The Man on the Ridge | The Lone Ranger (03-13-53)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Man on the Ridge | The Lone Ranger (03-13-53)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Release Date: February 24, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “The Man on the Ridge,” digitally restored for a vivid listening experience. The story centers around the murder of Dan Matthews, a cunning frame-up against an innocent prospector, and the quest for justice led by the Lone Ranger and his companion, Tonto. Themes of betrayal, family estrangement, frontier justice, and redemption come to life amidst gunfights, hidden motives, and ultimately, the restoration of a father-son bond.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Setting the Scene (02:53)

• Opening narration sets up the legend of the Lone Ranger, his faithful companion Tonto, and their mission to protect justice on the western frontier.
• Quote (Narrator, 02:53):
  “A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Kaio, Silver the Lone Ranger... led the fight for law and order in the early western United States.”

2. A Crime in the Night (05:27–07:36)

• Under cover of moonlight, Kirby Caldwell and his men—secretly cattle rustlers—spot Dan Matthews near their stolen herd. Matthews recognizes the outlaws, prompting a violent confrontation.
• Matthews is shot and killed after an attempted escape. The gang then frames a prospector for the crime, setting the story’s core conflict in motion.
• A mysterious stranger observes the murder, signaling trouble for the criminals.
• Quote (Kirby Caldwell, 06:19):
  "Now I got the answer to all the rustling in Mason County. The head of the Cattlemen's association and his range detectives. Crooks, every one of them."

3. Framing the Prospector (07:36–08:46)

• Caldwell manipulates the situation, telling the sheriff Matthews was murdered by the prospector, and a reward is posted.
• A young cowboy, Harry Dalton, arrives, determined to join the hunt—not for money, but for vengeance against a man he claims is his long-lost father.
• Quote (Harry Dalton, 09:10):
  “If I bring him back here, he’ll be dead.”

4. Tonto and the Lone Ranger’s Investigation (09:22–10:50)

• Tonto brings word of the situation to the Lone Ranger, casting suspicion on Caldwell’s accusations.
• They note inconsistencies:
  • The prospector paid for supplies in gold dust, casting doubt on his need to rob Matthews.
  • Only Caldwell’s word connects the prospector to the crime.
• Lone Ranger resolves to find the truth:
  Quote (Lone Ranger, 10:30):
  “We have only Kirby’s word that the prospector is guilty. Let’s see if we can locate him.”

5. Father and Son Confrontation (11:06–14:01)

• Harry Dalton tracks down “John Dolan” (the prospector), who is revealed to be his father, Jeremy Dalton—missing and presumed a deserter.
• Confrontation is charged with deep hurt:
  • Harry accuses his father of abandonment and causing his mother’s death.
  • Jeremy protests: he lost his memory after being robbed and never intended to leave his family.
• As Harry raises his gun for vengeance, the Lone Ranger intervenes, shooting the weapon from his hand just in time.
• Memorable Moment (14:01):
  “The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger adventure.”

6. The Truth Uncovered (15:47–17:17)

• Lone Ranger mediates, giving Jeremy a chance to tell his story:
  • He was robbed, suffered head trauma, and lived years with amnesia.
  • Realizes his true identity and is reconciled with his son.
• Harry’s anger turns to relief, and he thanks the Lone Ranger for preventing a tragedy.
• Quote (Jeremy Dalton, 16:09):
  “For the past five years, I’ve been trying to find out who I am... I didn’t even know I had a home.”
• Quote (Harry Dalton, 17:09):
  “Whatever you mean to do to us now, I thank you, too, for what you have done—for stopping me.”

7. Exposing the Real Criminals (17:17–22:23)

• Lone Ranger learns from Dalton that Caldwell’s men killed Matthews.
• Caldwell and his posse close in, forcing Lone Ranger, Tonto, Jeremy, and Harry to escape.
• The Lone Ranger holds off their pursuers single-handedly, allowing the group to hide in a canyon—where they discover the stolen cattle, cementing Caldwell’s guilt.
• The Lone Ranger presents evidence and Matthew’s letter to the sheriff, who begins to believe in Dalton’s innocence.
• Quote (Sheriff, 20:43):
  “So you’re the Lone Ranger. Kirby Caldwell is a rustler.”

8. Plotting a Trap (21:07–23:11)

• The Lone Ranger sets a trap: a fake blackmail note lures Caldwell and his men into the canyon where the sheriff’s posse lies in wait.
• The criminals confess their involvement during a tense nighttime rendezvous, leading to their exposure.
• Memorable Moment (Sheriff, 22:05):
  “If you try to give Caldwell any sort of a warning, we’ll shoot. Is that understood?”

9. Justice Served (23:34–24:21)

• A gunfight erupts as Caldwell tries to escape; Lone Ranger stops him with a well-placed shot.
• Caldwell and his gang are captured by dawn, and the stolen cattle are recovered.
• Quote (Narrator, 24:21):
  “That was the end of the fight. And before morning, every one of Kirby’s men was behind bars.”

10. Resolution and Reconciliation (24:21–25:12)

• Jeremy (John Dolan) and Harry are finally reconciled, planning to stay, build a new life, and work the claim together.
• The sheriff gives his blessing, touched by their reunion.
• Quote (Sheriff, 24:44):
  “I always like to see a father and son get along the way you two do.”
• Quote (Harry Dalton, 25:04):
  “We’ll be able to forget those bad years, Pa, now that we’re together again.”
• Final Acknowledgement:
  • Jeremy expresses thanks to the Lone Ranger for restoring his family.
  • Quote (John Dolan / Lone Ranger, 25:12):
    “Yes, son. And for that we must thank the Lone Ranger.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now…” (Narrator, 02:53) — A classic Lone Ranger opening.
• “You deserted us. You drove the herd to San Antonio. You sold it for $30,000...But you never came home. You disappeared into thin air.” (Harry Dalton, 12:08) — Heart-wrenching confrontation.
• “Five years ago, I was lying in a gully with my head bashed in… I remembered nothing.” (John Dolan / Lone Ranger, 16:09) — Revelation of Dalton's true fate.
• “So you’re the Lone Ranger. Kirby Caldwell is a rustler.” (Sheriff, 20:43) — Justice comes into focus.

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 02:53 | Opening narration | Classic Lone Ranger setup and introduction. | | 05:27 | Moonlit crime | Dan Matthews is murdered—crime and frame-up set. | | 08:00 | Harry Dalton’s introduction | Harry reveals his vendetta against his father. | | 10:50 | Lone Ranger & Tonto plan to investigate | The investigation begins. | | 11:06 | Father-son confrontation | Harry finds Dalton; dramatic showdown. | | 14:01 | Lone Ranger's intervention | Stops Harry from murdering Dalton. | | 15:47 | The truth about Dalton's past | Dalton explains his memory loss. | | 20:43 | Confrontation with sheriff | Evidence delivered; lawman convinced. | | 21:07 | The trap for Caldwell | Plan to catch the criminals unfolds. | | 23:34 | Gunfight and final capture | Outlaws are apprehended. | | 24:21 | Reconciliation | Father and son begin anew; Lone Ranger thanked. |

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Summary

“The Man on the Ridge” is a quintessential Lone Ranger tale—a complex web of justice, personal vendetta, and the triumph of truth. Thanks to the Lone Ranger’s intervention, an innocent prospector (and father) is saved from a wrongful death at his own son’s hand; the true villains—powerful and deceptive—are unmasked and brought to justice. The episode closes with a touching moment of reconciliation, emphasizing the enduring spirit of family and frontier justice.

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For more restored Western adventures, visit OTRWesterns.com.

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 from 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 the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Kaio. Silver the Lone Ranger, With his faithful Indian companion, Tato, the daring and resourceful mask rider of the plains, led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver. And the Lone Ranger rides again.

[Harry Dalton]

I'm silly.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Let's go, big fella. I am Silver. Oy.

[Narrator]

Moonlight silvered the plain in the summit of Rocky Ridge that rose high above the level rangeland. There were 50 head of cattle in the herd. Kirby Caldwell and his men were driving toward Clearwater Canyon. Kirby and his chief lieutenant, Ben woods, rode the point. They and the other men wore their bandanas pulled up to their eyes. Suddenly, less than a quarter of a mile ahead, a horseman rounded a cluster of boulders at the foot of the ridge and drew rein as he saw the herd.

[Kimasabe]

Kirby. That's Dan Matthews.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah.

[Kimasabe]

He's recognized us. He's trying to get away.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Come on.

[Narrator]

After him. Get him.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Get him.

[Kimasabe]

He's shooting at us.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Let him have it.

[Andrew Rines]

Ah.

[Kirby Caldwell]

We got him.

[Narrator]

As Kirby and Ben opened fire, Matthews was dropped from his horse and the mustang raced away.

[Kimasabe]

All right.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Careful. They still have his gun.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Yeah. Now there it is.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Kirby Caldwell, Ben Woods. Now I got the answer to all the rustling in Mason County. The head of the Cattlemen's association and his range detectives.

[Narrator]

Crooks ever one of them.

[Kirby Caldwell]

They're a little late in finding out. I've suspected for a month. But it's too late for you to do anything upon us. I've already done something. What? Somebody's coming here. You wait. He's gone.

[Kimasabe]

What do you mean somebody's coming here?

[Kirby Caldwell]

Another marshall, probably. Well, it's nice.

[Narrator]

He warned us.

[Kirby Caldwell]

We'll lay low for a while. Kirby.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Yeah? What's the matter?

[Kimasabe]

Look up there in the ridge. That hombre standing beside the gray horse. He's got field glasses trained on us.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Who is he?

[Kimasabe]

Recognize him? I recognize the horse. Well, you remember the loco prospector who came into town a few days ago and swore he'd found gold in the mountains? His picture was in the paper.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

That's his horse. I swear.

[Kirby Caldwell]

It doesn't matter who he is. He's seen everything that happened down here. Get your rifle.

[Narrator]

Pick him off.

[Harry Dalton]

Kino.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Never mind. It's too late.

[Kimasabe]

He's gone.

[Kirby Caldwell]

What'll we do Leave the herd here and go after them. All of us. Give a car.

[Harry Dalton]

Come on.

[Narrator]

But Caldwell and his men were unable to pick up the trail of the prospector. So Caldwell changed his plans. Matthew's body was taken into town and the sheriff was told that with his dying words, the rancher had accused the prospector of dry gulching him. A reward was posted, and the following morning, a young cowboy entered the sheriff's office.

[Harry Dalton]

You the sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Yes, I am. What can I do for you, son?

[Harry Dalton]

But listening to the talk outside, like a little more information about this murder?

[Sheriff]

Well, it happened last night by Rocky Ridge. Prospector ambushed Matthews and robbed him.

[Harry Dalton]

Any idea where? The prospector's gone into the mountains. Sheriff, I aim to win that reward.

[Sheriff]

Well, we're sending out a posse and we'll be leaving at noon. You're welcome to join it.

[Harry Dalton]

No, thanks. I'll travel alone. I've got a personal difference to settle with your killer.

[Sheriff]

What's that?

[Harry Dalton]

You know him?

[Sheriff]

You met him before.

[Harry Dalton]

I met the man whose picture's on your bulletin board. It's been five years since I've seen him. Didn't call himself John Dolan then. His name was Jeremy Dalton.

[Sheriff]

Five years ago, he couldn't have been more than 15 or 16.

[Harry Dalton]

Not even this 14.

[Sheriff]

And this Dolan or Dalton, what'd he do? Is he wanted somewhere else?

[Harry Dalton]

He killed my mother.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

What?

[Sheriff]

Another murder?

[Harry Dalton]

The law wouldn't call it that. But I do. I'm out to settle a score between us myself. You'll be saved the expense of a trial if I find him. Sheriff, if I bring him back here, he'll be dead.

[Sheriff]

Now, wait a minute, boy. What's your name?

[Harry Dalton]

I'm Harry Dalton, Sheriff. Jeremy Dalton's son,

[Narrator]

Toto rode into town that morning. He stayed only an hour and then returned to the Lone Rangers camp where he reported everything he had seen and heard.

[Kirby Caldwell]

So the man who sent for us is dead and his body was found by the man. He suspected that, right? Evidently, no one else shares Matthew's suspicions.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

No.

[Kimasabe]

Kimasabe sheriff make Caldwell deputy. Him lead posse, go after prospector.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Did you find out anything about him?

[Kimasabe]

Ah, him come to town maybe week ago. Him stay there gold in mountains, but buy supplies and leave.

[Kirby Caldwell]

He had plenty of money to pay for his supplies.

[Kimasabe]

Him paying gold dust.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Hasn't anyone wondered why a man with gold dust in his pocket should commit a murder? To get money.

[Kimasabe]

Now people say him not get golden mountains. Maybe rob stage before him come to Mason City.

[Kirby Caldwell]

I see. Has the posse left town yet?

[Kimasabe]

No. Them not leave till noon. Stay in mountains till them find prospector.

[Kirby Caldwell]

What's the prospector's name?

[Kimasabe]

John Dolan.

[Kirby Caldwell]

I'd like to have a talk with him before the posse finds him.

[Kimasabe]

Oh, you not think him kill Matthews?

[Kirby Caldwell]

Matthews was a smart man, Toddo. He didn't trust Kirby Caldwell. We have only Kirby's word that the prospector is guilty. Let's see if we can locate him.

[Narrator]

Three days later, Harry Dalton followed a mountain stream into a canyon. After a mile or so, the canyon suddenly widened and he saw a lean to on the left bank of the stream and a man near it shoveling gravel into a sluice box.

[Harry Dalton]

At last. Get up, boy. Get up.

[Narrator]

The prospector looked up as he heard the hoof beats of Harry's horse. He made a move for the shotgun lying on the ground beside him. But then, reassured by the young cowboy's appearance, thought better of it and called a greeting. Harry's only answer was to draw his gun as he dismounted.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

What's the idea?

[Harry Dalton]

Make a guess.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I can see my first guess was wrong from your face. You look. To be honest, I thought you were a cowboy who had lost his way.

[Harry Dalton]

Don't pretend you don't know me.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

No, you are. There must be some mistake in. I'm sure we've never met.

[Harry Dalton]

Five years is a long time. I've grown up, but I haven't changed as much as all that.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

My name is Dolan. John Dolan.

[Harry Dalton]

It's Dalton. Jeremy Dalton.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Is it?

[Harry Dalton]

What kind of an answer is that? I'm Harry.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

You said five years.

[Harry Dalton]

Five long years.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

That must have been before.

[Harry Dalton]

Before you deserted Ma and me and left us to starve?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Are you trying to tell me that My boy, let me explain. I don't remember. I don't remember anything about that time. You can't speak of desertion.

[Harry Dalton]

There's no other word for it. You deserted us. You drove the herd to San Antonio. You sold it for $30,000. You left San Antonio with $30,000 in your pocket. But you never came home. You disappeared into thin air.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Now it's coming back. Ranch. Your mother. Helly, you don't understand.

[Harry Dalton]

How can anyone understand? Just let me tell you what happened to us afterward. There were only the two of us, Ma and me. And I was only 14 years old. We tried to keep the ranch going, but we didn't have a chance. There were folks who said Ma worked herself to death. I don't agree with that. She was grieving for you all the time. It was you that killed.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

No, don't say that. Don't say that. She's dead. Not Anne. Not my wife.

[Harry Dalton]

You have no right to call her your wife.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Let me explain, Harry. Not until this moment.

[Harry Dalton]

This moment belongs to me. It's what I've been living for ever since Moore died. Luck's on my side. I can do what I want to do and the law will never touch me. Instead, I get a reward for. Now you've killed somebody else.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I've never killed anyone.

[Harry Dalton]

This time you used a gun. You robbed the man you shot and left him for dead. But he wasn't dead, Jeremy. He lived long enough to identify you as his killer.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

No. No.

[Harry Dalton]

Hell, I'm gonna put a bullet through your heart and I'll be paid for doing it. That's justice, isn't it? Even you will have to admit it's only justice.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Son.

[Narrator]

Don't.

[Harry Dalton]

There's nothing you can say and change my mind.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Behind you, a masked man.

[Harry Dalton]

Oh.

[Narrator]

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.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Sam. It. Sam.

[Narrator]

Now to continue. As Harry Dalton was about to pull the trigger, the Lone Ranger shot the gun from his hand. Then he dismounted and walked toward Jeremy and his son.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Stand where you are. I'll take this. Shotgun.

[Harry Dalton]

Mask.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Man.

[Harry Dalton]

I should have guessed you'd had some outlaw friends.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Very. I never saw this man before, but I'm glad he did what he did. It gives me a chance to tell you the truth.

[Harry Dalton]

The truth?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Listen. Five years ago, I was lying in a gully with my head bashed in. I was found there by an old prospector and he carried me to his cabin. I had no money on me and no papers. I'd been robbed. When I come to, I had no idea who I was.

[Harry Dalton]

You didn't remember?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I remembered nothing. The only clue to my identity was a set of initials on my belt. J.D. i called myself John Dolan. And for the past five years, I've been trying to find out who I am. I've wandered all over the west, and I swear, son, I didn't know where home was. I didn't even know I had a home. Ah. And it wasn't until a few minutes ago when I saw your face, heard you speak, heard you say that Ann was dead. Ellie. Believe me, I do. My son. Oh, thank you. I almost

[Harry Dalton]

masmate Whatever you mean to do to us now, I thank you, too, for what you have done. For stopping me.

[Kirby Caldwell]

All I mean to do is ask a few questions. Dolan. What's your real name Dolan?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

This is my son, Harry.

[Kirby Caldwell]

What can you tell me about the murder of Dan Matthews?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Is that the man who was shot three nights ago?

[Kirby Caldwell]

That's when he was killed.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I thought he was an outlaw. It was the men who work for the Cattlemen's association who shot him.

[Kirby Caldwell]

You're sure of that?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I saw the whole thing from the top of Rocky Ridge.

[Kirby Caldwell]

This proves that Matthews was right about Kirby Caldwell.

[Kimasabe]

Look.

[Harry Dalton]

An Indian riding this way.

[Kirby Caldwell]

It's all right. He's a friend of mine and of yours, too. I left him to stand guard back in the canyon.

[Kimasabe]

Kimasabi men come.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Caldwell and the posse. Ah, they followed our tracks just as we followed Harry's. Dalton, is there a way out of this canyon higher up?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Yes.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Then get your horse. You're coming with us.

[Kimasabe]

Where?

[Kirby Caldwell]

To a place where you'll be safe. If you stay here, Caldwell will put a bullet through you before you have a chance to say anything. Hurry.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Right there. Posse now.

[Kimasabe]

Kimasabe them see us.

[Kirby Caldwell]

You're coming with us too, Harry.

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Easy, said a big fellow. Hurry, Dalton.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Just a second. All set.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Let's go then.

[Narrator]

Jeremy's horse was slow and it soon became apparent the posse would overtake the Lone Ranger and his companions. As they rounded abandoned the trail at a point where the canyon walls were only six feet apart. The masked man drew rein.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Oh, you. Steady, big fella.

[Narrator]

Why, you.

[Kirby Caldwell]

I'll stay here and delay the posse. Take Harry and his father to our camp.

[Kimasabe]

Get him up.

[Narrator]

As soon as the posse rode into view, the Lone Ranger opened fire. Caldwell and his men were forced to dismount and take cover. And for over an hour the Lone Ranger held the pass against them. Then he leaped to the saddle and urged Silver up the playoff. The posse started after him, but the way the trail wound through the narrow canyon made it impossible for Caldwell's men to catch more than a momentary glimpse of the masked man. By the time the highest point in the mountains was reached, Silver had carried his master out of gunshot range with complete confidence in the sure footedness of his mount. The Lone Ranger chose the steepest of the trails descending to the plain and soon lost his pursuers. It was after dark when he reached his camp. Tato and the Daltons had arrived only a few minutes before.

[Kimasabe]

We take one wrong turn coming down mountain ride into Blind Canyon.

[Harry Dalton]

The luckiest thing that could have happened.

[Kimasabe]

Lucky there are plenty grass and water in canyon.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

And plenty of cattle, too. Cattle whose brands had been changed with a running iron mirror.

[Kimasabe]

Only one man on guard and him

[Kirby Caldwell]

not see us, the steers Caldwell and his men have been stealing.

[Kimasabe]

Ah. You go to sheriff, maybe.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yes. I imagine the posse will be returning to town. And there'll be a lot of activity around the sheriff's office right now. But later on, sometime before morning, I'll let the sheriff read Matthews letter.

[Narrator]

At 4 o' clock that morning, the sheriff was reading Dan Matthews letter while the Lone Ranger covered him with his gun. But the masked man holstered it as the lawman finished.

[Sheriff]

So you're the Lone Ranger. Kirby Caldwell is a rustler.

[Kirby Caldwell]

It was Caldwell who killed Matthews.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

No.

[Kirby Caldwell]

I have a witness to prove it. And I can show you the canyon where Caldwell has driven the cattle he's stolen.

[Sheriff]

Lead me to it.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Not so fast, Sheriff. Let me have five more minutes of your time. I have an idea how this case should be handled.

[Sheriff]

Shoot.

[Narrator]

The following morning, Caldwell found a note which had been slipped under the door of his office. He read it and then crumpled the paper in his fist.

[Kimasabe]

What's the matter?

[Kirby Caldwell]

That prospector. He wants a thousand dollars to keep quiet about Dan's murder.

[Kimasabe]

A dirty crook.

[Kirby Caldwell]

That isn't all. He's ordered me to meet him in the canyon while we keep the cattle. Midnight tonight for the payoff. And he'll get paid off in hot lead. We'll all be waiting for him. You'll never leave the canyon alive.

[Narrator]

Just after dark that evening, Tottle led the sheriff's posse into the canyon where the stolen cattle was being held. And Ruth Gordon Caldwell's guard was taken prisoner.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Oh, but Sheriff, I don't know anything about this cattle.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

I was looking for a good place

[Sheriff]

to camp tonight and I happened to ride in here. You'll have a chance to prove your innocent, Ruth.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah?

[Sheriff]

Kirby Caldwell will be coming here tonight. Is that so? You'll be sitting beside this campfire when he arrives. My man and I'll be hiding in the woods directly behind you. You'll be covered every second. If you try to give Caldwell any sort of a warning, we'll shoot. Is that understood? Yeah.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah.

[Sheriff]

All right, men, bring your horses into the wood.

[Narrator]

At 10 o', clock, Caldwell and his men rode into the canyon.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah. Where's Roof?

[Kimasabe]

There's his campfire at the edge of the woods.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah. That's where you and the rest of the men will hide until Dolan shows up.

[Kimasabe]

Howdy, Roof.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Howdy.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Now, Roof, see anything of a prospector around here? No. He's about 6ft tall. He wears a buckskin jacket. I haven't seen anyone like that. Well, we're expecting him.

[Kimasabe]

He saw Kirby shoot Dan Matthews and he wants money to keep quiet.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Yeah. You hadn't been asleep on the job, you'd have caught him when he came snooping around here. He knows us where we changed the brands and the cattle we rustle.

[Sheriff]

Now you've done it. Why couldn't you kept your mouth closed?

[Kirby Caldwell]

Who do you think you're talking to?

[Sheriff]

It's all over. They've heard what you said. They've had me covered and they threatened to shoot me if I tried to warn you.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Who's had you covered?

[Sheriff]

The sheriff and 20 men. They're in the woods. They've had enough.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Come on, get him.

[Kimasabe]

We better make a run for it.

[Kirby Caldwell]

Right.

[Harry Dalton]

Let's go.

[Narrator]

Kirby and his men swung into their saddles and raced toward the entrance of the canyon. The sheriff and his posse broke from the COVID of the trees and started after them. Then the crackle of gunfire broke out at the opening of the canyon. The Daltons tunnel and the Lone Ranger shooting from COVID were blocking any escape. Desperate, Kirby urged his mount straight toward them, shooting as he rode. But the Lone Ranger dropped him from the saddle with a bullet through his shoulder. That was the end of the fight. And before morning every one of Kirby's men was behind bars. Kirby himself was in the hospital and the Daltons were having breakfast with the sheriff.

[Sheriff]

The dog says it isn't much of a wound. Couple of days and we'll move Kirby to jail. You two will have to stick around for his trial. That should be in less than a week.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

We're not going anywhere, Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Oh, you plan to stay in Mason City?

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

We plan to work my claim. My son and I are going into partnership. Right, Harry?

[Harry Dalton]

All right, Pa. Oh, that's fine.

[Sheriff]

I always like to see a father and son get along the way you two do.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Didn't he. Didn't the Mashman tell you about us?

[Harry Dalton]

Sheriff didn't have to be told, Pa. I left his office a day after the murder. I told him how I felt about you.

[Sheriff]

You know, I can't seem to remember that conversation at all.

[Harry Dalton]

Anyway, it's all changed now. We've had some bad years, but we'll be able to forget them, Paul, now that we're together again.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Yes, son. And for that we must thank the Lone Ranger. Sam,

[Andrew Rines]

Back in the old west, folks didn't run to the pharmacy every time trouble hit. They relied on the know how and natural remedies. Kind of like how Tonto always seems to have a special mixture ready for whatever came next. If you want to learn how to do that today, check out the Beginner's Guide to Herbal Remedies, Easy steps for teas, tinctures, and salves. Even if you've never tried herbs before, visit otrwesterns.com herbs to learn more again. Otrwesterns.com herbs b.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Sam.

[Narrator]

This is a feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, created by George W. Trendle, produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated and directed by Charles D. Livingston. Tonight's drama was written by Fran Stryker. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beame.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is 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.

[John Dolan / Lone Ranger]

Sa.