The Lost Years | The Lone Ranger (07-14-52)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lost Years | The Lone Ranger (07-14-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: November 12, 2025

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, presents the digitally restored classic episode "The Lost Years" from the legendary radio drama The Lone Ranger. The story traces the iconic origins and adventures of the Lone Ranger—revealing his transformation after the massacre at Bryant’s Gap, the forging of his partnership with Tonto, the legend of his horse Silver, and his search for his brother’s lost family.

The episode plunges listeners into dangerous frontier landscapes, fierce ambushes, heart-wrenching loss, and the hopeful rediscovery of family—all elevated by meticulous audio restoration that brings the Wild West vividly to life.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Segments

1. The Birth of the Lone Ranger (02:18–09:33)

• Ambush at Bryant’s Gap:
  The brutal Cavendish gang sets a trap, resulting in the deaths of nearly all the Texas Rangers except for one—the young brother of Captain Reed, who survives with the help of Tonto.
  • "You only Ranger left. You Lone Ranger." (08:28, Narrator)
• The Mask and Mission:
  To protect his identity and seek justice for his comrades, the survivor dons a mask and vows to hunt down the Cavendish gang with Tonto:
  • "Good. Then my name shall be forever buried with my brother, my friends. From now on, my face must be concealed. A disguise perhaps. Or a mask. That's it. A mask.” (09:00, The Lone Ranger)

2. Silver: The Legendary Horse (09:58–14:34)

• Pursuit of Butch Cavendish:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto track the gang relentlessly, leading to a climactic chase.
• Rescue of the White Stallion:
  A wild white stallion’s life is saved from a buffalo by the Lone Ranger, and after recovery, a bond forms:
  • "Let him go. I'd like to have that horse more than anything in the world. But he deserves his freedom. He fought for it." (13:18, The Lone Ranger)
  • The stallion, dubbed “Silver,” chooses the Lone Ranger, becoming his faithful companion.

3. The Cavendish Gang—Justice Served (15:00–15:18)

• After a relentless chase, Silver’s speed gives the Lone Ranger the edge to capture Cavendish, fulfilling his vow of justice.

4. The Fate of Captain Reed’s Family (15:18–19:16)

• Massacre of a Wagon Train:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover a destroyed pioneer caravan. Among the wreckage, a clue—a nameplate—emerges, possibly connecting to his brother’s family.
• An Oath of Hope:
  Despite little evidence, the Lone Ranger chooses not to lose hope that Dan Reed (his nephew) and Linda (his sister-in-law) might have survived:
  • "It's a faint hope, Tato. Nevertheless, I shan't be convinced that they're dead. We'll always be on the lookout for some clue that Dan Reed and his mother are alive." (19:16, The Lone Ranger)

5. Years Pass—The Lone Ranger’s Vigil (19:43–21:59)

• The Heritage Continues:
  Years of solitude and justice-seeking ensue, until the Lone Ranger intervenes in an attack on Grandma Frisbee and her “grandson” Dan.
• Revelation of Dan’s Identity:
  Grandma Frisbee, on her deathbed, reveals that Dan is not her biological grandson, but was rescued as an infant from the massacre years ago.
  • "Your brother, he was a captain of the Texas Rangers and one of the bravest men in the country. Your mother was a fine lady from Virginia. Her name was Linda." (21:53, The Lone Ranger)
  • Dan is revealed as the Lone Ranger’s nephew, uniting the only surviving family members after years of searching.

A Memorable Farewell & Heritage (22:43–23:57)

• A moving scene as Grandma Frisbee requests to see the Lone Ranger’s face, and the Ranger reflects on American ideals:
  • "Your duty, Dan, is to preserve that heritage and strengthen it. That is the heritage and duty of every American." (22:52, The Lone Ranger)

6. A Western Adventure—Dave Wingate’s Ordeal (23:57–31:12)

• Dave Wingate’s Framing and Redemption:
  The Lone Ranger and Tonto aid a young man, Dave Wingate, unfairly accused while traveling with a wagon train. Through quick detective work and an unexpected alliance with a friendly Crow tribe, they expose the real schemers and avert another massacre.
• Community and Justice:
  The episode highlights themes of justice, redemption, and the value of truth and courage in the dangerous frontier.
  • "We owe our lives to Toto and the Lone Ranger." (31:12, Dave Wingate)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Friendship and Loyalty
  • "You remember, many year ago, you own boy. You find Indian boy in trouble. You saved life. Indian boy?" – Narrator (07:50)
  • "Your name is Tato." – The Lone Ranger (07:59)
  • "And you still Kimasabi. It means faithful friend." – Narrator (08:08)
• Vow of Justice
  • "With your help, Tato, I'll get every one of those crooks." – The Lone Ranger (09:00)
• The Birth of Silver
  • "Silver. That would be a name for him. Silver. Look at him. Silver. Say silver. Fado. He's coming back. It's just as if he knew what I said. Silver. Silver, you beauty. Hand me the halter, Toto." – The Lone Ranger (13:13)
• Legacy and American Ideals
  • "They have given you a land where there is true freedom, true equality of opportunity. A nation that is governed by the people, by laws that are best for the greatest number. Your duty, Dan, is to preserve that heritage and strengthen it." – The Lone Ranger (22:52)
• Humility and Teamwork
  • "I didn't do anything. We owe our lives to Toto and the Lone Ranger." – Dave Wingate (31:12)

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Important Timestamps

• Ambush & Origin Story: 02:18–09:33
• The Legend of Silver: 09:58–14:34
• Justice for Cavendish: 15:00–15:18
• Wagon Train Massacre Clues: 17:49–19:16
• Family Found, Legacy Theme: 20:39–23:57
• Dave Wingate’s Redemption & Final Battle: 23:57–31:12

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Tone & Language

The episode unfolds in a classic radio drama style: rich with dramatic narration, vintage dialogue, action sequences, and moral clarity. The voices are earnest, the musical stings sweeping, and the sounds of the West—hooves, gunfire, and wilderness—immerse listeners in nostalgia and adventure. Themes of heroism, loyalty, justice, and American values permeate every scene.

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Conclusion

The Lost Years is both an origin tale and a tribute to enduring values, masterfully restored and performed. It offers listeners a journey through betrayal, hope, reunion, and timeless Western heroism—the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Silver blazing a legacy for generations to come.

"A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi Yo Silver!'"

Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell. Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Narrator]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with ktree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much. Good stuff.

[Sarah]

You've finally broken loose from work. Three friends, one tea time and then the text. Honey, there's water in the basement. Not exactly how you pictured your Saturday. That's when you call us Cincinnati Insurance, we always answer the call because real protection means showing up even when things are in the rough. Cincinnati Insurance, let us make your bad day better. Find an [e-mail].

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell Oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Narrator]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree egg, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. AM PM Too much. Good stuff. This is the legend of a man who buried his identity to dedicate his life to the service of humanity and country. It is the story of the origin of the lone ra. Early settlers in the west had to be brave men and women ready to fight for their lives at any moment. There was danger on every side. There were wild beasts, Savage Indians and the Cavendish Gang. Butch Cavendish headed a pack of outlaws. They struck without warning to steal and kill. Open fire on that wagon train. Wipe em out to the last man. The Cavendish gang attacked ranches and towns as well as wagon trains. Everyone feared Butch Cavendish. His gang grew rich and powerful. Finally, the Texas Rangers learned where Butch Cavendish and his gang were hiding. Six Texas Rangers guided their horses along a canyon floor to arrest The Cavendish gang. Presently, Captain Reed signaled a halt.

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll wait here until the scout returns. You think it was a good idea to send Collins, our guide, on ahead?

[Narrator]

It was Captain Reed's younger brother who asked the question. The Captain explained that Collins, who was not a Texas Ranger, was the only man who knew the country and who could scout ahead for information. Then, while the Texas Rangers waited for the guide to return, the Captain said to his younger brother, my wife and.

[The Lone Ranger]

Son are coming from the East. If something happens to me and you survive, well, I know you'll take care of her and Daddy, right?

[Narrator]

I'm going to count on you to.

[The Lone Ranger]

Resign from the Rangers and work that silver money we staked out. See that my son and his mother get my share. I promise. Here comes Collins, the scout. What's the word, Collins?

[Narrator]

Good news, Captain Reed.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's all clear.

[Narrator]

I scouted the rim on the sides.

[The Lone Ranger]

Of the canyon and found no sign of the cabin. His outfit. All right, boys, let's go. Get up there.

[Narrator]

Get on, Collins, the guide, lagged behind, unnoticed by the Texas Rangers, who moved in single file along the floor of the rock strewn canyon. They didn't know that Collins had lied, that Butch Cavendish and his killers were waiting in ambush on the rim on both sides of the gap.

[The Lone Ranger]

Here come those Rangers, boys, just as Collins told us. Now, we can't get down to the floor of the canyon without going a.

[Narrator]

Long way back, and it'll be dark in half an hour. So we'll just keep pouring lead into them from up here until we're sure they're dead. Then we won't be taking any chances.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now.

[Dave Wingate]

Open fire.

[Narrator]

The Rangers leaped from their saddles and spread out as they returned the fire from both sides of the canyon. Soon four of the Rangers were kill. Captain Dan Reed and his brother, wounded several times, kept fighting side to side. Then the Captain fell, mortally wounded, and a moment later, his younger brother, the last of the Rangers, slumped to the ground. The outlaws waited and watched for any sign of life from the Rangers, then rode away, convinced that all six men in Bryant's Gap were dead. Sunset came. Then darkness. That night, an Indian examined the bodies by moonlight. After examining the first five men, he muttered softly, them dead. Then he came to the sixth man, the younger brother of the Captain. And this man lives. The Indian lifted this man tenderly in his strong arms and carried him to a nearby cave where he bathed and dressed the wounds. He took a spade from one side of the cave, returned to the canyon, where he worked steadily until the dead men had been Buried. Returning to the cavern, he sat watching through the remaining objects. Hours of the night Daybreak found the ranger stronger. But by nightfall the wounds had become infected. The Indian called on all his knowledge to treat the wounded man. He went day and night without rest. It was the morning of the fourth day when the ranger opened his eyes. And for the first time, the Indian saw them clear and calm. Are you weak?

[The Lone Ranger]

Me glad? Yes, I. But so weak.

[Narrator]

You wounded man.

[The Lone Ranger]

I. I remember an ambush.

[Narrator]

Isn't that right? Me find you in canyon. Carry you here to cave it.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's daylight.

[Narrator]

It morning.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then I. I must have been unconscious all night.

[Narrator]

It's several days since fight in canyon.

[The Lone Ranger]

Several days?

[Narrator]

Ah, there.

[The Lone Ranger]

There's something familiar about you. You.

[Narrator]

You remember many year ago, you own boy. You find Indian boy in trouble. You saved life. Indian boy?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Your name is Tato.

[Andrew Rines]

That right?

[The Lone Ranger]

Years ago you called me Kumasabe. That right.

[Narrator]

And you still Kimasabi. It means faithful friend.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tado, there are six of us in that canyon. The others. What about the other Rangers? Other Ranger? All dead. Dead? One? My brother.

[Narrator]

You only Ranger left. You Lone Ranger.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger? Toddo, those killers know me by sight. If they know one man escaped, they'll look for it.

[Narrator]

And them not know one escape conter. Bury five men, make six grave.

[The Lone Ranger]

Crook.

[Narrator]

Think you die with others?

[The Lone Ranger]

Good. Then my name shall be forever buried with my brother. My friends. From now on, my face must be concealed. A disguise perhaps. Or a mask. That's it. A mask. I'm the only one who knows about the Cavendish gang. With your help, Tato, I'll get every one of those crooks.

[Narrator]

In the Ranger's eyes, there was a light that must have burned in the eyes of knights in armor. A light that through the ages lifted the souls of strong men who fought for justice.

[The Lone Ranger]

For God, I'll be the Lone Ranger.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Tottle were trailing the worst outlaw in the West. His name was Butch Cavendish. They had followed his trail for many weeks, until finally they noticed that the hoof prints of the outlaw's horse were fresh. We're close to Cavendish now.

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes, Toto. He can't be far ahead, him outrun us last time.

[Narrator]

Maybe better we shoot in sight.

[The Lone Ranger]

No. I want to take him alive. Look out. Steady there. Steady, boy. Over there, killer. And ambush him right way, Toto. He missed me. But he shot my horse. Get after him. Get him up, Totter.

[Narrator]

Toto's horse was tired and no match in speed for the animal. Cavendish Road the outlaw escaped. When Toto returned from the futile chase. He found the Lone Ranger standing beside his dead horse.

[The Lone Ranger]

A good horse, Tonto. Loyal, faithful and brave. But my next horse must be faster. I wish that.

[Narrator]

Potto.

[The Lone Ranger]

We've heard stories of a wild horse. A fiery white stallion. Ah, him. Senior Valley, over there.

[Narrator]

Where Cavendish go?

[The Lone Ranger]

We'll be on the lookout for the wild horse while we follow Cavendish.

[Narrator]

Totto's horse carried the Lone Ranger's saddle, his saddlebags and bridle, while the masked man and the Indian continued on foot along the outlaw's trail. When they reached the top of a hill. Look, Tuttle. They halted suddenly and stared at an awe inspiring sight. Far down in the valley, they saw a great white stallion in a death fight with a giant buffalo. The horse was plunging, rearing, charging and dodging wildly. And the sun flashed from his coat as from a coat of polished silver. They realized that this was the legendary white stallion. The one ranchers and hunters had talked so much about.

[The Lone Ranger]

Oh, we must have that horse. I'll try to shoot the buffalo.

[Narrator]

It's too far for pistol shot.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll get closer before it's too late.

[Narrator]

As he ran downhill, the Lone Ranger watched the battle. The sleek white stallion was nimble and courageous. But his strength began to wane. The buffalo charged again and again. The splendid muscles of the white horse were slower in responding. Then too slow. He was caught by the buffalo's charge. Wet crimson stained his purified coat. Another charge. The white horse saw it coming and he couldn't dodge. He staggered and fell. The monster drew back and lowered his head for the death charge. And then two shots rang out. The buffalo shuddered from the impact of the masked man's bullets. For an instant he stood motionless. Then fel. Cruelly battered and bruised, the white stallion lay quietly as the Lone Ranger bathed his wounds. During the next several days, the masked man and the Indian cared for the injured horse. Then the wounds were closed and the horse's strength had returned. There was once more fire in his eye, a spring in his step, and his head was lifted proudly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Toto. He's himself again.

[Narrator]

Him plenty strong.

[The Lone Ranger]

Plenty good horse. I wonder if he'll take a saddle.

[Narrator]

Try.

[The Lone Ranger]

Steady there. Steady, boy.

[Narrator]

Me get rope him Runway.

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Toto, wait. Let him go. I'd like to have that horse more than anything in the world. But he deserves his freedom. He fought for it. Him stop. He's turned to look at us. See how the sun reflects from his white coat. Ah. Him look like silver. Silver. That would be a name for him. Silver. Look at him. Silver. Say silver. Fado. He's coming back. It's just as if he knew what I said. Silver. Silver, you beauty. Hand me the halter, Toto.

[Narrator]

As the mighty stallion felt the halter, he trembled as if from a chill. Every instinct told him that he must flee at once to preserve his freedom. And yet he stood his ground. It wasn't gratitude that kept him there. It was something stronger, some mysterious bond of friendship and understanding. He heard the man's voice and he liked it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver. Silver, we're going to be partners.

[Narrator]

Him let you use halter.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now, Totto the saddle.

[Narrator]

Oh, no. Horse like that take saddle.

[The Lone Ranger]

There never was a horse like this. Now, Silver, we're going to work together.

[Narrator]

The horse was wild and unused to the way of men and the weight of a saddle and a rider. But the masked man was a kind teacher. He was gentle, yet firm. And Silver was intelligent. The stallion seemed to sense the desires of the Lone Ranger and did his best to cooperate. He learned quickly, and after several days of training, he was ready.

[The Lone Ranger]

Follow me, Toto. I'm going after Cavendish. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

No hoofs had ever beat the plains like those thundering hoofs of the great horse Silver. During the few days, Cavendish had gotten far away, but the masked man and TLE trailed him relentlessly with only a minimum of rest. It took days to cut down the outlaw's lead, but at long last, Cavendish came into view.

[The Lone Ranger]

There he is. Come on, Silver.

[Narrator]

The mighty stallion responded with a new burst of speed. Cavendish fired wild shots over his shoulder until his gun was empty. His horse, though powerful and fast, was no match for the charging Silver. Fear and panic filled the outlaw's face. He heard the hoof beats ever nearer. Then the masked man shouts, want you, Cavendish? The masked man's avowed mission was accomplished. The last of the Cavendish gang was captured, to be tried by law and punished for his crimes. But there were many others whose criminal plans were to be challenged by the Ranger, his faithful Indian companion Tottle, and his great horse Silver. This is the legend of Dan Reed, the story of how the Lone Ranger found his only living relative. A long line of prairie schooners moved westward through a valley. Among the pioneers were families with all their worldly goods and men on horseback who planned to seek their fortune in the new frontier. Also, there were several women who had joined the wagon train to meet their husbands who had previously gone west to make new homes. Suddenly, a blood chilling cry rang out from the hills. Indians. Brilliantly painted Indians charged from the hills on both sides of the valley form a Circle with the wagon. Get to the floor the bacon honey and hold the baby close. Heavily outnumbered by the Indians, the pioneers knew they had no hope. But they were determined to fight to the last man. It was the following morning when the Lone Ranger and Toto came upon the scene of the massacre. They drew rein and examined the grim remains of wagons that had been looted, then burned and the bodies of brave pioneers who had died in their attempt to conquer the West.

[The Lone Ranger]

No survivors. Tottle.

[Narrator]

It looked like work of Apache.

[The Lone Ranger]

This must have been the wagon train that was heading for Fort Laramie.

[Narrator]

While Toto watched, the masked man made a detailed inspection of the ashes of wagons and their content. Presently he found a small square piece of metal. A name plate from a trunk. He wiped it on his sleeve, then read it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Taro, remember how the Cavendish gang ambushed my brother and the other Texas Rangers in France Gap?

[Narrator]

Me know you ambushed too.

[The Lone Ranger]

I think my brother had an idea that something might happen to him. Just before we rode into the Gap, he called me aside and said, I.

[Narrator]

Want to speak to you, brother to brother. My wife and son are coming from the East. If something happens to me and you.

[The Lone Ranger]

Survive, well, I know you'll take care.

[Narrator]

Of her and Teddy.

[The Lone Ranger]

I promised him I would. Then he said, I'm going to count.

[Narrator]

On you to resign from the Rangers and work that silver mine we staked out.

[The Lone Ranger]

See that my son and his mother get my share. I made arrangements for an old man named Jim to work the silver mine and got enough ore to keep me supplied with silver bullets and what cash I need. Me. No. We were to wait until my brother's wife arrived from the east to decide what she wanted done with her share of the silver mine. But now I me sorry. Kimasabi. Yes, Toto, Linda and the baby boy were on this wagon train.

[Narrator]

Maybe woman baby captured, maybe them alive.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's a faint hope, Tato. Nevertheless, I shan't be convinced that they're dead. We'll always be on the lookout for some clue that Dan Reed and his mother are alive. In the meantime, we must help make the West a place where massacres like this can't happen.

[Narrator]

After reporting the massacre of the wagon train to Fort Laramie, the Lone Ranger visited his secret silver mine for a fresh supply of silver bullets. Then, with Toto at his side, the masked man turned the blinding light of justice on criminals throughout the West. He was a mysterious figure identified only by his mask, the great white horse named Silver, and a ringing cry, Are you Silver? He was the Lone Ranger. Though 13 years went by The Lone Ranger was ever alone, alert for proof that his brother's wife and son were dead, or if living, a clue that might lead him to their side. Then his adventures took him to the high border country in the northwest, where he fought men who sought to rob an old lady called Grandma Frisbee and her adopted grandson, a boy in his early teens, whose name was Dan. The outlaws were conquered, but the fight had been a great strain on Grandma Frisbee's aging heart. The masked man and Dan were with her in the small, neat bedroom.

[Grandma Frisbee]

I. I'm tired.

[The Lone Ranger]

Try to get some sleep, Mrs. Frisbee.

[Andrew Rines]

No.

[Grandma Frisbee]

I want to be sure Dan will be all right. I want you to take care of Dan.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'll take care of him as if he were my son.

[Grandma Frisbee]

You. You ought to know about his past. He's not really my grandson.

[Narrator]

No, I'm not. But Grandma Frisbee, I always talk.

[Grandma Frisbee]

There's a small box under the bed. Hand it to me.

[Narrator]

I'll get it. Grandma Frisbee held the box in her thin, blue veined hands while she told of coming in a wagon train.

[Grandma Frisbee]

That was over 10 years ago. There was a fine lady traveling with the party, and she had a baby boy.

[Narrator]

The dying woman told about the Indian attack.

[Grandma Frisbee]

I crept away from the scene of the massacre and took the baby with me. I came up here near the border and raised Dan as my grandson. Here's a little gold locket that he wore around his neck. There are pictures inside.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger opened the locket and looked at the faces of the man and woman as Dan spoke.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder who my parents were. I know them. This man, your father, was my brother. Your brother, he was a captain of the Texas Rangers and one of the bravest men in the country. Your mother was a fine lady from Virginia. Her name was Linda.

[Grandma Frisbee]

I called the baby Dan because it's the name that's on the locket, but I never knew the last name.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan's last name is Reed. The same as mine.

[Dave Wingate]

Gosh.

[The Lone Ranger]

I've been looking for you, Dan, for many years, ever since your father died. From now on, if you're willing, we'll travel together.

[Narrator]

I'd like that.

[Grandma Frisbee]

I'm glad. Would. Would you do just one thing for me before I. I sleep? Would you take off that mask and show me your face?

[The Lone Ranger]

Why, of course.

[Grandma Frisbee]

It's a good face. Yes, a good face.

[The Lone Ranger]

Dan, your grandma was a fine woman. It's too bad she had to go.

[Narrator]

She was certainly good to me.

[The Lone Ranger]

She and your father left you a great heritage.

[Grandma Frisbee]

A heritage?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. They and others like them have handed down to you the right to worship as you choose and the right to work and profit from your enterprise. They have given you a land where there is true freedom, true equality of opportunity. A nation that is governed by the people, by laws that are best for the greatest number. Your duty, Dan, is to preserve that heritage and strengthen it. That is the heritage and duty of every American.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi yo, Silver. The Lone Ranger. This is the story that tells how Toto once saved the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger and Tottle were riding westward across desolate country. They were looking at the tracks of a wagon train. Suddenly, a thin young man stepped from behind a big boulder. He held a rifle to his shoulder and shouted.

[Dave Wingate]

Now get off those horses and don't try to reach for a gun.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger and Toto dismounted slowly.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy. Steady, big fellow, easy.

[Narrator]

Then the masked man dropped his hand with lightning speed and fired from the hip. His bullet smashed the rifle and sent it flying from the young man's hands.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now raise your hands. Searching Tahto. See if he has any other weapons.

[Dave Wingate]

I haven't. I should have known better to try to hold up a masked outlaw.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm not an outlaw. You don't look like one. I'm not.

[Dave Wingate]

I held you up because I hope to find food in your saddlebags.

[The Lone Ranger]

What's your name?

[Dave Wingate]

Wingate. Dave Win.

[The Lone Ranger]

What are you doing alone in country like this?

[Dave Wingate]

I was with a wagon train. It passed here.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why did you leave the train?

[Dave Wingate]

I was driven away.

[The Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Dave Wingate]

I didn't do anything wrong. I was framed by Cap Sanders.

[The Lone Ranger]

Cap Sanders?

[Dave Wingate]

He was hired as wagon master. Every night he posted guards to watch for dangerous redskins.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sioux Indian danger, but Crow Indian friendly. One of our best friends is chief of the Crow Indians who live north of here. Dave, I want to hear how you were framed. But first we'll prepare a meal.

[Dave Wingate]

I'm near starved.

[Narrator]

During the meal, Dave told about being on guard duty during a dark night when he saw two men sneaking beyond the circle of wagons.

[Dave Wingate]

So I followed him. They met a third man and I got close enough to hear their voices. One was Cap Sanderson, another the guide he'd hired. We called him Dakota Dick. The man they met was an Indian.

[The Lone Ranger]

Could you hear what was said?

[Dave Wingate]

I was there only a minute, and then I sneezed. Cap Sanders and Dakota Dick rushed at me, grabbed me and disarmed me. They were raving mad.

[The Lone Ranger]

What about the Indian?

[Dave Wingate]

He disappeared. Dakota Dick Wanted to shoot me, but Sanders said that'd be hard to explain. He said he had a better way of getting rid of me. They took me to camp, roused the men and accused me of sleeping on guard duty.

[The Lone Ranger]

I wonder why they wanted to get rid of you.

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Dave Wingate]

Unless they thought I overheard something they wanted kept secret.

[The Lone Ranger]

Did you?

[Dave Wingate]

No. The Indian jabbered something I couldn't understand, and Sanders told him to mosey along.

[The Lone Ranger]

Mosey along?

[Dave Wingate]

Yes, he said, mosey along, you engine. Walk on. It sounded odd. That's why I remembered it.

[Narrator]

Oh. Maybe him talk Sioux Indian language. Maybe him say, mosey on, you Indian. Walk on.

[Dave Wingate]

That's it.

[The Lone Ranger]

Sanders told the Indian to make an attack at a landmark known as Medicine Rock.

[Dave Wingate]

Medicine Rock? The wagons are supposed to reach there.

[The Lone Ranger]

Tonight, and Sanders is working with Sioux engines to attack the pioneers. They must be warned. I'll try to overtake the wagons.

[Narrator]

Will you go with you?

[The Lone Ranger]

No, Toto. I'll make better time alone. You stay with Dave. Easy. Steady. Big Fell.

[Narrator]

It was late afternoon when the Lone Ranger overtook the train of covered wagons. He drew abreast of the first one in the line.

[The Lone Ranger]

Easy, Silver, easy.

[Narrator]

And shout to the driver, frisbee.

[The Lone Ranger]

Jim Frisbee.

[Narrator]

Yes. Your mask.

[The Lone Ranger]

No time to explain the mask now. There may be an ambush ahead. Stop the wagons while I tell you about it.

[Narrator]

The wagons. The wagons were halted at the foot of a long hill. Jim Frisbee and men from other wagons listened while the Lone Ranger told off a possible ambush at Madison Rock in the valley ahead.

[The Lone Ranger]

It's just beyond that hill. You're within a couple of miles of the place.

[Narrator]

Two of our men rode ahead. If there's any sign of trouble, it'll come back and lead us over a different route. Otherwise, we'll go on as we plan.

[The Lone Ranger]

Are Cap Sanders and Dakota Dick the men who went ahead? Yes, Frisbee. If my information is correct, they're helping the Indians plan the ambush.

[Narrator]

Why would they do that?

[The Lone Ranger]

More money. If you people are massacred, they'll be able to take your cash and let the Indians have your horses and supplies.

[Narrator]

They are not crooks.

[The Lone Ranger]

I'm sure they are.

[Narrator]

I'd say you're the crook. Watch your game. The Lone Ranger realized when he heard the angry comments that he could never persuade the men to follow him over a different trail that would lead safely past the dangerous valley. Where'd you get your information?

[The Lone Ranger]

Nothing I might say would convince you that I've told the truth.

[Narrator]

Look. The top of the hill.

[The Lone Ranger]

Engines.

[Narrator]

They're Shoe engines. They're on the war pilot. They're coming this way.

[The Lone Ranger]

Now you must fight. I'll help you.

[Narrator]

Form a circle. As the Indians rode down the long hill, Lone Ranger helped the pioneers quickly move the wagons into a tight circle. Then the gunfire started. The savages, who greatly outnumbered the pioneers, circled around the wagons, firing from the backs of their horses. The Lone Ranger fought at the side of Jim Friggin Frisbee. The first attack was driven off. The Indians withdrew to the hilltop. The Lone Ranger watched them through binoculars.

[The Lone Ranger]

Then said, frisbee, look at these glasses. You see Cap Sanders and Dakota Dick talking to the Indians.

[Narrator]

Double crossers. You were right about them.

[The Lone Ranger]

They double crossed you. And they lied about Dave Wingate falling asleep at his post.

[Narrator]

How'd you know about Wingate?

[The Lone Ranger]

I met him on the trails.

[Narrator]

During the lull in battle, the Lone Ranger told how he had met Dave Wingate and learned of the attack. Then the Indians near the hilltop, out of gun range showed signs of activity.

[The Lone Ranger]

They're starting another attack.

[Narrator]

We've used more than half our ammunition. It's set, boys. We'll go down fighting. Here they come. Every man inside the circle of wagons knew that the end near make every shot count. Indians knew it too. They felt that victory was in their grasp when suddenly, new war cries sounded from the north. Look over there. More engines coming.

[The Lone Ranger]

Those are friendly Indians. They're members of a Crow tribe.

[Narrator]

You mean they're on our side?

[The Lone Ranger]

Yes. Tle's riding beside the chief. And there's Dave Wingate.

[Narrator]

Boys, we're saved. Never mind sparing the ammunition. Let him have it. Tuttle and his friends changed the tide of battle quickly. Many Indians went down. The others tried to flee, but they were hotly pursued by the crows and it was easy to see that none would escape. That night, in the light of campfires, Jim Frisby told the pioneers how Dave Wingate had been unfairly punished. And man, I say every one of us owes his life to Dave.

[The Lone Ranger]

That's right.

[Dave Wingate]

I didn't do anything. We owe our lives to Toto and the Lone Ranger.

[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 copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.