk a minute with a friend doesn't mean I'm curious about you fellows. I noticed you in the cafe. You kept watching us the whole time you were there. Mister, you're as smart as a side Jeff.

[Silas Eaton]

Today you say Bushy, he admits he was watching us.

[Tonto]

Maybe I was looking you over because I wanted to find two or three hombres tough enough to help me grab some easy cash. You hombres look like you aren't afraid of the law. Of course, if I'm wrong. What's he talking about? Shut up, Spike, and holster your gun.

[Silas Eaton]

All right, if you say so, Bushy.

[Tonto]

Sit down, stranger. Don't mind if I do.

[Silas Eaton]

We're getting mighty tired.

[Tonto]

Stand there reaching for the ceiling. Who. Who's the friend you talk to over in the shadows? Oh, he's an Indian friend of mine. Comes in mighty handy once in a while. You said you sized us up as being tough enough to help you make some easy cash. What'd you mean? Well, I'm a stranger around here. How'd I know you aren't in with the law? Me with you? Hear that, fellows? Imagine him thinking me bushy colts might.

[Silas Eaton]

Be in with the law. It's a hot one.

[Tonto]

Yeah, especially after all the Jobs you pulled.

[Silas Eaton]

Jonas Keller ought to hear that.

[Tonto]

Say, isn't Keller living down San Antonio way? Yeah, you heard him? Yeah. Heard he was some sort of a big wig down there. So you hombre's work for him, huh? Well, you might say we did. Our work's about over.

[Silas Eaton]

But Pushy, I thought you said we was gonna.

[Tonto]

Listen, Spike, if we get what we talked about, we're not gonna turn it over to Jonas. He'll get the land he wants anyway. Now, mister, about the job you said you wanted help on. Well, I need help to hold up a stagecoach. What do you expect to get out of it? Plenty. Reckon you saw all the longhorns that were brought up from Texas. I figure a certain ranch will be on the morning stage with all the cash they got for those longhorns. Well, Doc, now listen to that. Will you have the same idea we have? You mean you hombres are going to hold up the stage?

[Silas Eaton]

Sure.

[Tonto]

I'll tell you what. We could use one more man, so we cut you in on it. Hello. All right, meet you in the morning. Hold on. You're gonna stay here with us till it's time to go. But my horse. I left him among the trees behind the cafe. Well, go get your horse stable and behind the hotel with ours and come back here. All right. Be sure you come back, mister. Oh, I'll be back. All right. Follow him. Quick, Spike. Don't let him see you watching. But have your gun ready if he.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Starts to ride away.

[Silas Eaton]

All right, Pussy.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Spike quickly followed the Lone Ranger. The crook crossed the street and watched as the figure in front of him went in among the trees behind the Camera Cafe. Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger moved through the trees to the place where he knew Silver and Scout were waiting. He knew too that Toto would be there. Taro be here.

[Tonto]

Kimasabi. I ran into something. Listen quickly.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger told Toto what had happened and what he found out at the hotel. When he finished, Tato asked why we not capture crooks.

[Tonto]

Now, Kimasabi, I've had plenty of chance to get the drop on Tanto. But I want to have them caught red handed. Then they'll incriminate the man who sent them here. Listen closely. Here's what I want you to do.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

After stapling Silver with the crooks horses, the Lone Ranger returned to the hotel room. He stayed with the crooks until dawn. Then the four men left town and rode a few miles to a place where Bushy planned to wait for the stage.

[Tonto]

All right, we'll wait here behind These big boulders till the stage comes along.

[Silas Eaton]

Ought to be coming soon. Was about ready to leave when we rolled from town. Yeah, and I noticed that rancher Eatin and his foreman are in the coach.

[Tonto]

We'll mask our faces with our bandanas. Yeah, we split the cash four ways. Yeah, suits me. Mister, you and Spike will ride in front of Red and me. Sounds like you don't trust me, Bushy. I'll trust you after the job is over. Meantime, I'll expect you to do your part. Oh, you can count on that, Bushy. Here comes the stage now. Hit leather. When I give the word, we ride out shooting.

[Silas Eaton]

All right, let's go.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Ranger, riding in front with Spike, knew Bushy was ready to gun him if he made any false moves. He fired his and raced toward the stage with the three crooks. But he was ready for the moment when he'd have a chance to turn the tables.

[Silas Eaton]

Spike, Red, dismount. Get the cash in those hombres in the coach while we hold guns to cover you.

[Tonto]

Right. Sure.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger maneuvered Silver.

[Tonto]

Come on, boy.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

So that the big stallion moved in beside Bushy's horse. The masked man tensed as Silas Eaton spoke angrily from the coach.

[Silas Eaton]

Nobody will get this cash if I can help it. He has a gun. I'll let you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The Lone Ranger brought his gun down in a smashing blow on Bushy's wrist. Silas Eaton's bullet wounded Spike. Then when the rancher and his foreman saw a group of horsemen rapidly approaching, they jumped from the opposite door of the coach and ran to meet them. The crook, Red, turned quickly when he heard hoofbeats and shots.

[Silas Eaton]

I'll get you, mister. You broke my wrist.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

In spite of his injured wrist, Bushy lunged toward the Lone Ranger and dragged him from the saddle in an attempt to get the Lone Ranger's gun. In the brief struggle, the masked man drove a short right to the outlaw's j.

[Tonto]

That will quiet you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Red ran to mop his horse, but a bullet from the sheriff's gun caught him in the leg.

[Silas Eaton]

Well, looks like those crooks are all done in. Get that Coldwind here. No, he's not one of the crooks. Where do you see that? He's still wearing that bandana on his he.

[Tonto]

I'll take that off now. Put my own mask on.

[Silas Eaton]

Never has nerve putting on a mask right in front of the sheriff like that. You all right, Plymouth? Hubby.

[Tonto]

Yes, Toto?

[Silas Eaton]

Yeah, mister? This is the letter signed by the governor that you gave Tondo to show to me.

[Tonto]

Oh, thanks, Sheriff.

[Silas Eaton]

What incarnation Is this anyhow? That letter identifies this man as being on the side of the law, Mr. Eaton. It was because of a message brought to me by the Indian from this hombre that we followed the stage. The devil crossed us.

[Tonto]

Mr. Eaton, these three men are hired gunmen working for Jonas Keller.

[Silas Eaton]

You mean Jonas Keller sent them here to rob us before we could pay him what we owe.

[Tonto]

Ask that crook. I'm sure he can tell plenty.

[Silas Eaton]

I got nothing to say. You talk, you dog, corn pole cat, or I'll gun whip you to your. Wait, wait, wait. I'll talk. Jonah sent us to make things happen to you so you couldn't reach Abilene. The Perry fire, the engine raid the poisoned water hole. They were all his ideas. But they didn't work. No, they didn't. Because this masked man, the Indian, were on hand to hell. Tondo told me about it on the way here. Then it was you and that Injun who did so much for us that actually got the cattle through.

[Tonto]

We rode with the drive but kept out of sight. Mr. Eden, which way? I knew that if you didn't succeed, many of you ranchers would give up and leave Texas. We need men of your caliber down there.

[Silas Eaton]

He found out about what these crooks intended to do today. So we rode with them to catch them red handed. They'll go to jail, Mr. Eaton. Now Telegraph the marshal in San Antonio to hold Jonas Keller till you get there to bring charges.

[Tonto]

He was after your ranches, Mr. Eaton. Of course you'll have to pay off the loans to him. But he'll end up in jail for what he tried to do.

[Silas Eaton]

He sure will. I'll see to that.

[Tonto]

Todd and I have done our work here. We're right on ahead of the stage now. We see you again in Texas, Mr. Eaton. Easy steady big folks.

[Silas Eaton]

Adios everybody. Sheriff, who is that man? And why did he put on that black mask? I reckon because he's used to it, Mr. Eaton. Course right now his rail features are disguised. So the Indian told me. Nobody ever sees his rail face. He always wears that mask unless he is disguised. You see, that's the hombre who's so proud of being an American. And so proud of helping build up the west for law abiding citizens. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Tonto]

Sam.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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

[Narrator/Announcer]

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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores. Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional verification, benefits plan features and taxes and fees vary. Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits Credit stop if you cancel any lines. Qualifying credit required.

[Tonto]

Hey Ryan Reynolds here wishing you a.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Tonto]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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