The Million Dollar Wallpaper | The Lone Ranger (04-17-50)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Million Dollar Wallpaper | The Lone Ranger"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Million Dollar Wallpaper | The Lone Ranger (04-17-50)
• Host: Andrew Rines
• Release Date: January 23, 2025
• Original Air Date: April 17, 1950

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of the American West through the classic radio drama "The Million Dollar Wallpaper" featuring the legendary hero, the Lone Ranger. This episode, originally aired on April 17, 1950, has been meticulously restored to enhance its audio quality, bringing renewed life to timeless tales of justice and adventure.

Arrival in Starville

The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, riding into the mining town of Starville after a mission in Apache Indian country. As they seek a place to camp, they encounter two elderly prospectors, Mosshorn and Flapjack, engaged in a heated duel with outdated cap and ball revolvers.

Notable Quote:

• Lone Ranger (03:42): “I don't see any signs of water. We need it more than shelter. Our horses are falling off, Tonahu.”
• Tonto (03:55): “Oh, and them not shoot at us. Them shoot at each other.”

The Old Prospector's Feud

Lone Ranger intervenes, urging Mosshorn and Flapjack to cease their conflict, revealing that their feud stems from misunderstandings and lies about past betrayals. The Lone Ranger successfully mediates, restoring peace between the two men and gains valuable information about the nearest water source.

Notable Quote:

• Lone Ranger (05:04): “The guns are good. You must be poor marksmen. You were less than 50 feet apart when you fired, Crab Jack.”
• Flapjack (06:11): “Feudin was always sort of friendly, even if we wouldn't admit it. Do you savvy that, mister?”

The Swindlers' Confrontation

As Mosshorn generously offers to fill the Lone Ranger's canteens with spring water, two cunning swindlers, Silk and Foxy, emerge with ulterior motives. They plan to exploit Mosshorn's unique wallpaper—hundreds of green and gold stock certificates pasted over the cabin walls—to gain control of the valuable Red Gap Mining Company.

Notable Quote:

• Flapjack (07:20): “It looked like them shacks deserted. Maybe this make good place to stay.”
• Flapjack (09:03): “Where'd you make the strike?”

Mosshorn's Capture and Death Impostor

Under the guise of cooperation, Silk and Foxy forcibly seize Mosshorn, stripping his cabin and stealing the stock certificates. In a dramatic turn, Mosshorn appears to be killed under suspicious circumstances, leading Sheriff Matt Brady to suspect Flapjack of murder. However, the plot thickens as Mosshorn reappears alive, revealing himself as the Lone Ranger in disguise.

Notable Quote:

• Silk (09:57): “Then we'll go after him with guns. When to?”
• Mosshorn (24:02): “They want me to sign it over and I'm ready to do it. Now listen, you crooks out there. I'll put my name down now.”

Investigation and Revelation

Sheriff Brady interrogates Flapjack, who vehemently denies involvement in Mosshorn's apparent murder. Concurrently, Tonto uncovers critical evidence at the scene, including bare feet prints and tracks leading away from the cabin. The Lone Ranger investigates the Red Gap Mine, uncovering the true motives of Silk and Foxy.

In a climactic confrontation within the mine, the Lone Ranger exposes the deceit of the swindlers. Mosshorn, still alive, discloses that the stolen wallpaper holds immense value, effectively turning the swindlers’ plan into a scheme for control rather than mere theft.

Notable Quote:

• Lone Ranger (22:23): “The problems were fought with words and bullets.”
• Mosshorn (27:02): “That's my wallpaper. That's worth a million dollars. And half of it's yours. That's what all this trouble was about, Sheriff.”

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the swindlers' plans unraveling as the Lone Ranger and Tonto ensure justice is served. Mosshorn's clever disguise and strategic intervention highlight the enduring theme of truth triumphing over deceit. The restored audio quality immerses listeners in the suspenseful and enriching narrative, celebrating the legacy of the Lone Ranger as a beacon of justice in the Wild West.

Notable Quote:

• Lone Ranger (27:38): “I'll do it.”
• Flapjack (27:32): “I gotta get going. You don't have to bring him back, Sheriff. He's the Lone Ranger.”

Host's Reflection

Andrew Rines wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to engage with the podcast community through various platforms, encouraging ratings, subscriptions, and participation in exclusive content offerings.

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Key Takeaways:

• Justice and Friendship: The Lone Ranger exemplifies the power of mediation and justice, healing old feuds and thwarting deceitful schemes.
• Cunning Villains: Silk and Foxy represent the archetypal Western antagonists, whose greed drives the central conflict.
• Resourcefulness: Both the Lone Ranger and Mosshorn demonstrate resourcefulness, whether negotiating peace or devising ingenious methods to overcome obstacles.

Notable Themes:

• The enduring battle between good and evil.
• The importance of integrity and honor in the face of adversity.
• The significance of community and reconciliation.

Enhanced Audio Experience: Thanks to the meticulous digital restoration by Old Time Radio Westerns, listeners are treated to rich soundscapes—from the creak of a saloon door to the crack of gunfire—enhancing the immersive experience of this classic Western drama.

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Final Thoughts: "The Million Dollar Wallpaper" stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Western radio dramas. Through engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and high-quality audio restoration, this episode continues to captivate both long-time fans and new listeners alike, celebrating the rich heritage of the Lone Ranger and the golden age of radio Westerns.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[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 hi O Silver, the Lone Ranger. With this faithful Indian companion Tottle, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoofbeats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again.

[Lone Ranger]

Come on, Silver. Let go. Big foul Mount Silver. Away.

[Narrator]

It was late afternoon when the Lone Ranger and Tottle returning from a mission in the Apache Indian country came within sight of the mining town of Starville. Turning their horses off the trail, they began to look for a place to camp. Soon their new course took them into a gully where a few miners cabins appeared dilapidated and scattered. The Indian pointed.

[Tonto]

It looked like them shacks deserted. Maybe this make good place to stay.

[Lone Ranger]

I don't see any signs of water. We need it more than shelter. Our horses are pull up Tonahu.

[Tonto]

Where?

[Lone Ranger]

Shots come from the slope up there. Look at those two men.

[Tonto]

Oh, and them not shoot at us. Them shoot at each other.

[Lone Ranger]

They haven't seen us. They're facing each other in the open as though they were fighting a duel.

[Tonto]

And them fellers both old, got gray beard.

[Lone Ranger]

Let's stop them. Monsoon, get them off his count Them.

[Tonto]

Ready to shoot again.

[Lone Ranger]

Hold your fireman. Now drop those guns and come here.

[Mosshorn]

Sure, sure. There goes mine. Mine too.

[Flapjack]

You haven't got any call to be haunting in on a private ruckus.

[Lone Ranger]

There's a law against dueling.

[Flapjack]

That's right. Funny coming from an owl hoot in a mask.

[Lone Ranger]

Don't let my mask bother you. I'm not an outlaw. All I want from you is an explanation of your gunplay.

[Mosshorn]

I caught that sidewinder sneaking up on my shack.

[Flapjack]

Don't believe the varmint. I was only looking for a stray burrow. He shot first.

[Lone Ranger]

Those old cap and ball revolvers you were using don't seem to have been very effective.

[Mosshorn]

Those are Navy Colts, the best six guns ever made.

[Flapjack]

That's right. I'd rather have one of them than a dozen of those new fangled cartridge guns.

[Lone Ranger]

The guns are good. You must be poor marksmen. You were less than 50ft apart when you fired Crab Jack.

[Mosshorn]

Did you hear what he said?

[Flapjack]

I sure did. Moss Horn. He's belittling us.

[Mosshorn]

Either one of us could hit the nail heads in my shack over yonder.

[Lone Ranger]

And I take it that you both aimed to miss.

[Mosshorn]

Well, Mosshorn?

[Flapjack]

Why, drat my hide. I've been talking to you, you ornery critter.

[Mosshorn]

It's like I've been making the same mistake. It's been a year since I sunk low enough to swap words with you.

[Lone Ranger]

Your exchange of words doesn't seem to have hurt you any more than your exchange of bullets. What started your feud?

[Flapjack]

Well, mister, it's like this. Mosshorn and me prospected together until I heard. He said I ran off and left him in the desert with a broken leg.

[Mosshorn]

I never said no such thing, Flapjack. I knowed you went for help, but somebody told me you claimed I'd stolen your poke.

[Flapjack]

We've both been lied to.

[Lone Ranger]

It's strange that you let troublemakers break up your friendship.

[Mosshorn]

Not so strange. Us old prospectors have got a lot of mule in us. We're stubborn and contrary, yes, but our.

[Flapjack]

Feudin was always sort of friendly, even if we wouldn't admit it. Do you savvy that, mister?

[Lone Ranger]

I think I do.

[Flapjack]

Then you're the only fellow around here who does. The sheriff put us under bonds to keep the peace. But now we're through burning powder on each other.

[Mosshorn]

Let's shake on that, Flapjack.

[Flapjack]

Here's my paw, partner.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, I'm glad that you old timers have come to an understanding.

[Mosshorn]

Well, it was your doing, mister. Now, how can we pay you back?

[Lone Ranger]

You owe me nothing. But I do need information. Where's the nearest place where we'll find grass and water?

[Mosshorn]

You'll find good grass a few miles further on. Water there's all right for horses, but I don't figure it's fit for a man.

[Lone Ranger]

Well, our canteens are empty.

[Mosshorn]

Then I'll fill them. In my shack I got a keg of spring water I packed in on my burrow this morning. Come on.

[Narrator]

The shack into which the old prospectors led the Lone Ranger and Tottle was remarkable for nothing except its wallpaper. Over the flour sacking which served to cover the cracks in the ceiling and walls, hundreds of green and gold stock certificates had been pasted. As Mosshorn filled the canteens, the masked.

[Lone Ranger]

Man inquired, where did you get that stock, Oldhammer?

[Mosshorn]

Well, I won it in a poker game. Fella staked it against a dollar bet. Course, it ain't Worth even a dollar, but sure looks mighty pretty.

[Lone Ranger]

I see. It was issued by the Red Gap Mining Company here.

[Mosshorn]

That's a mine in the hills yonder. Closed down a couple of years ago. The ore in it wasn't rich enough to pay for the digging.

[Flapjack]

Maybe the Red Gap will come back someday. You got a legal title to that paper?

[Mosshorn]

Why, sure. The fellow I got it from sold mining machinery. Company owed him. And he had to take that stuff on the debt there. The canteens are full.

[Lone Ranger]

Good. I'll take them. And thanks.

[Flapjack]

If you gents ever get back this way, look us up. You won't find us feudin the next.

[Mosshorn]

Time we're made up for good.

[Lone Ranger]

I hope so. Well, adios.

[Mosshorn]

Adi. Adios.

[Narrator]

As the Lone Ranger and Totto left the cabin, two men swung from their horses at the Red Gap mine. Although they wore riding clothes, their faces showed few signs of exposure to wind and weather. For a moment they surveyed the tumbled down buildings and rusty ore cars which surrounded a tunnel entrance in the side of a hill. Then one called.

[Silk]

Hey, Drift, where are you?

[Foxy]

He's in the mine.

[Flapjack]

Hurry up, Holly.

[Drift]

Still reckon you got my telegram?

[Silk]

We wouldn't be here if we hadn't. What was the idea of telling us not to unload any Red Gap stock until we saw you?

[Foxy]

Here's what I want to know. We got a sucker in Denver who'll buy all the worthless paper we got Once we're able to show them some good ore in that hole.

[Tonto]

Haven't you salted it yet?

[Drift]

Yeah, I started to. But while I was digging a hole for a plant of high grade ore, I struck the richest gold vein I ever saw.

[Lone Ranger]

What?

[Drift]

Come on, I'll show you. I like the way my miners land.

[Foxy]

Where'd you make the strike?

[Drift]

Not far from the entrance here. Now watch your step.

[Silk]

Roxy. This changes everything. We've got to switch from a confidence game to big business.

[Foxy]

Hey, you said it. Instead of selling stock to easy marks, we'll have to get hold of enough shares to reorganize the company and control it.

[Drift]

The fellows that dug this lateral shaft only missed a vein by a yard. Here's where I found.

[Silk]

Talk about luck.

[Mosshorn]

Hey, look.

[Drift]

Look at this ore sample. It'll just say $6,000 to the ton. We're all rich.

[Silk]

Not quite. It's like Foxy said. We need more stock and it may be hard to find.

[Drift]

I know there's a lot of it.

[Narrator]

You do?

[Drift]

Where no prospect to call. Morse Horn's got his cabin papered with it. Everybody jokes about it.

[Foxy]

Maybe we can talk him in the sunlight for a few dollars.

[Drift]

Ah, not him. He's so cantankerous. He wouldn't sell for a million if he thought the certificates would do you any good. They say he scratches his feet when his head itches.

[Silk]

Then we'll go after him with guns. When to?

[Narrator]

A few hours later, Mosshorn lay snoring in his bunk. Following a habit formed during years of hazardous living. He had removed only his socks and boots and had placed his Navy Colt in the bunk. But age had dulled his sense of danger. He failed to hear the cabin door open and close.

[Drift]

He's there in the corner. Struck a match.

[Silk]

Get ready to ground. I'm lighting one.

[Narrator]

I got him.

[Mosshorn]

Hey, what's going on?

[Drift]

Shut up and get out of that bunker.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll tell you.

[Mosshorn]

Let loose in my wrist. I'm getting up.

[Foxy]

Silk, there's a lamp on a table. Hurry and light it.

[Mosshorn]

Right.

[Foxy]

Now.

[Silk]

I can see.

[Mosshorn]

What do you fellas want?

[Silk]

Fancy wallpaper, for one thing.

[Narrator]

Working swiftly, the swindlers soon had the cabin stripped of paper. As they rolled their loot into a bundle, the old prospector ventured another protest.

[Lone Ranger]

Look.

[Mosshorn]

You protest that Red Gap stalk's no good.

[Drift]

Just the same, you're gonna sign it over to us.

[Mosshorn]

I'm not signing anything away.

[Drift]

We'll see about that when we get you to the mine.

[Mosshorn]

Well, if you're gonna take me away, let me put on my boots.

[Drift]

All right.

[Mosshorn]

I'll have to sit down on my bunk to get them on.

[Drift]

Then do it. Don't forget I'm holding a gun on you.

[Narrator]

Reaching for his boots with one hand, Mosshorn inched the other into the blankets behind him. His fingers closed on the butt of his old Colt. A moment later, there was a muffled report. Drift staggered back with a groan.

[Mosshorn]

He shot me.

[Lone Ranger]

Help.

[Narrator]

Before the old prospector could free his gun from the blankets and cock it again, both Silk and Foxy hurled themselves upon him, unwilling to kill him. Before they obtained his signature, they broke his grip on the weapon and dragged him from the bunk.

[Foxy]

I'll take care of him.

[Lone Ranger]

Silk, you'll look after Drift.

[Narrator]

As Silk reached for Drift, the wounded man collapsed against the table, overturning it in his fall. The lamp shattered on the floor, spilling kerosene on the tinder dry boards and igniting them.

The shack's on fire. Get Drift out. He's dead. Then let him go. Grab the paper. I've got it.

[Mosshorn]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Get going, you old fool.

[Flapjack]

This way to the horses.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tottle had made Camp remaining up in order to repair some trail worn gear, they noticed a red glow on the horizon. The Indian observed, fire must be in Starville.

[Lone Ranger]

It looks small, but you'd better investigate. I'll stay here and finish this work. Unless I see you. They're spreading.

[Tonto]

Ah, me go pronto. Easy, scout.

[Narrator]

Easy, fella. Get him up.

[Flapjack]

Sc.

[Narrator]

As Tonto headed for Starville, Sheriff Matt Brady and a group of citizens who also had seen the reflection of the fire, spurred their horses into the gully. One townsman was shouting, harry, that's Mosshorn's shanty.

We couldn't save it even if we had water. Mosshorn must have got out. Somebody standing outside. That's old Flapjack.

[Lone Ranger]

Ho, ho, ho, there. Ho, ho, ho.

[Narrator]

Flapjack. Where's Morse Horn?

[Flapjack]

He's in there, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

Then he's dead.

[Drift]

Still him.

[Narrator]

What are you doing here?

[Flapjack]

The fire woke me up. I tried to get him out.

[Narrator]

How comes he couldn't get out himself?

[Flapjack]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

I think you know plenty. An old desert rat like Vosshorn wouldn't burn himself up by accident.

[Lone Ranger]

Sheriff, I heard shooting from this direction just before I noticed the fire.

[Narrator]

Flapjack, I'm taking your gun. There. Now stand still.

[Flapjack]

What's the idea?

[Narrator]

This old shooting iron smells of fresh burnt powder.

[Flapjack]

Sure it does. I shot it to give an alarm.

[Narrator]

I had a report that there was some shooting in the gully this afternoon. Couldn't get away to see, but I figured then and I figure now that you and Mosshorn had another run in. What about it?

[Flapjack]

Well, we did burn a little pot on each other, but nobody got hurt. A masked man and an engine stopped us. Likely story. It's the truth. Moss, Horn and me buried the hatchet. After that, we aimed to be partners again.

[Narrator]

That don't wash down either. You fellas feuded too long ever to make up. You were always threatening to kill each other.

[Flapjack]

That was just talk. We didn't mean it.

[Narrator]

You had a lot of shooting scrapes.

[Flapjack]

Yes, but we aimed our gun so we'd miss.

[Narrator]

You must take me for a fool. Now hold out your paws.

[Flapjack]

What you gonna do?

[Narrator]

I'm gonna handcuff you. There. Now I'm taking you to jail.

[Flapjack]

If Mosshorn was alive.

[Narrator]

The rest of you stay here. Get the body out as soon as you can.

[Lone Ranger]

We service you.

[Narrator]

Mossorn and Flapjack were the only fellows in these parts who used old fashioned cap and ball guns. If there's a round bullet in the body, this old varmint will hang.

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. Sail to continue. It was early the next day when Tottle, who had gone to investigate the fire, returned to the Lone Ranger's camp and told of the circumstances under which Flapjack had been jailed. The Indian was saying, mosshorn shack burn.

[Tonto]

Before me get there. But me see fellows take body out.

[Lone Ranger]

Was there any evidence of murder?

[Tonto]

Doctors say Mosshorn was shot before fire. Him fine bullet like Flapjack used in body.

[Lone Ranger]

It's hard to believe that Flapjack killed Mosshorn in such a cowardly and deliberate fashion only a few hours after they become friends again.

[Tonto]

Only tell sheriff how old fellas make up.

[Lone Ranger]

Oh. What did he say?

[Tonto]

Him not believe me. Him order me to come back today. Make statement.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll have to go. But before you do, we'll take a look at the scene of the.

[Narrator]

Riding into the gully. A little later, the masked man and Indian found it deserted. Only a pile of ashes and charred boards marked the place where Mosshorn's cabinet stood. There they drew rein. Dismounting, they made a careful inspection of the debris. When it became certain that the ashes held nothing significant, Tato turned to the surrounding ground.

[Tonto]

Look there, Kimosabe. Two prints of bare feet. And then point away from place where cabin door was.

[Lone Ranger]

The man who made them must have left the cabin before or soon after the fire started. They disappear here where the sightseer stood.

[Tonto]

Maybe we find them again farther out.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes, there they are.

[Tonto]

Two sets of boot tracks go same way.

[Lone Ranger]

Wait. Wait a minute. There's a place where three horses stood. How do you read the sign?

[Tonto]

Three men in boots get off horses and go to shack. Two men in boots and barefoot feller come back. All mount go north. It looked like horse. Barefoot feller. Ryan was led.

[Lone Ranger]

That means he was injured or a prisoner. Here, Silver.

[Tonto]

And what we do?

[Lone Ranger]

You report back to the sheriff what we told you to do. Easy. Steady, Big Philip. Now follow these tracks. One Silver.

[Narrator]

In the meantime, Silk and Foxy had reached the Red Gap mine with Moshorn. For hours they had tried to force him to sign a transfer of title to the stock certificates. But still he balked.

[Silk]

Hey, what's behind that iron door there?

[Foxy]

A vault where the old company planned to store gold until it could be shipped. It'll come in handy when we reopen the mine.

[Silk]

Maybe it'll come in handy now. Can it be opened?

[Foxy]

Yeah, the key's still in the lock. I had it open when we were here the first time. There's nothing inside. Not even enough air to keep a man alive more than a few minutes.

[Lone Ranger]

Good.

[Foxy]

What's good about it?

[Silk]

We'll put the old desert right in there. That ought to bring him to time.

[Foxy]

It's worth trying.

[Narrator]

Come on.

[Foxy]

Morse.

[Lone Ranger]

Horn.

[Mosshorn]

Oh, let me be.

[Foxy]

Come on, I said.

[Narrator]

Open the door.

[Lone Ranger]

Silko.

[Narrator]

It.

[Silk]

Hey, it's open. What a hole. Looks like a shoveling.

[Lone Ranger]

In you go.

[Foxy]

When you're ready to sign, yell or knock.

[Mosshorn]

I'll never sign.

[Narrator]

At that moment, the sheriff's office in Starville was the scene of another ordeal with Flapjack as the victim. Surrounded by officials, he too had been pressed to put his name on a paper. A paper admitting the murder of Mosshorn. And he too was saying, I'll never sign.

[Foxy]

You're just making it hard for yourself, old timer.

[Narrator]

Listen to the District Attorney. Flapjack.

[Flapjack]

Sheriff, I've been listening to him and I'm wondering why he's so all fired anxious to get a signed confession.

[Narrator]

It'll save us a lot of trouble and expense.

[Flapjack]

But I'll get hung only quicker.

[Foxy]

For the evidence is all against you. You had the motive, the opportunity and the weapon. You can't hope to beat such a case.

[Flapjack]

Just the same, I didn't do it.

[Foxy]

Oh, you stubborn old fool.

[Tonto]

Me come back, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

Me.

Tonto, look.

[Flapjack]

It's the Injun who's with the masked man. He knows me and Moss Horn made up.

[Narrator]

So he told me. Come here, Injun. District Attorney wants to question you.

[Tonto]

Well, me ready. But you better hear something else first.

[Lone Ranger]

What?

[Tonto]

Me hear plenty lynch talk.

[Narrator]

I know folks are riled up about the way Morse Horn was killed. They won't do anything. Go ahead with your question then, District Attorney.

[Foxy]

No, not while he's armed, please.

[Narrator]

Injun. Yeah, I got his hardware now, Indian.

[Foxy]

What's that stuff and nonsense about a masked man? Did you and Flapjack invent him or is he a party to your conspiracy to defeat justice?

[Tonto]

Maybe you find out later.

[Lone Ranger]

Why you.

[Foxy]

Sheriff, prepare a cell for this fella. He's staying here till he tells the truth.

[Narrator]

It was noon when the Lone Ranger finally succeeded in trailing the three horses through brush covered hills to the Red Gap Mine. Though he was still uncertain whether the riders had any connection with the events at Mosshorn's cabin. He took the precautions of hiding silver behind a slag pile and scouting the abandoned buildings. Then he entered the tunnel. There, a flickering light told him he was close to his quarry. As the masked man advanced stealthily, Silk consulted his watch.

[Silk]

It's been quite a while since we locked that door.

[Lone Ranger]

Yeah, I'll see what's happened.

[Foxy]

Give me the key.

[Silk]

I left it in the lock.

[Foxy]

And cover me with your gun while I open.

[Tonto]

Sure.

[Lone Ranger]

Drop that gun. Look, a mask, man.

[Mosshorn]

Don't shoot.

[Narrator]

I'm dropping my gun.

[Lone Ranger]

What do you want? I'll take your gun, too. Then we'll have a talk.

[Narrator]

As the masked man disarmed Foxy and picked up the fallen revolver, Silk edged away and took to his heels.

[Lone Ranger]

Stop. Stop, you.

[Narrator]

Silk ignored the command and vanished in the dark recesses of the mine, while the Lone Ranger, doubtful about the character of the men, held his fire. Then he turned to the frightened Foxy.

[Lone Ranger]

What's going on here? We.

[Foxy]

We got a financial interest in this mine.

[Lone Ranger]

Give me that lamp. Here.

[Foxy]

What are you looking at?

[Lone Ranger]

That roll of paper beside your feet. It came from Mosshorn's cabin. You murdered him.

[Foxy]

No, we didn't.

[Lone Ranger]

His body was found in the ruins of his cabin.

[Foxy]

That was a fellow Mosshorn shot. The old man's locking that vault. We got to get him out before he suffocates. I don't want to hang.

[Lone Ranger]

Unlock the door.

[Mosshorn]

Let me out.

[Lone Ranger]

He's still alive.

[Narrator]

As the door swung open, the Lone Ranger stepped forward, covering Foxy with a gun and turning the miner's lamp into the vault. The light revealed the old prospector stretched on the floor.

[Lone Ranger]

Take it easy, old timer.

[Mosshorn]

Ah, that's good.

[Narrator]

In his concern for the aged prospector, the masked man dropped to one knee in the doorway and gave him a closer look, thus exposing his back to the dark tunnel. As he did so, Silk, who had stolen out of his hiding place, heaved a heavy chunk of ore at him. The missile struck him between the shoulder blades, knocking him into the vault. Painful as the injury was, he clung to lamp and gun and came up pivoting for a shot. But before he could fire, Foxy slammed the door on him and turned the key.

[Mosshorn]

We got them, masked man. I was praying you'd come, but now we're as good as dead.

[Lone Ranger]

There's a crack under the door. It will give us enough air for a little while. Just lie still.

[Mosshorn]

Got guns.

[Lone Ranger]

Maybe.

[Mosshorn]

Can shoot the lock off.

[Lone Ranger]

Bullets won't smash it. Lock's on the inside. It's in a box made of heavy steel. The box is fastened to the door with big bolts. The burrs are on this side. Where's that rock I was hit with? I'll try to break the lock with it.

[Mosshorn]

I got it right here. But isn't a rock. It's a piece of rotten quartz that would fall apart at the first lick and it's plumb full of gold. This mine is rich.

[Lone Ranger]

So that's why they took your wallpaper.

[Mosshorn]

They want me to sign it over and I'm ready to do it. Now listen, you crooks out there. I'll put my name down now.

[Lone Ranger]

You're too late.

[Narrator]

We can't let you out while that.

[Tonto]

Masked man's in there.

[Mosshorn]

Here goes our last chance, mister. The air's getting bad already.

[Lone Ranger]

Yes. Five minutes more will finish us.

[Mosshorn]

What are you looking at, mister?

[Lone Ranger]

The bolts that hold that lock. They're rusty. But the burrs could be turned off.

[Mosshorn]

We just had a wrench.

[Lone Ranger]

I've got one here. I should have thought of that before.

[Mosshorn]

Going out of your head. That there's a six gun.

[Lone Ranger]

It'll serve the same purpose once I get the butt plates off with my knife.

[Mosshorn]

I don't see how.

[Lone Ranger]

Every gun butt is hollow. The butt plates are fastened to a steel frame. Inside of that is a hammer spring.

[Mosshorn]

Sure.

[Lone Ranger]

Now look, I've got the plates off. There's just enough space inside the frame for it to fit over burrs that size.

[Mosshorn]

I'll be done. You can use the gun barrel as a wrench handle.

[Lone Ranger]

I can work in the dark. So put out the light.

[Mosshorn]

Yeah.

[Lone Ranger]

Every bit of oxygen that's left. Yes, I can feel the burrs.

[Narrator]

Bracing himself between the door jambs, the masked man felt for the first burr and fitted the frame of the gun butt over it. The frame held fast and he tugged on the barrel, squealing as its threads cut into rust. The burr began to turn.

[Lone Ranger]

I've got the first one started. There are only three more.

[Mosshorn]

Hurry.

[Narrator]

The first and second burrs came off easily, but he was sweating and gasping as he tackled the third. His lungs seemed ready to burst and his heart pounded hard.

[Lone Ranger]

The third one's off, but I'm burning up a lot of oxygen.

[Narrator]

By a mighty effort, he got the last nut started. Then his knees gave way. For a few seconds he lay on the floor, gulping in the slightly purer air. Then he staggered to his feet and resumed his task. The full turns which he had been making with the improvised wrench fell off to half turns and quarter turns. But at long last, the nut came off and the lock and bolt fell to the floor. The masked man lurched against the door, swinging it wide. Silk and Foxy, who had lit another lamp, fell back in dismay but stayed their flight when a gun thundered a warning shot.

[Lone Ranger]

Get your hands up.

[Mosshorn]

Sure, sure.

[Flapjack]

We don't want to die.

[Lone Ranger]

What are you going to do?

[Drift]

To us.

[Lone Ranger]

Take you to the sheriff. Free an inn.

[Narrator]

It was several hours later when the District attorney, weary of questioning Flapjack and Tottle, turned to the sheriff.

[Foxy]

Take em back to their cells. These fellows can't be telling the truth. It's against all the laws of evidence and nature.

[Lone Ranger]

They have convinced me that there's more.

[Foxy]

To the case than we realize.

[Narrator]

What do you want me to do?

[Foxy]

Lock em up. That's all you can do.

[Narrator]

Come on, fellas.

[Foxy]

Somebody's coming. In the back way, by the tunnel.

[Narrator]

That's Mosshorn. And we thought he was dead.

[Lone Ranger]

Why?

[Foxy]

And there's the masked man we thought never lived.

[Flapjack]

Morthorn, Is it really you?

[Mosshorn]

It sure is, pardner.

[Flapjack]

What's that under your arm?

[Mosshorn]

That's my wallpaper. That's worth a million dollars. And half of it's yours. That's what all this trouble was about, Sheriff.

[Lone Ranger]

You'll find two prisoners tied to horses in the alley. Come on, Totto.

[Narrator]

Hold on. You can't go yet. I got questions to ask.

[Lone Ranger]

Boss Horn will explain, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

But you're the one.

[Mosshorn]

He's all right, Sheriff.

[Narrator]

For all I know, both he and the Indian are crooks.

[Flapjack]

You can forget that angle, Sheriff. The Indian told me who the masked man is.

[Narrator]

Who is he? Speak out, Flapjack. If I am to bring him back.

[Flapjack]

I gotta get going. You don't have to bring him back, Sheriff. He's the Lone Ranger.

[Lone Ranger]

I'll do it.

[Narrator]

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

[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 the following ranch hand, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.